The Nurse provides comprehensive health services to support the safety, wellness, and development of young children within an early childhood education setting. This role ensures that children’s health needs are met through ongoing monitoring, assessment, and coordination of care, while promoting a safe and healthy learning environment. The nurse demonstrates strong knowledge of pediatric health, common childhood conditions, and preventative care practices. Responsibilities include managing health records, administering medications, supporting children with chronic health conditions, and responding to illnesses and emergencies. The nurse ensures compliance with all applicable health regulations and maintains accurate, confidential documentation.
This position works collaboratively with families, educators, and healthcare providers to support each child’s individual health needs and promote overall well-being. The nurse also provides guidance and training to staff on health and safety practices. Strong communication, organization, and the ability to respond effectively in dynamic situations are essential to success in this role.
Required Skills
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN preferred)
- Current, valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of employment
- Must have access to reliable, insured transportation.
- Strong computer and communication skills.
- Obtain and keep current First Aid, CPR, and AED certification.
- Obtain and keep current instructor authorization to teach First Aid, CPR & AED.
- Obtain a physical exam (Statement of Good Health) at the time of hire and updated every three years.
- Minimum 2–3 years of nursing experience, preferably in pediatrics, school health, or community health settings.
- Experience working with young children or in early childhood or educational settings preferred
Required Experience
- Coordinate health screenings with all staff.
- Develop a monitoring system to ensure that screenings, follow-up and health education are taking place for all program options.
- Visit each program option in order to evaluate program procedures, and monitoring system. Monitor digital and paper records of children’s physicals, immunization records, and individual care plans for children with special health concerns ensuring they are kept up-to-date.
- Responsible for developing, revising, and implementing the health content area plan and health narrative; health and safety policies, procedures, and forms; screening and immunization policies and procedures; and health record keeping systems.
- Order equipment and supervise delivery of first aid kit supplies and tooth brushing supplies for Child Development program.
- Attend content meetings when necessary to address concerns of staff and provide direction. Initiate, develop and maintain contacts with community health care providers.
- Negotiate for services with health care providers and to help develop contracts, when appropriate.
- Assist in identifying the need for additional community health services and to act as an advocate in developing and improving services.
- Ensure that all staff submits a completed Statement of Good Health, as required.
- Plan Professional Development Week training for program staff on the integration of health education into the curriculum.
- Serve as a resource for health education to all program staff.
- Organize and provide First Aid, CPR and AED training for staff.
- Keep documentation of First Aid, CPR and AED training for staff.
- Train teachers to talk with children about health and safety topics.
- Act as a resource person for community health services.
- Attend Parent Meetings, upon request.
- Assist and encourage parents in taking responsibility for their children’s overall health care.
- Assist TVCCA staff in providing appropriate follow-up and referral service (attending case review, when appropriate).
- Participate in the community and state-wide councils and to act as an advocate on behalf of children and families.
- Obtain a physical exam upon hire and update physical exam every three years.
- Develop and implement yearly Health Training Calendar.
- Perform several functions concurrently, to meet program needs.
- Participate in workshops, formal courses and trainings, as assigned.
- Adhere to TVCCA policies and Procedures.
- Guarantee and maintain confidentiality.
- Willingness to take on additional tasks, as required to maintain program and agency operations.
- Exhibit understanding of and compassion for the needs of low income children and families.
- Demonstrate leadership, positive attitude and develop positive working relationships staff, children and families, with the ability to work as a positive team member.
- Read, write and perform basic math skills and utilize computer-based programs for tracking and assessment.
- Communicate effectively; verbal and written communication with staff, parents and children, necessary to ensure health and safety of children.
- Strong knowledge of pediatric health, child development, and common childhood illnesses
- Ability to administer medications and perform basic health procedures safely and accurately
- Knowledge of health and safety regulations in early childhood or school settings
- Ability to respond effectively to medical emergencies and make sound clinical decisions
- Understanding of confidentiality requirements and professional nursing standards
- Strong organizational skills for maintaining accurate health records and documentation
- Moving and reacting quickly when necessary to ensure safety of children.
- Stand, sit, bend, climb in/out of vehicle and climb stairs at various locations.
