Master Teacher - OLC

Quapaw Nation Careers•Quapaw, OK

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Master Teacher provides a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment that supports children's growth and school readiness at the O-Gah-Pah Learning Center/Downstream Learning Center. Under the direction of the Director of Childcare, the role plans and implements curriculum, supervises classroom activities, mentors classroom staff, and ensures compliance with applicable licensing regulations, policies, and procedures. The Master Teacher builds positive relationships with children, families, and staff and applies knowledge of child development and age-appropriate practices. The position requires willingness to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) to operate a school minibus and supports the centers’ mission of providing high-quality childcare in a safe and supportive environment. The role is full-time, non-exempt, and safety-sensitive. It requires a valid driver's license and qualification under the Quapaw Nation Motor Vehicle Policy. The employee must be able to obtain a favorable adjudication certification within 90 days of hire and successfully pass a tribal background investigation and drug screening. The employee agrees to begin obtaining the required early-childhood credential or education after 90 days of hire, subject to possible delay with director approval; this is separate from the 20 hours of DHS training required during the first 90 days. Work takes place primarily in a childcare setting with frequent interaction with children, families, and staff. The position includes indoor and outdoor activities in varying weather, potential exposure to childhood illnesses and routine cleaning materials, and occasional travel for professional development or program activities. Professionalism, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity are expected.

Requirements

Meet one of the listed education or credential pathways: Certificate of Mastery in Early Childhood Education or Child Development from an accredited Oklahoma college or university; current CDA or CCP credential; a four-year degree with at least six college credit hours in ECE, Child Development, or related coursework supporting work with children; a two-year or four-year degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development; an Occupational Childcare Competency Certificate for a Master Teacher or Lead Teacher through an Oklahoma technology center plus three months of satisfactory full-time experience in a licensed or legally exempt childcare setting; or 30 college credit hours including at least 12 credit hours in ECE, Child Development, or related coursework supporting work with children.
Agree to begin obtaining the required CDA, CCP, Certificate of Mastery, or child-development college credit hours after 90 days of hire, unless delayed with director approval.
Successfully complete the 20 hours of DHS training required in the first 90 days.
Possess a valid driver's license and qualify under the Quapaw Nation Motor Vehicle Policy.
Be able to obtain and maintain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) as required.
Obtain a favorable adjudication certification within 90 days of hire.
Successfully pass a tribal background investigation and drug screening.
Successfully complete the required pre-employment drug screen, criminal background check, and professional reference confirmation.
Be able to sit or stand for extended periods and reach above shoulder level.
Be able to push, pull, squat, kneel, bend, and safely lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
Be able to climb and maneuver safely within and around outdoor playground equipment.
Have sufficient visual acuity to perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Have the manual dexterity and coordination needed to grasp, manipulate, and handle objects.
Be able to travel occasionally for meetings, training, seminars, and professional development activities.

Nice To Haves

Two years of childcare experience or experience working with children.
Level 4 Professional Development Ladder (PDL).

Responsibilities

Maintain constant supervision of children, oversee activities, encourage participation, and ensure safety by circulating throughout classroom and activity areas.
Guide and support children experiencing social or academic adjustments or challenging behaviors, using appropriate positive interactions and discipline practices.
Interact with children in a nurturing, friendly, calm, and respectful manner, and treat parents and guardians with respect.
Provide a balanced daily schedule that includes active and quiet activities.
Develop and implement lesson plans, including at least five weekly activities based on the Director’s curriculum.
Prepare and organize lesson materials and properly store teaching aids after use.
Maintain appropriate communication with staff, parents or guardians, and children.
Maintain an age- and developmentally appropriate classroom environment for each child, including children with special needs.
Follow DHS regulations, OLC/DLC policies and procedures, Quapaw Nation policies and procedures, and applicable parent policies and procedures.
Administer medications according to policy and ensure required documentation is completed by the parent or guardian.
Maintain close communication with the Director of Childcare regarding children with special needs.
Provide parents or guardians daily written communication about each child's activities and progress.
Maintain a professional demeanor.
Attend staff meetings and participate in recommended training, workshops, and conferences.
Perform daily housekeeping, including tasks such as sweeping, vacuuming, and sanitizing toys.
Attend meetings, seminars, workshops, and training sessions as required to support professional development and program objectives.
Perform other duties as assigned.