LEAD TEACHER (SPECIAL NEEDS) - PSELC

Spokane Tribe•Wellpinit, WA

3d•$21 - $33

About The Position

The Spokane Tribe of Indians 477 Program promotes and supports Tribal children and their families reaching their full potential of becoming healthy, productive, and self-sufficient. This is done in a way that protects and benefits the Tribal children, respects and preserves their culture, values, and traditions, gives families access as well as input into the full range of programs and services to promote their self-esteem, independence, self-sufficiency, and educational experiences. The Pauline Stearns Early Learning Center provides a safe and developmentally appropriate environment that is culturally relevant to children and families who reside, work, or attend school on the Spokane Indian Reservation. The primary emphasis of the program is to provide Early Childhood learning in an educational setting. The Early Learning Center promotes competence in our children, parent alliances, community collaboration and proficiency in our staff. Any and all active investigations resulting in removal of any minor child under custody/guardianship of employee will result in immediate suspension. Following completion of active investigation, any findings of child abuse or neglect will result in immediate termination of employment. Any and all active investigations in regard to child abuse or neglect while on the job will result in immediate suspension of employment for the duration of investigation. Upon conclusion of the active investigation, all findings will determine whether employment status will be terminated. Employee is required to disclose any active investigations of crimes listed on the Secretary’s List of Crimes and Negative Actions (WAC 110-06-0120) during the interview/hiring process and throughout term of employment

Requirements

Must be 21 years of age or older and must have a High School Diploma or GED.
AA Degree in ECE, Special Education or approved related field required or willingness to obtain within four years of hire date. Must make progress towards meeting this requirement as soon as hired. A signed educational agreement will be required.
One year (1) experience working with children 6 weeks – 6 years with developmental delays, or other neurodivergent diagnosis, is required (or a combination of work and education pertaining to Special Needs & Early Childhood Education).
Ability and willingness to maintain absolute confidentiality of sensitive information for both external and internal systems.
Previous experience working with Native American clientele and understanding of their cultural needs.
Successful clearance of Criminal History and Background inquiry—Tribal, State and Federal.
Any instances of PBC suspension will result in immediate suspension pending investigation. Findings may result in termination.
Successful clearance of National Child Abuse Registry and Neglect Data System. AND maintain clearance at all times. Additional checks will be utilized to determine retention.
Successful clearance of National and State Sex Offender Registry; AND maintain clearance at all times. Additional checks will be utilized to determine retention.
Current and up-to-date immunizations, including a current negative TB skin test, annual influenza vaccine, TDaP, Hepatitis B Vaccination— required within one month of hire date.
Ability to pass a bi-annual health examination to ensure the ability to safely perform job duties.
Ability to lift and maneuver small children on an ongoing basis and the necessary physical dexterity to work with small children 30-75 lbs. on average (bending, stooping, kneeling, crawling, lifting, etc.).
Employee must be willing to travel to all required trainings pertinent to the position annually.
Initial Basic STARS 30-Hour Training required within two weeks of start date, and ability to complete 20 hours annually with 50% in program management and administration.
Ability to obtain the following certificates and licenses during the first week of employment or prior to if possible: Blood Borne Pathogens, Food Handlers Certification, First Aid and CPR Certification Adult, Infant, and Child
Any other requirements necessary to meet Spokane Tribe of Indians licensing standards; if not met upon hire, within first three months of hire date.
Employee will be required to maintain all certifications and keep them current.

Responsibilities

Primarily assists in 1:1 engagement.
Assists in oversight of classroom management and classroom environment.
Assists in enforcing rules for classroom and behavior management, and procedures for maintaining order in the classroom.
Organize and lead activities designed for 1:1 to promote physical, mental, and social development.
Teach basic skills to children.
Observe and evaluate the child’s performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
Read books to the entire class or to small groups.
Attend to basic needs by feeding, dressing, toileting, etc.
Provide a variety of materials and resources to explore, manipulate, and use, both in learning activities and in imaginative play.
Assimilate children into the school environment by greeting them, helping them remove outerwear, and selecting activities of interest to them.
Serve meals and snacks in accordance with nutritional guidelines.
Teach proper eating habits and personal hygiene.
Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
Enforce all administration policies and rules governing students.
Maintain all requirements as outlined in the Chapter 110-300 Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Foundational Quality Standards for Early Learning Programs and all additional regulations expressly incorporated therein.
Identify children showing signs of emotional, developmental, or health-related problems and discuss them with supervisors, parents or guardians, and child development specialists.
Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those objectives to children.
Meet with parents and guardians to discuss individual child goals, determine their priorities for their children, and suggest ways that they can promote learning and development.
Assist with implementation of any IFSP or IEP.
Support families in obtaining necessary screenings in order to ensures students receive all the support necessary to maintain steady growth towards normal productive
Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students’ varying needs and interests.
Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
Arrange indoor and outdoor space to facilitate creative play, motor-skill activities, and safety.
Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, policies, and regulations.
Demonstrate activities to children.
Meet with other professionals to discuss individual students’ needs and progress.
Confer with other staff members to plan and schedule lessons promoting learning, following approved curricula.
Organize and label materials and display students’ work in a manner appropriate for their ages and perceptual skills.
Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops to maintain and improve professional competence.
Prepare reports on students and activities as required by administration.
Attend staff meetings and serve on committees as required.
Assist in preparing food for children and serving meals and refreshments to children as required by the Foundational Quality Standards for Early Learning and/or the Child and Adult Care Food Program requirements.
Select, store, order, issue, and inventory classroom equipment, materials, and supplies.
Administer screenings to help determine the child’s developmental levels, needs, and potential.
Assist in meeting all Federal, State, and Tribal regulations and policies with regards to 477 and Childcare Programs.
Supervise, evaluate, and plan assignments for teacher assistants.
And any other duties necessary to help drive our Vision, fulfill our Mission, and abide by our Values.