Lead Teacher (Nikjak Wakacak Care Center)

Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska•Winnebago, NE

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The primary goal of Nį̄kjąk Wakącąk (Sacred Children) Care Center is to foster social and emotional development in young children. The Nį̄kjąk Wakącąk (Sacred Children) Care Center creating a strong, positive, and secure relationship with the adults and children within the program, our program will provide a safe and predicable environment. Nį̄kjąk Wakącąk (Sacred Children) Care Center will have a daily emphasis on culturally relevant self-concept, self-control, cooperation, social relationships, and knowledge of families and communities by participating in routines and activities that foster independence, positive self-esteem and social skills. The Nį̄kjąk Wakącąk (Sacred Children) Care Center will incorporate and adopt Nebraska Early Learning Guidelines as the driving philosophy and key component of school readiness.

Requirements

Must have an Associate degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood education, education or child/youth development; OR
Have a Child Development Associate Credential; OR
Have a high school diploma or GED; and 1500 verified clock hours of experience in organized group activities for young children as indicated by a positive reference from a former employer or supervisor; OR
Submit a written plan for Department approval to acquire at least three credit hours or 45 clock hours of training in administration, early childhood education, education, or child/youth development, in a period not to exceed six months.
Must be willing to work with children ages 4 weeks to 12 years old or up to 18 if the child is physically and/or mentally incapable of self-care
Must be at least 18 years of age
Must be willing to work either a 7:30am-4:00pm or 8:30am-5pm shift with the understanding that other hours may be requested.
Knowledge of curriculum, principles and best practices of early childhood education
Ability and willingness to remain up-to-date of developments in the child development/early childhood education field to enhance professional growth and development.
Ability to work within an interdisciplinary team as a cooperative and supportive team member.
Ability to establish supportive relationships and form an alliance with staff and families from diverse backgrounds on behalf of children
Ability to effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, in a manner that demonstrates and fosters cooperation, respect, concern and openness to change
Ability to take, or think about the perspective of others and demonstrate self-awareness of one’s own culture, beliefs, and values
Ability to physically interact with children including the ability to walk or run quickly, kneel or sit on floor, bend and lift, walk over rough or uneven ground, while in or outside of facility.
Ability to lift, carry and move center/classroom equipment and supplies and/or bulky objects or children weighing up to 50 lbs.
Organization skills with the ability to manage time and multiple priorities
Ability to collaboratively problem-solve
Maintain boundaries and performs all duties in an ethical and professional manner.
Complies with all confidentiality regulations as required
Ability to operate a computer and office equipment, including, but not limited to, a telephone, fax machine, and copier.
Must possess a valid driver's license, maintain valid insurance, and be insurable under the Tribe's insurance policy.
Ability to pass background check and drug screen.
Ability to obtain First Aid and CPR certification.
Meet all training requirements for state licensure
Must attend all requested trainings
Must possess the ability to read, write, and speak the English language fluently.
Must be able to continually and effectively employ professional verbal and written communications skills.
All applicants will comply with 45 CFR 1301, Subpart D, Section 1301.31, C and D, which require all prospective employees to sign a declaration prior to employment regarding all arrests and convictions of child abuse or violent felonies and to comply with PL 101-630 and PL 101-637 regarding criminal records check.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Winnebago culture and traditions is highly desirable and a willingness to learn is required.
Ability to speak Ho-Chunk is preferred.

Responsibilities

Observe, assess and document each assigned child’s health, skills, behavior, growth and development.
Provide opportunities for children to develop positive self-images and experience success.
As assigned, develop an individualized educational plan for each child.
Contribute information for child and family staffing.
As assigned, coordinate referrals for children with special needs or mental health needs with the Program Manager.
Foster positive relationships with all children in the classroom
Maintain an attractive and stimulating learning environment and encourage child’s independence and self-selection of activities.
Ensure that all children are under appropriate supervision and guidance at all times.
Maintain a clean, safe and healthy classroom environment.
Assist with the timely completion of necessary paperwork, including developmental assessments, lesson plans, newsletters, incident reports, etc.
Assist in the planning and implementation of developmentally appropriate classroom activities that will enhance the social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of each child.
Assist in the development of lesson plans with goals, objectives, activities and outcomes for children and participate in implementing them intentionally.
Assist in the integration of other areas, i.e., health, nutrition, mental health, disabilities and parent involvement, into the education plan.
Assist in, or take responsibility for as assigned, the creation of documentation panels on a regular basis to make the learning that the children are experiencing visible to parents and visitors.
Develop effective relationships with parents through regular informal conversations.
Communicate with parents regularly about their child’s progress.
Encourage parent participation in program activities and in implementing education activities for their children at home.
Develop effective partnerships with parents by encouraging input into all aspects of the educational program.
Participate in reflective supervision with primary supervisor.
Assist in food preparation and serving meals and snacks when necessary