Child Care Lead Teacher na Nooksack Indian Tribe

Job Title:         Child Care Lead Teacher        

Department:    Early Childhood Education    

Reports To:      Child Development Center Program Manager           

Job Status:      Hourly Non-Exempt               

Type:               Full Time                     

Grade:             E                      

JOB SUMMARY: 

Under the direction of the Early Childhood Education Director, and direct supervision of the Child Development Center Program Manager, Lead Teacher assists in overseeing and directing the planning, organizing, and implementation of education services for children, in addition to classroom duties which include: developing and implementing individual educational plans for children, provide for the physical, emotional, social and intellectual development of Infants, Toddlers and Preschool in a safe environment.  Be familiar with and implement the approved early childhood curriculum when planning and organizing the classroom environment. Conduct developmental screenings and assessments for all children in accordance with program guidelines and required timelines.  Interact with families on a daily basis.  Solicit volunteers for participation in the program.  Track individual child goals and develop individualized lesson plans and activities to support child development.  

MAJOR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Participate in grantee and delegate component pre-service training. 
2. Implement curriculum in the classroom; develop comprehensive weekly lesson plans. 
3. Perform the functions of this position with a strong understanding of Early Childhood Development and the component plans; and thorough knowledge and application of Developmentally Appropriate Practices.
4. Supervise classroom staff, including Teacher Assistant, and volunteers.
5. Guide and facilitate activities of the children, including daily activities, field trips, selecting and arranging equipment and materials in the classroom. 
6. Lead other staff and classroom groups to maintain the smooth functioning of the classroom, which at times may require changes to meet the needs of the children. 
7. Maintain a comprehensive and ongoing portfolio assessment for each child, including weekly observations in each area, examples of the child's work, and a developmental assessment.
8. Use parent conferences to discuss the child's individual development and progress, assist the parents in developing observational skills.
9. Eat with and assist children in development of social and self-help skills, and sound nutritional practices.
10. Maintain an orderly, engaging and positive learning environment.
11. Meet bi-weekly with Program Manager to exchange information pertinent to the identification and services of children with disabilities.
12. Meet with the Mental Health department monthly to discuss mental health needs of children.
13. Guide children's acquisition of physical and social/emotional skills.
14. Attend staff training and meetings, and parent meetings as requested.
15. Work with other Lead Teachers, Teacher Assistant and volunteers to use and develop their skills and abilities in planning and carrying out classroom activities.
16. Maintain a safe and healthy classroom environment. Assure that classroom equipment, furniture, materials, and supplies are properly maintained and stored.
17. Use the playground as an extension of the classroom; assures that the playground is safe.
18. Supervise completion of the daily health and environment checklist.
19. Assist in implementing children's I.E.P. (Individual Education Plan) or I.F.S.P. (Individual Family Service Plan) seeking clarification for any aspects that are not well understood.
20. Assist in recruiting and orienting volunteers, providing them with guidance as needed.
21. Complete and submit required forms and records in a timely and accurate fashion, e.g., lesson plans, time sheets, meal reports etc.
22. Coordinate the transition of children to Head Start and/or child care programs. 
23. Complete and work with Program Manager to attain goals outlined in Professional Development Plan.
24. Assure that files are complete, accurate, and confidentially maintained.

CAREGIVER ROLE:

1. Responsible on a daily bases for the infants/toddler’s routine: feeding, diaper changing, toilet training, rocking, holding, safety and playing.
2. Model appropriate best practices in infant, toddler and preschool care.
3. If placed in the Infant room:  Maintain accurate records on each infant in their care: attendance, screening, assessment, development, immunization, and general health including illness and injuries.
4. Provide children with experiences and opportunities that allow them to develop curiosity, initiative, problem-solving skills, and creativity, as well as a sense of self and a feeling of belonging.
5. Directly supervise infants, toddler or preschoolers by sight or hearing at all times, even when children are in sleeping areas.
6. Responsible for the physical safety of the infants, toddler or preschoolers in the classroom and outdoors.
7. Responsible for following all health and safety standards such a cleaning & disinfecting bottles, teething rings, cribs, changing tables, high chairs, toys, table, counter tops, play surfaces and do laundry as needed.
8. Willing to attend training, and/or classes for the purpose of professional development.
9. Follow all of the child development center practices, federal and Washington State regulations licensing requirements.
10. Work as a flexible and cooperative team member.

OTHER DUTIES:

Because of the Tribe's commitment to community service and the well-being of its members, each employee may be expected to perform a wide range of office and field duties from time to time. Such duties may or may not be related to their regular responsibilities.

PREFERENCE:

• Indian Preference Policy applies to this and all positions with the Nooksack Indian Tribe.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The following qualifications are required for the incumbent to have, in order to be considered for the position.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING FOR POSITION: 

• Must be 18 years or older
• High School Diploma/GED
• Two (2) or more years’ experience working with children (Birth to Five) and families in childcare setting.
• Associate’s Degree in Child Development or Early Childhood Education from an accredited college or university (required).
• Bachelor’s degree in Child Development or Early Childhood Education from an accredited college or university (preferred).

 REQUIRED CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Must pass alcohol/drug test at time of hire and throughout employment.
• This position requires regular contact with or control over Indian Children and is therefore subject to an extensive Criminal Background Check at time of hire and periodically thereafter.
• Must obtain TB Test, Immunizations current (Hepatitis B series, Covid-19, MMR, Tetanus, etc.)
• Must pass an initial health examination and pass a re-examination every two years.

REQUIRED LICENSES OR CERTIFICATIONS: 

• Must have and maintain throughout employment a valid Washington State Driver’s License and meet the insurability requirements of the Tribe. (Must Provide Driving Abstract at time of hire). 
• Infant, Child & Adult First Aid & CPR Certified
• Food Handler’s Permit
• Bloodborne Pathogens Training
• Must have any required medical tests and vaccinations completed as required by regulations that govern the program such as TB Test, and COVID-19 Vaccination.
• Child abuse & Neglect Mandated Reporter Training
• Must complete fire extinguisher training annually.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.):

• This position may be required to work varying, 8-hour shift during the standard program operation hours which are 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, (occasionally may have to work evenings for special events).
• Be able to stand, walk, sit, twist, bend/stoop, squat/kneel, crawl, move quickly, and reach on a daily basis.
• Be able to frequently lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision with or without corrective lenses, as well as peripheral vision and depth perception.
• Willing and able to interact with children at their level (i.e. sitting on the floor)
• Sitting on floor or in small chairs while working with children.
• Manual dexterity to operate a keyboard, calculator, and telephone system
• Busy classroom setting, daily work outside on playground.
• Read, write, speak and understand English
• Ability to listen, understands clients, and has the ability to translate rules, regulations, and policies to clients so they understand the issues/problems.
• Operate in mentally and physically stressful situations with composure.
• May have to walk/drive between office locations under a variety of conditions.

DESIRED SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES POSITION

The following qualifications are preferred/helpful for the incumbent who has these skills/knowledge or abilities for this position.

• Ability to work in a Native American community.
• Ability to maintain health and safety standards.
• Must adhere to the Confidentiality Policy and statement must be signed.

I have read and understand the position requirements as stated above I further, understand that occasionally I may be instructed to perform duties that are not listed above but are relative to my position.