Lead Teacher

Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska•Winnebago, NE

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Teacher works at the Nį̄kjąk Wakącąk (Sacred Children) Care Center in Winnebago, Nebraska, and reports to the CCDF Program Manager. The center’s goal is to foster young children’s social and emotional development through safe, predictable environments and strong, positive relationships among children and adults. Its programming emphasizes culturally relevant self-concept, self-control, cooperation, social relationships, family and community knowledge, independence, positive self-esteem, and social skills. The center adopts the Nebraska Early Learning Guidelines as the basis for its philosophy and school-readiness approach. The role supports children’s development and learning through observation, assessment, individualized plans when assigned, developmentally appropriate activities, classroom management, and regular communication and partnership with families. The Lead Teacher also helps maintain a safe, clean, stimulating classroom, complete program documentation, integrate relevant services into education plans, and prepare or serve meals and snacks when necessary. This is a regular full-time, non-exempt position. The employee must be willing to work either a 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. or 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. shift, with other hours potentially requested. Supervisory responsibilities are minimal.

Requirements

Meet one of the following education or experience pathways: an associate degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood education, education, or child/youth development; a Child Development Associate Credential; a high school diploma or GED plus 1,500 verified clock hours of experience in organized group activities for young children, supported by a positive reference from a former employer or supervisor; or a written plan approved by the Department to acquire at least three credit hours or 45 clock hours of relevant training within six months.
Be at least 18 years of age.
Be willing to work with children from 4 weeks to 12 years old, or up to age 18 if a child is physically or mentally incapable of self-care.
Be willing to work either 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. or 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m., with the understanding that other hours may be requested.
Know early childhood education curriculum, principles, and best practices.
Be able and willing to stay current with developments in child development and early childhood education for professional growth.
Work cooperatively and supportively within an interdisciplinary team.
Establish supportive relationships and partnerships with staff and families from diverse backgrounds on behalf of children.
Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, in a way that fosters cooperation, respect, concern, and openness to change.
Consider others’ perspectives and demonstrate awareness of one’s own culture, beliefs, and values.
Be able to physically interact with children, including walking or running quickly, kneeling or sitting on the floor, bending and lifting, and walking over rough or uneven ground indoors or outdoors.
Be able to lift, carry, and move classroom equipment, supplies, bulky objects, or children weighing up to 50 pounds.
Have organizational skills and the ability to manage time and multiple priorities.
Be able to solve problems collaboratively.
Maintain professional boundaries and perform duties ethically and professionally.
Comply with required confidentiality regulations.
Be able to operate a computer and office equipment, including a telephone, fax machine, and copier.
Be willing to learn Winnebago culture and traditions; knowledge of them is highly desirable.
Have a valid driver’s license, maintain valid insurance, and be insurable under the Tribe’s insurance policy.
Pass a background check and drug screen.
Be able to obtain First Aid and CPR certification, meet state-licensure training requirements, and attend all requested trainings.
Read, write, and speak English fluently and continually use effective professional verbal and written communication skills.
Comply with the stated federal requirements concerning declarations of arrests and convictions for child abuse or violent felonies and criminal-record checks.
Submit an application, resume, cover letter, and two letters of recommendation; applications submitted after the closing date or without required documents will not be considered.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Winnebago culture and traditions is highly desirable.
Native American or Veteran preference may be claimed by submitting pertinent documentation; the posting states qualified Native American applicants receive preference as provided by federal law.

Responsibilities

Observe, assess, and document assigned children’s health, skills, behavior, growth, and development.
Provide opportunities for children to develop positive self-images and experience success.
Develop individualized educational plans for children as assigned.
Contribute information for child and family staffing.
Coordinate referrals for children with special or mental health needs with the Program Manager, as assigned.
Foster positive relationships with all children in the classroom.
Maintain an attractive, stimulating learning environment that encourages independence and children’s self-selection of activities.
Ensure children are appropriately supervised and guided at all times.
Maintain a clean, safe, and healthy classroom environment.
Assist with timely completion of paperwork, including developmental assessments, lesson plans, newsletters, and incident reports.
Assist with planning and implementing developmentally appropriate classroom activities that support children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
Assist in developing lesson plans with goals, objectives, activities, and outcomes, and participate in their intentional implementation.
Help integrate health, nutrition, mental health, disabilities, and parent involvement into the education plan.
Create documentation panels regularly, or take responsibility for doing so when assigned, to make children’s learning visible to parents and visitors.
Develop effective relationships with parents through regular informal conversations.
Communicate regularly with parents about their child’s progress.
Encourage parents to participate in program activities and implement educational activities at home.
Partner with parents and encourage their input into all aspects of the educational program.
Participate in reflective supervision with the primary supervisor.
Assist with food preparation and serving meals and snacks when necessary.
Attend requested trainings and meet state-licensure training requirements.
Obtain First Aid and CPR certification.
Comply with applicable confidentiality requirements and perform duties ethically and professionally.
Complete required declarations and criminal-record checks related to child abuse and violent felony arrests or convictions, as specified in the posting.