Teacher-Wapato Head Start

Hourly Wage: $22.17–$24.97 (Regular/Furlough). Location: Wapato, WA.

About the role

The Teacher plays a vital role in providing comprehensive services to children and families within the Yakama Nation Head Start Program. This position is responsible for a classroom of up to twenty children ages three to five, delivering high-quality educational and related services in strict compliance with Head Start Performance Standards. Emphasis is placed on early childhood education, health, special services, child safety, nutrition, family services, and mental health. Collaboration with colleagues and stakeholders ensures integrated services that promote the holistic development of children and families.

Responsibilities

• Review Yakama Nation Head Start program mission, values, and policies with staff, volunteers, and families.
• Utilize culturally responsive teaching strategies by incorporating the Yakama Language and Culture into instructional practices; provide explicit instruction and modeling to children.
• Implement culturally relevant activities and materials that reflect the community’s heritage and traditions, fostering cultural pride and identity.
• Demonstrate commitment to the program mission, values, and policies in daily duties.
• Follow all applicable federal, state, local, and tribal policies, regulations, and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with policies, procedures, and regulations governing a Head Start classroom.
• Develop and implement an appropriate learning environment for up to twenty children ages three to five.
• Implement developmentally appropriate research-based curricula and prepare lesson plans in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards.
• Provide instruction to children in all developmental domains.
• Engage in regular communication and collaboration with specialists, coordinators, and program consultants.
• Actively participate in team meetings, sharing insights and contributing to individualized plans for children with diverse needs.
• Provide instruction and direction to teacher assistants and substitutes during classroom activities.
• Establish and maintain positive, productive, and collaborative relationships with staff, peers, and parents.
• Participate in parent committee meetings and family/parent engagement and education activities.
• Schedule and conduct regular parent conferences and make home visits to each child’s home.
• Assist with educational transition activities for children.
• Communicate effectively with other staff to ensure appropriate services and support.
• Assist with recording, collecting, and maintaining center in-kind records.
• Prepare and maintain required daily and monthly activity reports.
• Ensure classroom meets all applicable health and safety standards.
• Participate in program data collection, entry, and self-assessment activities.
• Participate in professional development activities to maintain employee qualifications.
• Perform other assigned duties.

Requirements

• Associate of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education or equivalent to a major/specialization.
• Two years of experience in the education field, with experience working with young children.
• Preference given to current or former Head Start Parent(s) who meet qualifications.
• Ability to manage confidential information.
• Must follow Yakama Nation and YN Head Start Code of Conduct.
• Current First Aid/CPR certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Current food handler’s card or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Must pass a pre-employment background check and drug test.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License with ability to obtain a Yakama Nation Driving permit.
• Enrolled Yakama preference, but all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field (with Early Childhood Education credits equivalent to a Major/Specialization).

Skills

• Knowledge of Early Childhood Development theories and practices.
• Knowledge of Washington State Early Learning and Development Guidelines.
• Knowledge of Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Frameworks and Performance Standards.
• Knowledge of the Yakama Nation Personnel Policy Manual and procedures.
• Knowledge of the Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies Gold Assessment System, and Classroom Learning Assessment Scoring System (CLASS).
• Knowledge of ChildPlus database systems.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with individuals or groups.
• Ability to operate computers, tablets, smartphones, copiers, faxes, laminators, and multimedia devices.
• Ability to organize duties and responsibilities efficiently.
• Flexibility in work schedule and assignments.
• Willingness to participate in staff development activities.
• Physical ability to endure long periods of standing, walking, stooping, and kneeling; lift up to 50 pounds; use hands and fingers to handle objects and equipment; and tolerate constant noise during children’s activities.
• Skilled in instructing a classroom of children ages 3–5.
• Skilled in classroom and behavioral management.
• Skilled in communication and collaboration with students, families, and staff.