Teacher

Head Start

Department of Human Services

Hourly Wage: $17.01-$19.53/Regular/Full-Time

Location: White Swan

The Teacher provides services to children and families of the Yakama Nation Head Start Program. The Teacher position is responsible for a classroom of up to twenty children ages three to five. The position requires professional training and coursework to be a Teacher of young children. Knowledge and skills in the field of child development and early childhood education is required. Work demands a high quality delivery of educational and related services to young children and their families. Work is performed in compliance with the Head Start performance standards. Emphasis is placed on early childhood education, health, special services, child safety, nutrition, family services, and mental health. Collaboration with others is necessary to ensure delivery of integrated services that promote overall development of children and families.

Examples of Work Performed:

• Reviews Yakama Nation Head Start program mission, values, and policies with staff, volunteers, and families.
• Provides instruction and modeling of the Yakama Language Culture.
• Demonstrates commitment to the program mission, values, and policies in performance of daily duties.
• Follows all applicable federal, state, local and tribal policies, regulations, and procedures.
• Ensures compliance with applicable policies, procedures, and regulations governing a Head Start classroom.
• Provides instruction and direction to teacher assistants and substitutes during classroom activities.
• Participates in regular planning with relevant individuals and teams to provide high quality services to children and families.
• Establishes and maintains positive, productive, and collaborative relationships with staff, peers, and parents.
• Demonstrates leadership skills while serving as a role model.
• Develops and implements an appropriate learning environment for up to twenty children, ages three to five.
• Individualize educational components to address the needs of each child.
• Toilet training and diapering may be needed for children. Head Start cannot deny enrollment due to toilet training.
• Implements the use of developmentally appropriate research-based curricula.
• Prepares and implements appropriate lesson plans in accordance with Head-Start Performance Standards and applicable guidelines, including Individual Education Plans (IEP's) for children with disabilities.
• Plans, prepares, and utilizes appropriate learning materials to implement instructional activities.
• Provides appropriate instruction to children in all developmental domains.
• Conducts developmental, speech, mental health, and other required screening for children.
• Participates in parent committee meetings and activities.
• Participates in family/parent engagement and education activities.
• Schedules and conducts regular parent conferences (minimum of two a year).
• Makes regular home visits (at least two per year) to each child's home.
• Assists with educational transition activities for children.
• Communicates effectively with other staff, including specialists, coordinators, and program consultants, to ensure appropriate services and supports are provided to ensure quality services.
• Assists with recording, collecting and maintenance of center in-kind records.
• Prepares and maintains required daily and monthly activity reports using appropriate forms; ensures reporting timelines.
• Ensures classroom meets all applicable health and safety standards.
• Participate in program data collection and entry.
• Participate in program self-assessment activities.
• Participate in professional development activities to establish and/or maintain employee qualifications.
• Use positive communication and reinforcement with children.
• Abide by Yakama Nation Rules and Regulations.
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Early Childhood Development theories/practices.
• Knowledge of Washington State Early Learning and Development Guidelines.
• Knowledge of Head Start Early Learning and Development Guidelines.
• Knowledge of Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Frameworks.
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards.
  

• Knowledge of the Yakama Nation Personnel Policy Manual and procedures.
• Knowledge of the Creative Curriculum.
• Knowledge of Teaching Strategies Gold Assessment System.
• Knowledge of the Classroom Learning Assessment Scoring System (CLASS).
• Knowledge of ChildPlus database systems.
• Ability to maintain standards of professionalism in terms of confidentiality.
• Ability to adhere to applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to maintain standards of professionalism in terms of confidentiality.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with individuals or groups.
• Ability to operate a computer, tablet, smartphone, copier, fax machine, laminator, and multi-media devices.
• Ability to be flexible in work schedules and assignments.
• Ability and willingness to participate in staff development activities.
• Ability to endure long periods of standing, walking, stooping, and kneeling.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to use hands and fingers to handle, feel, and/or operate objects and equipment.
• Ability to handle constant noise during children's activities for long periods of time.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
  

Minimum Requirements:

• Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Three years of experience in a Head Start classroom.
• Required to pass pre-employment drug test.
• Required to pass pre-employment criminal background check.
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License with the ability to obtain a Yakama Nation Driving permit.
• Must have a current First Aid/CPR card or obtain one within 6 months of hire.
• Must have a current Food Handlers card or obtain one within 6 months of hire.
• Preference given to current or former Head Start parent(s) who meet qualifications.
• Enrolled Yakama Preference, but all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.
  

Preferred Requirements:

• Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education.