Infant Toddler Teacher (Onigum)

Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe•Cass Lake, MN

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Infant Toddler Teacher helps ensure that classrooms contribute to each child’s growth and development. The role provides developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate learning experiences for children ages 0–5, incorporates Creative Curriculum and Ojibwe culture and language, promotes school readiness, and supports children’s individual needs. The teacher works with program staff, children, and families; maintains classroom records and documentation; and follows Head Start Performance Standards and Leech Lake child care licensing requirements. The position is based in the Early Childhood worksite in Onigum. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., subject to change based on programming needs. The position may also require attendance at program activities outside normal working hours.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Enroll in and attain an Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) credential within the first year of employment.
Excellent attendance and punctuality, maintaining a monthly average of at least 85% including tardiness.
Good verbal and written communication and customer service skills.
Understanding and sensitivity to the culturally specific needs of Native American children and families.
Word-processing and computer skills, including MS Office.
Flexibility, adaptability to various environments, self-direction, and ability to work as part of a team.
Willingness to submit to pre-employment and random drug testing.
Initial physical examination and follow-up examination every two years; Mantoux (TB) testing upon hire and every five years thereafter.
Meet Leech Lake Licensing Standards.
Ability to travel in and out of state.
Attend all trainings mandated by Head Start Performance Standards and complete annual Leech Lake Child Care Center licensing training requirements.
Maintain a professional development plan and meet annual mandated training and safety requirements.
Understanding of the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five and child development for children ages 0–5.
Ability to kneel, bend, move on the floor while interacting with children, lift up to 50 pounds or more with accommodation as needed based on a doctor’s recommendations, and sit on child-sized furniture for extended periods.
Physical ability to work with children ages 0–5.

Nice To Haves

A valid Minnesota driver’s license is preferred.
Native American preference.

Responsibilities

Participate in ongoing program assessment and monitoring to help ensure quality services.
Assist with online weekly lesson plans, material requests, monthly newsletters, and other program preparation.
Complete student records and reports accurately, including running logs, observations, Teaching Strategies GOLD (TSG) progress information, data entry, and incident or accident forms.
Help keep the classroom sanitary, organized, and inviting.
Provide developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate learning experiences across language, literacy, mathematics, social and emotional functioning, approaches to learning, science, physical skills, and creative arts.
Implement Creative Curriculum and Ojibwe culture and language in the classroom, and promote Early Head Start school readiness goals in lesson plans and daily activities.
Work with program managers, supervisors, mentors, coordinators, and coaches on recommended improvements and corrective action plans.
Use developmentally appropriate practices and guidance; support the inclusion of children with special needs and follow individual plans.
Modify lesson plans and plan activities to meet each child’s needs, incorporating culture, language, and sign language where appropriate.
Supervise children at all times, including during outdoor activities, bathroom use, and tooth brushing.
Attend IFSP and IEP meetings; document observations and children’s needs; develop individual education plans; and enter documentation and data into the TSG system weekly or biweekly.
Complete required TSG courses and use TSG information to plan classroom environments and indoor and outdoor activities.
Maintain a healthy emotional climate and provide a learning environment with rich adult-child interactions.
Work with program staff and families to support children’s language, culture, development, and school readiness.
Share information with families about child development, child guidance, and program plans; encourage family involvement and relationships between children and families.
Conduct and document at least two home visits and two parent-teacher conferences annually, with additional communication as needed.
Implement activities and assess children’s developing skills and progress with families; complete TSG screeners with parents throughout the year and attend parent meetings.
Assist with daily attendance and ensure monthly attendance and meal counts are accurate.
Take meal counts at point of service and complete food production records for children under one year old.
Follow CACFP meal service, meal pattern, menu planning, family-style service, food chart, portion size, and creditable meal requirements; maintain applicable diet statements and parent decline forms.
Attend required CACFP training and become familiar with monitoring site forms and requirements.
Work cooperatively with colleagues, follow program improvement recommendations, promote the program’s philosophy and mission, communicate effectively, and attend mandatory meetings, trainings, and activities.
Stay familiar with Head Start Performance Standards, Early Childhood policies and procedures, and Leech Lake child care licensing requirements.
Share classroom housekeeping duties, maintain a neat work area, preserve confidentiality and professional ethics, and follow staff conduct policies.
Perform other related duties as assigned.