Childcare Officer– Machakos at Jitegemee

SCOPE OF WORK

Direct Child Care and Development.

• Provide safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate care for infants and toddlers.
• Supervise children at all times to ensure their safety and well-being.
• Plan and implement age-appropriate activities that promote physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development, following the provided curriculum.
• Assist children with daily routines such as feeding, diapering, toileting, and napping.
• Monitor and record developmental milestones and behaviors, reporting concerns to supervisors and parents.
• Support children in developing social skills, independence, and positive behavior.

Health, Safety & Hygiene

• Maintain a clean and safe environment, adhering to health and safety regulations.
• Administer first aid and respond promptly to emergencies.
• Ensure proper sanitation of toys, equipment, and learning materials.
• Enforce health and safety standards, as well as center policies and guidelines.

Communication & Collaboration

• Maintain open and regular communication with parents/guardians regarding their child’s progress and concerns.
• Collaborate with colleagues to foster a positive and cooperative team environment.
• Attend staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development activities.

Record Keeping & Administrative Duties

• Maintain accurate records of children’s attendance, health information, and developmental progress.
• Assist in preparing reports, lesson plans, and activity documentation.
• Manage daily schedules and activities, ensuring consistency and routine

Managerial & Leadership Responsibilities​​​​​​​

• Assist in overseeing daily center operations.
• Ensure timely provision of feeding supplies.
• Ensure the center’s menu is followed.
• Supervise cleaning staff to ensure the premises are clean and maintained.
• Ensure there is an adequate and clean water supply to the center.
• Prepare and share monthly reports for the childcare center by the 5th of each month.
• Prepare daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, ensuring the till balances with the records.
• Ensure the center is child-friendly, free of grass and other hazards.
• Keep inventories well-maintained and updated daily.
• Support onboarding and mentoring of new caregivers.
• Coordinate with management on resource needs, inventory, and safety protocols.

Additional Responsibilities​​​​​​​

• Promote a positive, inclusive, and respectful environment for children and staff.
• Address and resolve minor behavioral issues according to center policies.
• Participate in community engagement and outreach activities as required.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION​​​​​​​

• Bachelor’s Degree/Diploma in ECDE or Child Care Giving.
• Clear criminal background check and child abuse clearances as required by local regulations (Certificate of Good Conduct).
• Valid certification in pediatric first aid and CPR is an added advantage.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• The successful candidate will possess the following key competencies:
• Minimum of three years’ experience working with infants and toddlers preferred.
• Understanding of developmental milestones and age-appropriate activities for children 0-4 years.
• Ability to communicate effectively with children, parents, and team members, both verbally and in writing.
• Patience, empathy, and a nurturing attitude towards young children.
• Ability to monitor children’s health, safety, and developmental progress.
• High integrity with a good understanding of child safeguarding practices.
• Strong mobilization skills and knowledge of the local context.
• Good report writing and analytical skills.
• Ability to develop engaging activities and adapt to changing needs.
• Ability to work well with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrates patience and dedication when working with ECDE children.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.