Background information about the job or company

Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO) is a non-profit organization based in Nairobi, Kenya and New York, NY that combats urban poverty and gender inequity in the slums of Nairobi. Kennedy Odede, who grew up in the Kibera slum, founded SHOFCO in 2004 with a focus on youth and gender empowerment. SHOFCO has four initiative areas: education, health, economic an...

Role Overview

The Early Years Childminder will support the daily safety, hygiene, and wellbeing of Sankoré’s youngest learners. Reporting to the Head of Early Years, the Childminder provides dedicated physical care, supports daily classroom rhythms, and helps every child feel secure and valued as they begin their educational journey.

This role embodies the “Siafu” spirit — industrious, humble, and deeply committed to the common good of the learning community. The Childminder maintains an organized, inviting, and safe classroom environment and contributes to the general upkeep of classroom equipment, ensuring a high standard of health and safety throughout the Early Years program.

Qualifications and Experience

Required

High school diploma.

Proven experience working with young children in an educational or childcare setting.

Strong knowledge of early years childcare practices, including hygiene standards, toilet training procedures, and health and safety protocols, combined with a nurturing and patient approach to student care.

Excellent interpersonal skills for collaborating with teachers, specialists, and families.

A commitment to fostering student independence and emotional wellbeing.

Preferred

Certificate or diploma in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.

Core Competencies

Patience and nurturing care: supports young children through hygiene routines and daily transitions with warmth and consistency.

Health and safety vigilance: maintains constant awareness of student safety during indoor and outdoor activities.

Hygiene and routine management: applies strong knowledge of toilet training, changing, and personal-care protocols.

Collaboration and communication: works closely with Lead Learning Guides, specialists, and families to support each child’s progress.

Professionalism and discretion: handles sensitive information about children and families with confidentiality and care.

Adaptability: adjusts smoothly to the rhythms and needs of an Early Years classroom.

Commitment to mission: embodies the Siafu spirit — industrious, humble, and dedicated to the common good of the learning community.

Success in This Role Looks Like

Students feel safe, secure, and valued throughout their day in the Early Years program.

Hygiene, toilet training, and personal care routines are handled with consistency, patience, and dignity.

Classroom rhythms and transitions run smoothly, supporting a calm and predictable culture.

Learning materials and classroom equipment are well organized, well maintained, and ready for daily use.

Families experience strong, collaborative communication about their child’s progress.

The Early Years classroom meets a high standard of health and safety at all times.

• Lead and support toilet training processes with patience and care, helping students develop confidence and independence.
• Manage regular changing and personal hygiene routines, maintaining a clean and dignified environment for all children.
• Ensure the constant safety and supervision of students during all indoor and outdoor activities.
• Monitor student wellbeing throughout the day, responding to physical needs with warmth and professionalism.
• Support the “Strong Start and Close” routines, including morning greetings, circles, and end-of-day reflections.
• Facilitate smooth transitions between learning activities, helping students move through the day with ease.
• Supervise snack and meal times, promoting healthy habits and positive social interactions among students.
• Assist with outdoor play and structured recess, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for play-based learning.
• Prepare and organize learning materials and resources as directed by the Lead Learning Guide.
• Contribute to the general upkeep of classroom equipment, helping maintain a high standard of health and safety.
• Active team membership: participate fully in school-wide professional development, staff meetings, and planning sessions related to the assigned grade level.
• Family partnership: support the school’s commitment to strong collaboration with families by participating in progress review meetings as required.
• Professionalism: model positive social interactions, contribute to a safe and nurturing environment, and maintain confidentiality and sound judgment when handling sensitive information about children and families.

• Patience and nurturing care
• Health and safety vigilance
• Hygiene and routine management
• Collaboration and communication
• Professionalism and discretion
• Adaptability
• Commitment to mission

• High school diploma.
• Proven experience working with young children in an educational or childcare setting.
• Strong knowledge of early years childcare practices, including hygiene standards, toilet training procedures, and health and safety protocols, combined with a nurturing and patient approach to student care.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for collaborating with teachers, specialists, and families.
• A commitment to fostering student independence and emotional wellbeing.
• Certificate or diploma in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.