Job Description

Childcare/Preschool Lead Provider

Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington-Normal

Reports to:   Minister

Supervised by:   Director of Religious Exploration (DRE)

Effective:  May 2024

Status:   Part time, hourly, 12 months/year, 3.5 hours/week plus some additional hours by arrangement

FLSA: Non-exempt

Compensation:   $18/hour

Job Summary:

Our church is seeking an individual interested in being a part of the Religious Exploration Childcare Team.  The person in this position coordinates with our DRE to provide safe, welcoming, developmentally appropriate care and learning for infants and children up to age 5 during Sunday morning services, Christmas Eve service, and two congregational meetings per year.  

Hours:

Sunday hours are from 9:30 – 11:30 am when the adult choir is not in session, and the hours are 8:45 – 11:30 on those Sundays when the adult choir is scheduled to rehearse. (The choir calendar will be provided by the Music Director at the start of the church year). If there are no children in need of childcare, the Lead Childcare Provider is responsible for keeping the childcare/preschool room open until at least 10:30 am.

The Lead Childcare Provider may be asked to provide care for children up to age 12 at other church meetings and events. These additional times will be negotiated in advance and are not mandatory. 

Essential Functions:

• Lead age-appropriate activities (participatory whenever possible) during Sunday services using provided Unitarian Universalist curricula.
• Provide care for infants and children up to age 5 in the church childcare room during Sunday morning services.
  • Arrive 30 minutes prior to worship service (or choir rehearsal) start time (see hours, above) and prepare the childcare space.
  • Greet children and families at the door and ensure that parents/caregivers sign children in and out of childcare/preschool.
  • Be sure to get cell phone numbers to text if needed. Remind parents/caregivers to keep their phone on silent/buzz.
  • Consult with parents/caregivers regarding the child’s health history, allergies, and any other concerns regarding the child’s well-being while in the care of the church.
  • Lovingly engage with the children and babies in whatever ways they need at the time.  Soothe them when needed.
  • Create a physically and emotionally safe and welcoming environment: use positive language to direct or redirect children, do not use physical discipline or punishment.
  • Ensure that children in diapers or potty-training remain clean and dry through the use of frequent diaper checks and potty breaks.
  • Communicate any concerns and positives to parents/caregivers upon pick-up.
  • Report concerns, problems, accidents or suggestions to the Director of Religious Exploration (DRE) immediately.
  • Pick up toys and clean childcare space prior to departing.
  • Conduct inventory checks and inform DRE when supplies are needed or anything needs to be repaired or replaced.
  • Reply to emails and texts from staff members and others coordinating childcare in a timely manner.
• Ensure children have appropriate and safe toys.
• Recommend (or provide, with approval of DRE) room decorations to reinforce and support learning activities and an overall positive and happy environment. 
• Facilitate and participate in age-appropriate activities with the children, such as games, role play, reading and storytelling, songs, or simple crafts.
• Assist children in attaining age-appropriate skills, such as self-care, care of belongings, manners, cooperation, and engaging in community.
• Other duties as assigned and agreed upon.

Other Requirements:

This position requires notification to the DRE and office manager as soon as possible if unable to work.

The Lead Childcare Provider is responsible for knowing and following all safety regulations set by UUBN and for making sure all volunteers are also following regulations.

Desired Qualifications:

• Consistent availability on Sunday mornings
• 18 years old or older
• High School diploma or equivalent
• Experience caring for and leading activities with infants, toddlers, and young children
• Red Cross CPR/AED/First Aid certification (at church’s expense)
• Clear background check (at church’s expense)
• Awareness and acceptance of Unitarian Universalist principles (https://uubn.org/wp/what-we-believe/) and the congregation’s behavioral covenant (https://uubn.org/wp/mision-statement/)

Physical Requirements:

• Coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously
• Utilize hand and finger dexterity
• Regularly required to talk, listen, walk, sit, use hands, stand, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl
• Able to see children nearby and across the room
• Able to lift a minimum of 25 pounds independently
• Able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds with assistance
• Up to date on vaccinations for COVID 19 and all recommended vaccinations for pre-school childcare providers (such as RSV and influenza)
• Able to wear a mask if needed

Core Competencies:

• Hospitality and Kindness
• Humor and Patience
• Problem-solving
• Creativity
• Integrity and Trust
• Interpersonal Skills
• Understanding of child development, age-appropriate activities, and child safety
• Organization
• Reliability

Applications:

Please send cover letter, resume and contact information for 2 – 3 references, and any other supporting documents to [email protected]. 

Our congregation is committed to developing a diverse and talented staff team.  If you are excited about this role but are unsure whether you meet 100% of the requirements, we encourage you to inquire and/or apply.  

Unitarian Universalism is unambiguously, unapologetically, progressive. This church affirms the inherent worth and dignity of all people through antiracism, anti-oppression, supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, working for reproductive justice, voting rights and other issues as needed. We seek to build Beloved Community not only here but in our surrounding area.