Head Start Teacher

This position has regular contact with or control over Indian Children and Vulnerable Adults. In compliance with Federal Law, this position will not be filled by an applicant with any felonious offense or any of two or more misdemeanor offenses under Federal, State, or Tribal law involving crimes of violence; sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, contact, or prostitution; crimes against persons; or offenses committed against children.

GENERAL SUMMARY

This position is responsible for providing a safe and supervised educational setting for children whose age ranges from birth up-to-three years in the Birth-to-Five Head Start program (BFHS). Teachers work within the framework of age-appropriate curriculum and lesson plans, to promote the health, nutrition, and education of children in their care.

This position ensures the confidentiality, security, and accuracy of records, and promotes positive employee, customer, and community relations. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required and outstanding customer service to fellow employees, customers, vendors, etc. is expected. Regular attendance is required, and on occasion, later hours or weekend time may be required with project deadlines and a neat well-groomed professional appearance is essential at all times.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary responsibilities are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform. This list of responsibilities is intended to be representative of the duties performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed if such duties relate to the position.

• Supervise and monitor Birth-to-Five Head Start children at all times to meet the needs of infants and toddlers.
• Integrate Birth-to-Five Head Start curriculum components into classroom time.
• Develop, plan, and utilize daily lesson plans, which reflect mandated elements, and parental and cultural influences.
• Use developmentally appropriate practices to facilitate activities within groups and with individual children to promote social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
• Individualize group activities both indoor and outdoor to reflect the unique needs of all infants and toddlers in the classroom.
• Follow a consistent schedule that meets individual child needs including diapering, toilet training, napping, planned small and large group experiences, music, large and small motor activities, and effective transitions between activities.
• Encourage age-appropriate exploration, problem solving, and socialization of all children in the classroom.
• Provide an atmosphere that promotes and reinforces positive parental and family involvement.
• Stay current on and meet the requirements of the Head Start performance standards, tribal, and state regulations, as well as all program and tribal policies & procedures.
• Conduct home visits and parent/teacher conferences annually/quarterly.
• Maintain accurate written and electronic records, including assessments, individual Family Services Plan (IFSP) documentation, screening instruments, anecdotal observations, and other required forms.
• Participate in monthly child staffing with all staff as appropriate.
• Work with special needs staff in the classroom to develop a collaborative approach that benefits all children in the classroom and meets the needs as specified on the IFSP.
• Collaborate with appropriate tribal programs and community agencies to develop specialized planning for Infants and toddlers and families as needed.
• Attend meetings, trainings, and appropriate professional development activities.
• Sanitize classroom equipment, toys, laundry daily.
• Assist with meal services as needed.
• Respond to crisis or emergency situations in a swift but calm manner.
• Provide first aid or CPR when needed, prevent the spread of blood borne pathogens, and access emergency services as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Child Development Associate (CDA) or an equivalent early childhood certificate or obtain CDA or equivalent within six months after hire.

• Experience working in a professional early childhood education services program serving children aged infant-to-five years of age.

• Must provide initial medical physical exam, and PPD test (TB test) prior to employment, and provide PPD test results annually thereafter.

• Must obtain/maintain a Food Handler's permit within 30 days of employment.

• Must obtain/maintain First Aid and CPR certification within 30 days of employment.

• Must be able to work non-traditional work hours/days on occasion, and as needed.

• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's license and maintain a driving record that meets the minimum requirements established by Nisqually Indian Tribes vehicle insurance provider.

• The ability to work with vulnerable populations including adults and children.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of the Nisqually Indian Tribe's history, customs, traditions, and ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity.
• Experience working with Federally Recognized Tribes.

SUPERVISION

This position does not supervise.

COMPETENCIES

Possesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the primary responsibilities of the position.

• Knowledge of infant to age 3 child growth and development principles and practices
• Knowledge of and the ability to provide effective child guidance practices and principles.
• Knowledge of and the ability to comply with federal mandated training requirements.
• Knowledge of effective and appropriate care giving, and practices utilized in infant to 3 years' age care.
• Knowledge of available community resources.
• Knowledge of Early Head Start philosophy and performance standards.
• Ability to effectively communicate with infant toddler children, parents and staff members.
• Ability to effectively understand and follow written and oral instructions/directives.
• Ability to effectively interact with Early Head Start children and their families in a respectful, responsive, positive, and sensitive manner.
• Ability to maintain effectiveness in a stressful situation.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements necessary to perform the assigned duties safely, and effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative, mutually supportive, and effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of Early Head Start philosophy.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger; handle; feel; or grip objects, stretch and/or reach with hands and arms; stoop; crouch or work in cramped or awkward positions; repetitive motions. This person may regularly lift and/or move up to 30+ pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust to focus.

• Background Check:

I authorize Nisqually Indian Tribe or its designated third-party agency to conduct a background investigation, which may include verification of past employment, education, criminal history, and other relevant records.

• Drug Screening:

I understand that I will be required to undergo a drug screening test as a condition of employment (or engagement). A positive result, refusal to test, or tampering with the test may result in disqualification or termination of employment.