Lead Daycare Teacher - 12 MTH

GROUP:   Classified 

SALARY:  CLS Early Learning Childcare Salary Schedule

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

WORKDAYS PER FISCAL YEAR: 241

HOLIDAYS: 20  

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SUMMARY:

The Lead Teacher plans and implements a developmentally appropriate early learning program for children in accordance with educational goals, emphasizing cultural relevance, positive behavior supports, and child development across multiple domains. This position supports students through trauma-informed and inclusive practices, incorporating Tribal culture and language into daily instruction.

ABOUT CHIEF LESCHI SCHOOLS:
Formerly known as the Puyallup Tribal School, Chief Leschi Schools was founded in 1976 to address the high dropout rate of the youth of the Puyallup Tribe. It is the largest of seven tribal schools in the state of Washington and one of approximately 200 tribal schools in the United States. It is also one of the largest tribal schools to be funded by the Bureau of Indian Education.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops weekly lesson plans and annual curriculum inclusive of tribal culture, core academic domains (math, literacy, science, social studies), motor development, and nutrition.

• Considers individual children’s cultural, socio-economic, and developmental needs.

• Upholds positive discipline practices and treats all children with dignity and respect.

• Guides and utilizes paraeducators, support staff, and volunteers effectively.

• Participates in staff meetings and provides input through team reports.

• Supports ongoing developmental assessments and collaborates on student support plans.

• Engages in community outreach, professional development, and fundraising as requested.

• Collaborates with specialists and external service providers (e.g., Birth to Six program).

• Designs intentional classroom environments and outdoor learning spaces.

• Models and supports good table manners during mealtime supervision.

• Shares housekeeping responsibilities to maintain a clean learning environment.

• Maintains strict confidentiality regarding children and families.

• Attends required language and culture classes and special needs trainings.

• Implements accommodations and individualized interventions in collaboration with administrators and families.

• Ensures a warm, supportive, and culturally grounded classroom environment.

• Performs additional duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and two years of experience in a teaching role;
  OR a related degree and two years of experience with willingness to obtain a State Early Childhood Education Certificate within three years of hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Progress toward or possession of a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education.

• Experience working with diverse and at-risk child populations.

• Warm, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed classroom presence.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Successful criminal background clearance.
• Successful and/or clear drug screening.
• Proof of CPR, First Aid certification, and TB test within two weeks of hire.
• Valid Food Handler’s Permit.
• WA DCYF Safe Sleep Training compltion.
• Maintain current immunizations and attend all required trainings.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Strong communication, collaboration, and classroom management skills.

• Commitment to the well-being and holistic development of all children.

• Ability to model professionalism, ethical conduct, and cultural humility.

• Familiarity with child development, inclusive practices, and family engagement.

• Ability to remain calm and exercise sound judgment in emergencies.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:  Building Administrator or designee

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Workplace accommodations may be provided in accordance with CLS Tribal policy.

• Employees may be required to sit or stand for extended periods and perform tasks involving reaching, talking, hearing, bending, stooping, twisting, squatting, kneeling, and fine motor coordination.
• This position may require regularly lifting or moving up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds, with appropriate assistance or equipment as needed.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is primarily performed in an indoor educational environment with moderate noise levels. Employees may work in and/or proximity to classrooms, students, and standard office or instructional equipment. Conditions may vary based on program needs.

SOVEREIGN IMMUNITY NOTICE:

Chief Leschi Schools operates under the authority of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. Employment is governed by Tribal law and policy and does not create a contract of employment. Nothing in this job description or related materials shall be construed as a waiver of CLS’s or the Tribe’s sovereign immunity.

INDIAN PREFERENCE & EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT:

Chief Leschi Schools is an equal opportunity employer operating under the authority of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. Employment decisions are made in accordance with Tribal law, including applicable Indian preference requirements. Chief Leschi Schools provides employment opportunities without unlawful discrimination as defined by Tribal policy and aligns with applicable federal requirements where expressly required under law or the State-Tribal Education Compact. Nothing in this statement shall be construed as a waiver of CLS’s or the Tribe’s sovereign immunity.

Salary : $27 - $38