Position Description Position Title: Classification: Position No: Incumbent: Early Childhood Educator- Diploma Band 4 9853 704 Vacant Directorate: Department: Section: Community Programs Early Childhood Services Youth and Family Services Date: Prepared by: September 2014 ECS Operations Coordinator Banyule City Council Banyule City Council is an award winning organisation that prides itself on a customer-focused culture of innovation, best practice and continuous improvement. We uphold an enviable reputation for customer service and work diligently to maintain high quality services to provide the best possible opportunities and outcomes for the community we represent. Departmental Overview: Banyule Early Childhood Services are committed to professionalism and are advocates for children and families. Our services are inclusive, recognising diversity within an environment where children, families and staff experience a sense of belonging. We believe that all children learn through play and our services will demonstrate a commitment to the sustainability of the environment. Position Objectives: Our Values: To ensure the provision of a high quality innovative educational program that meets the individual needs of the children aged from birth to 6 years. To ensure the care and education program aligns with the Early Childhood Services Philosophy. All Banyule staff are to adopt the key values of Working Together Working Better and strive to meet these behaviours in carrying out their duties. Our core values are: RESPECT is characterised by supporting each individual’s dignity and worth. INTEGRITY is the quality of staying true to our moral, ethical, and spiritual principles. RESPONSIBILITY is acknowledging and accepting the choices we make, the actions we take, and the results they lead to. INITIATIVE is characterised by having a proactive, resourceful and persistent approach to work. INCLUSION is characterised by embracing and valuing the perspectives Human Resources 533550058 AUSInfo Ref: Last 07/01/2013 Amended: Page: 1 of 8 and contributions of all. Key Responsibility Areas: Under the direction of the Service Coordinator and in accordance with Banyule Early Childhood Services Policies and Procedures provide safe, quality care and education that meets the requirements of National Regulations & Law Act and the National Quality Framework and Standards. Interaction and Supervision Ensure that all interactions with the children are positive, respectful and friendly. Create opportunities and actively support children to contribute to decision making at the service. Ensure that all children are treated equally and with respect to foster their self-esteem and independence. Ensure that the children’s educational, physical, emotional and safety needs are met at all times. Maintain a safe environment for children including responsibility for checking equipment and other aspects of physical environment. Planning and Reporting Develop, plan and implement an educational program which caters for the social emotional, intellectual, cultural and physical development of each child in accordance with the National Quality Framework & Standards and the Victorian Early Learning and Development Framework. Undertake objective observations of individual children, and contribute to the ongoing maintenance of individual developmental records and learning journals. Critically reflect on and evaluate practices and programs on a regular basis. Consider the effectiveness of the program in meeting stated objectives and modify as required. Draw on learning’s from the process to improve your practice and approach to programming. Encourage children to contribute to and drive program planning in a coordinated and collaborative manner. Actively participate in the National Quality Framework & Standards; service specific risk analysis; and the Best Value Plus accreditation process. Facilitate clear communication and information exchange via bimonthly newsletters and noticeboards and provide regular opportunities for parents to discuss progress, concerns or other issues related to their child and his/her care. Ensure adequate supplies of consumables and equipment are available at all times. Liaison with Families, Staff and Coordinator Parents Be available to liaise with parents on their child/ren’s day at the centre and discuss aspects of child development. Acknowledge and be sensitive to varying parenting practices and Human Resources 533550058 AUSInfo Ref: Last Amended: 7/01/2013 Page: 2 of 8 cultural differences. Inform the Service Coordinator of any concerns regarding the development, behaviour or well-being of the children in the centre and make referrals as appropriate in consultation with the Coordinator and families. Actively encourage parents / family members to participate in a range of activities at the service, using a range of tools to engage parents from diverse backgrounds. Proactively support parents to provide feedback about the program; their child’s interests at home and about the centre eg. conversations; support to complete the annual satisfaction survey; ask questions; provide opportunities for written feedback where possible. Staff Support Early Childhood Educators in using initiative to enhance the day to day functioning in the centre. Supervise and assess students as may be required from time to time; Work collaboratively and actively contribute within the team environment. Coordinator Report to the Coordinator any issues pertinent to the day to day operation of the centre including staff, parents and children. Actively participate in and support the development and implementation of centre policies and procedures; including the regular review and evaluation of their effectiveness. Administration Maintain records of children’s programs, accident/illness, attendance, medication and concerns in relation to a child’s well-being in accordance with legislative requirements and council policy and procedures. Maintain records of group and individual programs/Learning Journals. Demonstrate innovation in documenting children’s learnings eg digital displays; project work etc. Ensure all requirements for the National Quality Framework; and the Victorian Early Learning and Development Framework are maintained. Flexibility Human Resources 533550058 Our Enterprise Agreement encourages workforce flexibility and acknowledges: That change in the workplace is ongoing and a degree of flexibility needs to be inherent in order to operate efficiently and respond to customer needs. Commitment to improving the skills and competencies of staff by offering opportunities wherever practicable to transfer or rotate throughout Council and providing training as necessary to fulfil the position. AUSInfo Ref: Last Amended: 7/01/2013 Page: 3 of 8 Organisational Relationships: Reports to: Service Coordinator Supervises: Early Childhood Educators- Certificate 3, Secondary and Tertiary Students Internal Liaisons: Early Childhood Services Coordinator Early Childhood Service Educators, Relevant staff from other Council Departments. Banyule Youth & Family Services Team. External Liaisons: Residents, parents and community groups. Organisations which provide Early Childhood Services, Universities, Colleges and other training facilities. Accountability and Extent of Authority: The Early Childhood Educator- Diploma: Judgment and Decision Making: Specialist Knowledge and Skill Human Resources 533550058 is accountable to the Centre Coordinator. is directly accountable for ensuring the program activities and objectives meet the requirements of the Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011 & Law Act 2010, National Quality Standards, and National and Victorian Early Learning and Development Framework. is responsible for directing and supporting Early Childhood EducatorsCertificate 3 under their supervision. will embrace the BCC Workplace Values, lead by example and role model values in all areas of work. will actively support and implement the citizenship framework to empower children to contribute to decisions at the service. will actively explore how the Children as Citizens framework can be progressed in a range areas. Make decisions in relation to all key responsibility areas. To assist in the daily operation of the Centre and to advise the Coordinator of any pertinent issues within a reasonable timeframe, regarding the care of children within the Centre. To participate in the planning and development of the Early Childhood Services Policies and Procedures and Staff Handbook. To ensure that appropriate decisions are made and action taken in an emergency or potentially dangerous situation. Decision making within the context of the Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011 and Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010, using professional knowledge and experience to provide appropriate advice and guidance to families and children. Proven ability to develop, plan and implement innovative quality program plans relevant to the needs of children attending the centre. Knowledge of child development theories and an ability to demonstrate within the program. Knowledge of other relevant community and Early Childhood Services available for support and care of children and their families. Knowledge and understanding of the Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010 and Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011. Knowledge of the National Quality Framework & Standards. AUSInfo Ref: Last Amended: 7/01/2013 Page: 4 of 8 Awareness of cultural needs of families. Ability to maintain written records and write reports relating to program goals and child development. Management Skills Manage own time, organise tasks and supervise child care assistants, volunteers and students. Interpersonal skills: Effective written and verbal communication skills for dealing with parents, staff and management. Non-judgemental attitude when dealing with parents, children and staff. Mature outlook, confidentiality, flexibility and willingness to learn. Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment and a positive approach to shared decision making. Demonstrated ability to work adhering to Banyule Values. Demonstrated ability to work productively as part of a team. Demonstrated ability to work adhering to Early Childhood Services policies and procedures and Early Childhood Services staff handbook. Qualifications and experience: Early Childhood Qualification as recognised under Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011 – Diploma. Current recognised Level 2 First Aid & Anaphylaxis management Certificates. Experience in a child care service (preferred). Understanding of the Education & Care Services National Law Act 2010, Education & Care Services National Regulations 2011and the National Quality Framework & Standards. Key Selection Criteria (Candidates please address this section in your covering letter) Early Childhood Qualification as recognised under Education & Care Services National Regulations 2011- Diploma. Current, recognised Level 2 first aid and anaphylaxis management certificates. Previous experience in a child care service is preferred. Understanding of the Education & Care Services National Law Act 2010, Education & Care Services National Regulations 2011and the National Quality Framework and Standards. Knowledge of child development theories and an ability to demonstrate within the program Awareness of cultural needs of families. Ability to maintain written records and write reports relating to program goals and child development. Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment and a positive approach to shared decision making. Demonstrated ability to work adhering to Banyule City Council’s Values. Human Resources 533550058 AUSInfo Ref: Last Amended: 7/01/2013 Page: 5 of 8 Environmental and Sustainability Requirements: Adhere to Council’s Environment Policy and Environment Strategy. Adhere to Council’s Sustainability Code of Practice and Environmental Purchasing Guidelines. OH&S and Other Risk Requirements: Ensure a safe and healthy environment by fulfilling the responsibilities and requirements of Council’s health and safety system and health and wellbeing program. Exercise reasonable care to prevent injury to him/herself and others whom may be affected by his/her duties and actions. Exercise due care for Council property for which this position is responsible or issued. Banyule Management System: Conduct all work according to the requirements of the Banyule Management System, incorporating the Banyule Management Manual and Service Unit specific Quality and Cost Standards and procedures. The Banyule Management System incorporates Council’s Quality, Environmental and OH&S Management Systems. Council promotes diversity and equal opportunity in employment. If you have a disability or require assistance or adjustment to participate fully in the recruitment process, please contact a member of the Human Resources team on 9490 4249. SIGNED:___________________________________________________ DATE:_____________________________________________________ Human Resources 533550058 AUSInfo Ref: Last Amended: 7/01/2013 Page: 6 of 8 RELEVANT PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Posture Upper Limb / Body Trunk Frequent sitting on the floor and on seats at children’s’ tables. Constant standing to supervise child. Constant walking around room and outdoors. Occasional kneeling if preferred. Frequent squatting to work at children’s table if preferred. Sustained back and neck flexion and rotation when sitting at children’s table and assisting them or picking items off floor. Also while cleaning toilet (every second day). Bending to clean tops of table. Frequent reaching at shoulder height across tables. Intermittent repetitive movement of forearm to cut up vegetables and fruit. Sweeping of indoor and outdoor floors twice per day. Intermittent bending to clean children’s tables and equipment, cut up fruit and to assist children to wash and dry hands after toileting. Occasionally bend and restrain children from running off. Intermittent turning of skipping rope for children. Intermittently reaching over to pull off sand pit cover. Intermittent raking of sand pit and of paths. Shoulder reaching not above shoulder height to handle items over table. Repetitive shoulder, elbow and wrist flexion and extension (sweeping and raking) Gripping (broom and rake handles). Repetitive motions with forearm and wrist to cut fruit/food. Occasional bending to pick up items off the floor. Frequent twisting of upper torso to access items off floor when staff members are sitting at children’s tables. Very rarely picking up children up to 20kg in weight. Lower Limbs Standing and walking. Squatting and kneeling (at children’s table). Sitting on floor. Neck & Back Psycho/Social Demands: Human Resources 533550058 Repetitive neck and back flexion, rotation and side flexion. Lifting of tables, chairs, tub of toys and outdoor play equipment and sports equipment. Repetitive neck and back flexion, rotation and side flexion to clean toilets every second day. Responsibility for cleaning and maintaining area to set standard. Responsibility for supervising children in school. AUSInfo Ref: Last Amended: 7/01/2013 Page: 7 of 8 Other Occasional cleaning of toilets, every second day. Frequent moving of indoor furniture; table, chairs and tubs of toys, outdoor play equipment, i.e., miniature trampolines up to 30kg with assistance. Constant walking around to supervise children. Work Environment Indoor children’s activity room Outdoor play area under cover and exposed Constant company of children Work Station At children’s table, sitting on low level chairs. At floor level. Walking around indoors and outdoors. Layout of the activities room(s) and playground, extent and type of activities and furniture and equipment, will influence physical demands. Weights Rarely lifting of children up to 20 kg in weight. Frequent moving of indoor furniture and tubs of toys and outdoor play and sports equipment, ie miniature trampoline, of up to 30 kg with assistance from other personnel. Rate Rate is dependent on number of children and activities planned for children Materials Handled Human Resources 533550058 Children (rarely) weighing up to 20 kg. Furniture, sports and playground equipment (frequently) which may weigh up to 30 kg, which is lifted with assistance from other personnel. AUSInfo Ref: Last Amended: 7/01/2013 Page: 8 of 8