Lead Teacher

Winnebago Tribe•Winnebago, NE

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Teacher at Nį̄kjąk Wakącąk (Sacred Children) Care Center supports children’s social and emotional development by helping create positive, secure relationships and a safe, predictable learning environment. The program emphasizes culturally relevant self-concept, self-control, cooperation, social relationships, and knowledge of families and communities, and uses the Nebraska Early Learning Guidelines to support school readiness. The role involves observing and documenting children’s health, skills, behavior, growth, and development; supporting individualized educational planning; helping maintain a stimulating, safe classroom; and assisting with developmentally appropriate curriculum and lesson planning. The Lead Teacher also communicates with families, encourages their participation, collaborates with staff and the Program Manager, and may assist with meal and snack preparation and service. The position is regular full-time and non-exempt. It is based in the Human Services Department in Winnebago, Nebraska. The employee must be willing to work with children from 4 weeks through 12 years of age, or up to age 18 for children unable to care for themselves, and work one of the stated shifts: 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. or 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Other hours may be requested. The position reports to the CCDF Program Manager.

Requirements

Meet one of the following education or qualification 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 ages 4 weeks to 12 years, or up to age 18 when a child is physically and/or mentally unable to care for themselves.
Be willing to work either the 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. or 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. shift, with the understanding that other hours may be requested.
Have knowledge of early childhood curriculum, principles, and best practices.
Be able and willing to stay up to date on developments in child development and early childhood education.
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 manner that promotes cooperation, respect, concern, and openness to change.
Consider other people’s perspectives and demonstrate awareness of one’s own culture, beliefs, and values.
Be able to walk or run quickly, kneel or sit on the floor, bend, lift, and walk over rough or uneven ground indoors or outdoors while interacting with children.
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.
Collaboratively solve problems, maintain boundaries, and perform duties ethically and professionally.
Comply with applicable confidentiality regulations.
Operate a computer and office equipment, including a telephone, fax machine, and copier.
Possess a valid driver’s license, maintain valid insurance, and be insurable under the Tribe’s insurance policy.
Pass a background check and drug screen.
Read, write, and speak English fluently and use professional verbal and written communication skills.
Sign the required declaration concerning arrests and convictions of child abuse or violent felonies and comply with criminal records check requirements under the cited federal regulations and laws.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Winnebago culture and traditions is highly desirable; willingness to learn is required.

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 and 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 children in the classroom.
Maintain an attractive, stimulating learning environment that encourages children’s independence and self-selection of activities.
Ensure children are appropriately supervised and guided at all times, and maintain a clean, safe, and healthy classroom.
Assist with timely completion of paperwork, including developmental assessments, lesson plans, newsletters, and incident reports.
Assist in planning and implementing developmentally appropriate 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.
Build effective relationships with parents through regular informal conversations and communicate regularly about children’s progress.
Encourage parent participation in program activities and in carrying out educational activities at home.
Encourage parent input into all aspects of the educational program.
Participate in reflective supervision with the primary supervisor.
Assist with food preparation and meal and snack service when necessary.
Attend requested trainings and meet state licensure training requirements.
Obtain First Aid and CPR certification.