Early Learning Center - Language Specialist (Dept. Only + Kalispel Tribal Members)

Kalispel Tribe Careers•Cusick, WA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Early Learning Center Language Specialist preserves, protects, and enhances Kalispel Tribal culture and traditions by learning and teaching the Kalispel language in an early childhood education setting. The position includes intensive language training through formal classes and immersion sessions with fluent speakers, as well as training in language-teaching approaches and methods. The specialist provides language instruction to Early Learning Center staff and families of enrolled children and works with team members to support children ages 1 month to 12 years in their social, intellectual, emotional, and physical development while ensuring their safety and health. The specialist develops language curriculum for all programs at the Camas Early Learning Center, coordinates language learning with Lead Teachers, and collaborates with cultural staff and tribal elders to bring Kalispel language, traditions, and cultural knowledge to the center and local community. The position reports to the Camas Early Learning Center Manager and the Director of CELC and has no direct supervisory responsibilities. Other duties may be assigned by management. The role requires a high school diploma or GED. A two-year certificate in early childhood education, child development, or elementary education is preferred, as is three years of experience in a child care or school setting or equivalent experience focused on childhood development or early childhood education. The specialist must be willing to learn to speak, read, write, and teach Kalispel; prior language experience is a plus. Required certifications and training include CPR and first aid, HIV/AIDS and bloodborne pathogens training, STARS coursework, and a food handler’s card. Employment also requires passing applicable background checks, a drug test, and a TB test; Hepatitis A and B vaccinations are required. The position involves frequent standing or walking and bending, stooping, lifting, carrying, and moving items weighing up to 50 pounds. Work may occasionally require safely operating a motor vehicle and working outside general business hours, including evenings and weekends. The work environment is usually indoors with moderate noise, and may include occasional exposure to tobacco smoke, moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, outdoor conditions, and wet or humid conditions.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Willingness to learn to speak, read, and write Kalispel and to teach the language.
Working knowledge of Kalispel culture, traditions, and history.
Ability to communicate and work effectively with the community and Kalispel elders.
Ability to relate effectively to children, parents, and staff.
Proficiency with Microsoft programs and other computer programs; familiarity with digital recording software.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team; dependable and punctual.
Ability to communicate professionally and publicly, including daily classroom instruction and presentations.
Obtain CPR and first aid certification.
Complete required HIV/AIDS and bloodborne pathogens training.
Complete 30 hours of STARS coursework at the start of employment and 10 hours annually thereafter.
Obtain a food handler’s card.
Pass required background checks, drug testing, and a TB test.
Hepatitis A and B vaccinations required.
Able to bend, stoop, lift, carry, and move items weighing up to 50 pounds and to stand or walk for significant periods.
May be required to safely operate a motor vehicle and work outside general business hours, including evenings and weekends.

Nice To Haves

Two-year certificate in early childhood education, child development, or elementary education; an approved combination of a CDA, credits, and clock hours may meet licensing requirements.
Three years of experience working in a child care setting or school, or equivalent experience focused on childhood development or early childhood education.
Previous language-learning or language-teaching experience.

Responsibilities

Serve as a Kalispel language teacher after completing intensive language and teaching-method training.
Coordinate with Lead Teachers to schedule language learning for children and staff.
Develop and prepare language curriculum for all Camas Early Learning Center programs.
Collaborate with cultural staff to develop and implement language curriculum for the tribe and local community.
Communicate orally and in writing, by telephone and other means, with staff, parents, children, and the community.
Work with tribal elders to bring Kalispel traditions and cultural knowledge to the center.
Follow childcare licensing requirements and Kalispel Tribe and CELC policies and procedures.
Identify and tactfully resolve work-related problems professionally.
Work independently, take initiative, adapt to changing assignments, and work as part of a team.
Use Microsoft Office applications, including Word, PowerPoint, and Photoshop, and digital recording software.
Teach in classrooms and give presentations to Kalispel elders and neighboring communities.
Support children ages 1 month to 12 years in their social, intellectual, emotional, and physical growth while ensuring their safety and health.
Perform other duties as assigned by management.