GELC - Lead Teacher

Puyallup Tribe of Indians•Tacoma, WA

133d

About The Position

The Lead Teacher plans and delivers an early care education program consistent with the center’s educational goals and philosophy. The role guides children’s behavior and development and creates a safe, healthy, and culturally appropriate learning environment. The teacher plans developmentally appropriate learning experiences that foster cognitive, motor, social, self-help, emotional, and communication skills. The position serves young children, including children from at-risk families and children with behavioral, developmental, or other support needs; specialized training is provided. The role requires integrating Puyallup Tribal language and culture into classroom activities and taking language and culture classes as scheduled. The position is full-time, 40 hours per week, and reports to the Co-Director. It has no supervisory responsibilities. The salary is based on a salary matrix; the posting does not provide a specific range. The employer offers benefits including employer-paid medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, a retirement/401(k) plan with profit sharing, paid holidays, and paid time off including birthday leave.

Requirements

One of the following education and experience combinations: an associate degree in Early Childhood Education and two years of experience in a teacher capacity; or a satisfactory related degree from an accredited college or university and two years of experience in a teacher capacity.
For applicants qualifying with a related degree, willingness to obtain an Early Childhood Education state-credentialed certificate within three years of hire.
Ability to pass state background-check clearance for work in a child day care center.
Commitment to working with children in a developmental setting and sincere desire to have a meaningful effect on their lives.
Good communication, problem-solving, and priority-setting skills, with an overall positive and professional attitude.
Ability to provide a healthy, safe, clean, and developmentally appropriate environment and make decisions that protect children’s well-being.
Emotional stability and ability to function effectively and model appropriate behavior with children, adolescents, and adults who may have mental or behavioral health problems.
Warm, welcoming, and friendly personality; sensitivity to others’ feelings and needs; respect for all cultures; and ability to relate positively to children and adults.
Ability to discipline children in a kind and respectful manner.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations; write reports and developmentally appropriate lesson plans; and present information and respond to questions.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic, including operations with two-digit numbers and multiplication and division with tens and hundreds, using units of money, weight, volume, and distance.
Ability to solve practical problems and interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, or scheduled instructions in situations with limited standardization.
Must have and maintain a food handler’s permit.
Must provide proof of CPR and first aid training and TB testing within two weeks of employment.
Must have and maintain a valid Washington State driver’s license and proof of auto insurance; the license must not have restrictions that prevent operating a GIS vehicle.
Must attend and complete all GELC mandatory trainings.
Must complete and pass drug and alcohol screening upon hire and throughout employment.
Must be in good health and current with immunizations.
Ability to remain calm and exercise good judgment in emergencies and to work cooperatively and positively with others.
Must maintain confidentiality, professional conduct, respectful workplace relationships, and flexibility in response to individual differences and changing practices.

Nice To Haves

Employees are encouraged to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education.

Responsibilities

Plan and execute an early care education program in accordance with the center’s educational goals and philosophy.
Create developmentally appropriate learning experiences in cognitive, gross and fine motor, social and self-help, emotional, and communication skills.
Integrate Puyallup Tribal language and culture into all facets of child care, following recommendations and training from the Tribe’s language and culture program.
Develop advanced weekly lesson plans and coordinate annual group curriculum covering Tribal language and culture, language arts, mathematics, reading and writing readiness, science, social studies, motor development, and food and nutrition education.
Consider each child’s cultural and socioeconomic background and developmental level in providing care.
Treat children with dignity and respect and follow the Center’s Positive Discipline Policy.
Supervise and implement effective use of other teaching staff and volunteers.
Attend staff meetings and present a team report.
Assist with ongoing evaluation procedures to assess children’s development.
Assist with Center public relations and fundraising events, and attend recommended workshops, conferences, courses, in-service training, and other professional growth activities.
Interface with contracted specialists, including the Birth to Six program.
Plan and prepare the learning environment, including interest centers, materials, and supplies, with consideration for Tribal culture and language.
Oversee children’s mealtime activities and encourage good table manners.
Share housekeeping duties to maintain a clean center environment.
Maintain professional attitudes and loyalty to the Center, keep family information confidential, and abide by GELC policies and procedures.
Attend scheduled Puyallup language and culture classes and special training for serving children with special needs, including autism and trauma-affected children.
Serve as a positive role model and help foster teamwork and constructive relationships with children, parents, peers, staff, and vendors.
Maintain a positive, warm classroom environment and use the outdoor classroom for educational activities in children’s natural environment.
Work with administrators and/or specialists and families to address behavioral and developmental concerns and develop and implement support plans.
Treat children with individual needs, special needs, or diagnosed or undiagnosed disabilities with dignity and respect.
Attend training or educational courses to improve the ability to provide quality care, interventions, and classroom supports for children from birth to twelve.
Perform housekeeping duties and other duties as assigned.
Follow the Center’s emergency care plan, safety and health guidelines, and applicable state and federal requirements.
Maintain reliable attendance, communicate leave requests in advance, and adapt to work schedules and assignments as needed.