Clarification from the agency

Open to the public

 Job Summary

The Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) provides operations support services and business solutions to the community of 10,000 House Members, Officers and staff. The CAO organization comprises more than 650 technical and administrative staff working in a variety of areas, including information technology, finance, budget management, human resources, payroll, child care, food and vending, procurement, logistics and administrative counsel.

The House of Representatives Child Care Center (HRCCC), has been providing full-day, year-round, quality childcare for children of the Members of Congress, staff, and House support personnel since 1987. Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the HRCCC is a play-based childcare program where staff work as partners with parents in the development of the whole child, including their physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development. Our mission is to provide exceptional quality care and developmentally appropriate learning experiences in a safe, nurturing, and diverse environment to support the children and families of the House Community.

The incumbent serves as a Teacher Assistant and is responsible for assisting in the day-to-day delivery of exemplary childcare services to the House Community. The duties and responsibilities will be carried out under the direction of the Lead Teacher and an Age Group specific Assistant Director.  Incumbents will be assigned to an Infant classroom, although may be assigned to another age group short- or long-term to ensure appropriate ratio coverage across the Center.  The position does not have supervisory/managerial responsibilities unless otherwise directed.

Primary Duties/Responsibilities:

• Support and assist with the oversight of the day-to-day delivery of childcare services in assigned classroom(s). Provide care for children including changing diapers/toileting, feeding, and comforting. Ensure all children’s physical, cognitive, and emotional needs are met.
• Provide leadership support. Model high quality work and assist with leading and coaching team. Support Lead Teacher with all aspects of classroom operations. Provide classroom-level management in the absence of the Lead Teacher. (Teacher Assistant only)
• Prioritize health and safety; includes but is not limited to conduct daily child health and safety checks, maintain child to staff ratios, provide active supervision of children, be aware of all special health and dietary needs, monitor and respond appropriately to illness & injury and emergency situations, follow cleaning & sanitation guidelines, and utilize universal precautions. Immediately raise/bring to Lead Teacher and Directors’ attention any relevant information or issues concerning or related to staff, children, and/or families.
• Support and assist with the oversight of developmentally appropriate, child-centered curriculum and assessment planning, implementation, and documentation. Support children and families through transitions including enrollment and withdrawal, between classrooms, to and from home each day, and between activities throughout the day.
• Contribute to the classroom, Child Care Center, and CAO team. Show initiative towards the improvement of services provided by sharing ideas and participating in meetings. Participate in special limited-term and long-term projects and initiatives. Participate in after action reviews and provide feedback as appropriate.
• Maintain accurate records and logs in a timely and organized fashion. Performs other official duties and special projects assigned.

Conditions of employment

• USAJobs Conditions of Employment

Qualifications

Qualifications

Experience and/or Education Requirements

• Possesses and maintains a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential. Associates in early childhood education or similar field preferred.
• Experience working with young children and their families in an early childhood setting. 2 years of experience in an early childhood classroom preferred. 

Knowledge, Skill, and Ability (KSA) and Competency Requirements: 

• Knowledge of basic child development; ability to understand the developmental progress and identify the needs of all applicable children.
• Knowledge of applicable early childhood education standards.
• Knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations related to childcare.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply principles and best practices related to behavior management, behavioral observation, teaching practices, and instructional methodologies.
• Skill in contributing to and adhering to lesson plans.
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with children and their families.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with tact, as well as the ability to exercise judgement and discretion.
• Ability to maintain composure at all times.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated using a structured interview process.