Head Start Lead Teacher

ICW/Vulnerable Adults. This position has regular contact with or control over Indian Children and Vulnerable Adults. In compliance with Federal Law, this position will not be filled by an applicant with any felonious offense or any of two or more misdemeanor offenses under Federal, State, or Tribal law involving crimes of violence; sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, contact, or prostitution; crimes against persons; or offenses committed against children.

GENERAL SUMMARY

This position is responsible for providing a safe and supervised educational setting for children whose age range from birth-up to-five years of age in the Birth-to-Five Head Start program (BFHS). Teachers work within the framework of age-appropriate curriculum and lesson plans to promote the health, nutrition, and education of EHS children in their care.

This position ensures the confidentiality, security, and accuracy of records, and promotes positive employee, customer, and community relations. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required and outstanding customer service to fellow employees, customers, vendors, etc. is expected. Regular attendance is required, and on occasion, later hours or weekend time may be required with project deadlines and a neat well-groomed professional appearance is essential at all times.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary responsibilities are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform. This list of responsibilities is intended to be representative of the duties performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed if such duties relate to the position.

• Always supervise and monitor BFHS children to meet their individual needs.
• Intergrade BFHS curriculum(s) components into classroom activities.
• Develop, plan, and utilize daily lesson plans, which reflect mandated elements, and parental and cultural influences.
• Use developmentally appropriate practices to facilitate activities within groups and with individual children to promote social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
• Individualize group activities both indoor and outdoor to reflect the unique needs of all BFHS children.
• Follow a consistent schedule that meets individual child needs including diapering and toilet training, napping, planned small and large group experiences, music, large and motor activities, and effective transitions between activities.
• Encourage age-appropriate exploration, problem solving, and socialization of all children in the classroom.
• Establish a daily routine, which includes room and materials preparation, review of plans, positive interactions with children, and coordination of communication with parents/guardians.
• Establish and maintain an atmosphere that promotes and reinforces positive parental and family involvement.
• Maintain accurate records for program documentation, e.g., classroom observation notes, referral forms, ASQ's.
• Responsible for referring children for further assessment.
• Responsible for tracking, keeping apprised of, and ensuring all referrals are being completed in a timely manner.
• Conduct home visits and parent/teacher conferences quarterly/annually.
• Maintain accurate written and electronic records, including assessments, Individual Family Services Plan (IFSP) documentation, screening instruments, anecdotal observations, and other required forms.
• Responsible for transitions of children from EHS to HS.
• Ensure communication is maintained between school and families.
• Participate in monthly child staffing with all staff as appropriate.
• Work with special needs staff in the classroom to develop a collaborative approach that benefits all children in the classroom and meets the needs as specified on the IFSP.
• Collaborate with appropriate tribal programs and community agencies to develop specialized planning for BFHS children and families as needed.
• Always maintain a clean and sanitized classroom. Sanitize classroom equipment, toys, and laundry daily.
• Assist with meal services, and role model healthy eating habits during classroom mealtimes.
• Respond to crisis or emergency situations that may occur in a swift organized, but calm manner.
• Provide CPR and/or First Aid when needed, prevent the spread of blood borne pathogens, and access emergency services as needed.
• Attend and actively participate in monthly staff/teaching team meetings, trainings, and workshops to ensure knowledge of early childhood development and program standards are maintained and advanced.
• Responsible for attaining 15 hours of STARS training per year.
• Responsible for keeping current on all Head Start Performance Standards, Head Start Policies & Procedures and Tribal Personnel Policies.
• Maintain confidentiality in all record keeping and reporting.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Associate degree in early childhood education.
• 3 years' experience working in a professional early childhood education services program serving children aged infant-to-five years of age.
• Must provide initial medical physical exam, and PPD test (TB test) prior to employment, and provide PPD test results annually thereafter.
• Must obtain/maintain a Food Handler's permit within 30 days of employment.
• Must obtain/maintain First Aid and CPR certification within 30 days of employment.
• Must be able to work non-traditional work hours/days on occasion, and as needed.
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's license and maintain a driving record that meets the minimum requirements established by Nisqually Indian Tribes vehicle insurance provider.
• Successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check.
• The ability to work with vulnerable populations including adults and children.
• Must pass a State and National (FBI) criminal history background check prior to employment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of the Nisqually Indian Tribe's history, customs, traditions, and ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity.
• Experience working with Federally Recognized Tribes.

SUPERVISION

This position does not supervise.

COMPETENCIES

Possesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the primary responsibilities of the position.

· Knowledge of infant to age 5 child growth development and principles and practices.

· Knowledge of and ability to provide effective child guidance practices and principles.

· Knowledge of and ability to comply with federal mandated training requirements.

· Knowledge of effective and appropriate care giving, and practices utilized in infant to 5 years of age care.

· Knowledge of community resources.

· Knowledge of Early Head Start philosophy and performance standards.

· Ability to effectively interact and communicate with EHS children, and their families and other tribal staff/community members in a respectful, responsive, positive, and sensitive manner.

· Ability to effectively understand and follow written and oral instructions/directives.

· Ability to maintain positive effectiveness in a stressful situation.

· Ability to meet the physical requirements necessary to perform the assignment duties safely, and effectively.

· Ability to establish and maintain cooperative, mutually supportive, and effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.

· Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

· Ability to work effectively with a culturally diverse community.

· Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger; handle; feel; or grip objects, stretch and/or reach with hands and arms; stoop; crouch or work in cramped or awkward positions; repetitive motions. This person may regularly lift and/or move up to 30+ pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust to focus.

• Background Check:
  I authorize Nisqually Indian Tribe or its designated third-party agency to conduct a background investigation, which may include verification of past employment, education, criminal history, and other relevant records.

• Drug Screening:
  I understand that I will be required to undergo a drug screening test as a condition of employment (or engagement). A positive result, refusal to test, or tampering with the test may result in disqualification or termination of employment.