Early Childhood Ojibwe Immersion Educator

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION: Early Childhood Ojibwe Immersion Educator

LOCATION: Red Cliff Early Childhood Center

WAGE: Negotiable

SUPERVISOR: Red Cliff Early Childhood Center Director

THIS IS A REGULAR FULL-TIME NON-EXEMPT POSITION

JOB SUMMARY: Serve as co-educator for an Early Head Start classroom of 8 children using Creative Curriculum through the medium of Ojibwe language. Creative Curriculum has been translated from English to Ojibwe. This position will be responsible for co-planning and co-implementation of a learning environment immersed in language and culture while providing high quality educational experiences instilled with Anishinaabe values of honesty, respect, sharing, kindness, love, wisdom and humility. Must ensure the safety and well-being of children at all times. Co-educators will share all responsibilities within their classroom and will build relationships in an environment of nurturing and sharing with all children. Educators must be able to have open communication with co-workers and management regarding daily operation of classroom and child/parent needs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Expectation is to utilize Ojibwemowin at all times with children and co-educator(s) within the classroom. Step outside the classroom if a conversation with staff/parents is needed in English.

2. Maintain confidentiality of all child’s and family information and records.

3. Plan and implement age-appropriate lesson plans which provide a variety of activities designed to enhance social, emotional, physical, cognitive and intellectual development.

4. Promotion of safe, attractive and stimulating physical environment for children while establishing and maintaining consistency.

5. Reinforce positive self-imaging, pride and cultural identity with children during at all times.

6. Mealtimes with children will be in a family setting with at least one educator, preferably both, sitting at the table engaging in conversation with the children. Children are encouraged, but not forced, to eat or taste. When age appropriate, encourage self-help and independence skills by involving them in set up and cleanup activities.

7. Maintain accurate daily records on attendance, daily intake, medical log and children’s eating/sleeping/toileting information for distribution in child file and to parents as well as other required forms.

8. Maintain and document all contacts with parents. Develop and maintain a professional relationship with parents of children enrolled in program.

9. Assist the family, child and other relevant staff in developing an Individual Family Services Plan (IFSP) if there are any special needs children.

10. Positive child guidance techniques will be utilized by all staff when needed.

11. Must attend and participate in all staff meetings and any other meetings as requested and/or job-related training as required. In addition, must maintain continuing education as determined by the ECC Center Director, Assistant Director and/or ECC Education/Abilities Manager.

12. When appropriate, refer families to ECC Family Services or Red Cliff Wrap Around services.

13. Notify supervisor in advance of any known absences you will have. Educators are responsible for arranging their own qualified substitute in their absence.

14. Adhere to all Early Childhood Center policies and procedures and ensure federal Head Start Performance Standards and State of WI Group Child Care Licensing Regulations are being met.

15. Must be able to work a flexible schedule to help meet the needs of children, families and other staff.

16. The above duties and responsibilities are not an all-inclusive list but rather a general representation of the duties and responsibilities associated with this position. The duties and responsibilities will be subject to change based on organizational needs and/or deemed necessary by the supervisor.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY: None

KNOWLEDGE:

1. Knowledge of the uniqueness of the Red Cliff Community is desired.

2. Must have knowledge and experience in child guidance and child development or be willing to learn.

3. Knowledge of Microsoft Office is necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Must be at least 18 years old and have completed high school or equivalent as determined by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

2. CDA, AA degree, or BA degree in Early Childhood Education preferred or willingness to obtain.

3. Ojibwe language proficiency in order to stay in Ojibwemowin throughout the day is required.

4. Must have at least 240 hours of classroom experience in a licensed group child care center or other approved early childhood setting (must provide proof of hours) OR

a. Have the ability to obtain 240 hours within the first 6 months of employment.

5. Must have completed the following courses: , , and , or the state approved equivalent of these courses. OR

a. Have the required education as determined and set forth by the State of Wisconsin prior to being in this position. (See DCF-P-66 Child Care Teacher for a complete detailed list here.)_ OR_

b. Must complete the listed courses above . Paid training is available to meet this requirement.

6. Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with staff, parents, community members and other support systems in the best interest of the child is required.

7. Ability to work outside of traditional work hours, 7:00am -5:30pm

PERSONAL CONTACTS: Daily collaborative professional relationship with parents and extended families. Contact may be made with the general public, tribal leadership, Program Directors and staff, consultant(s), and the Tribal Community as the need/opportunity arises.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The duties assigned to this position involve bending, stooping, lifting, crawling, sitting on the floor and carrying. Items may be placed in overhead storage or shelving. Must be physically able to work with young children, including a minimum of lifting and putting down up to 50 pounds.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: FBI Fingerprinted at a Field Print Office, health exam (Within 30 days of hire). Complete required training such as Confidentiality, CPR (within first 3 months of employment), Abusive Head Trauma, SIDS, Mandated Reporter, etc.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Primary work environment is in the Red Cliff Early Childhood Center. All Tribal Buildings are smoke free.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: The ability to travel and attend meetings and trainings; overnight and out of town, both locally & nationally.

BEHAVIOR AND ATTITUDE: The vision, goals and objectives of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa requires that the employee performs in both a professional and personable manner. The manner in which the employee relates to fellow employees, customers and visitors is considered parallel in importance to technical knowledge and ability. Respect and consideration given to the dignity of each customer, visitor and fellow employee is a requisite of successful job performance. Any behavior or attitude that tarnishes the name or image of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa will be subject to immediate disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Indian preference will be applied in the case of equally qualified applicants, but all qualified applicants will be considered.

This job description is subject to change at employer’s discretion, after consultation with the employee.

APPLICATION SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS: The following items are required for this position:

1. Completed Tribal Application, to include work history and references, available on the Tribal website.

2. Tribal Background Investigation Disclosure; available on the Tribal website.

3. Consent to Release Liability and Reference Information Form; available on the Tribal website.

4. Resume, required; cover letter, optional.

5. Post-secondary transcripts or certifications; if applicable.

POSTING DATE: July 28, 2025

DEADLINE: Open Until Filled

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

Human Resources Department

88455 Pike Road

Bayfield, WI 54814

www.redcliff-nsn.gov

(715)779-3700

The Red Cliff Tribal Council has a Drug Free Work Place Policy and adheres to the intent of the Drug Free Work Place Act. All new hires are subject to a drug test prior to starting.

All applicants for employment with the Red Cliff Tribe will be subject to the background investigation and other requirements of RCCL Chapter 43, and are under a continuing obligation to supplement this application for employment with information concerning any convictions that occur after commencement of employment with the Tribe.

All Early Childhood Center employees must submit mandatory criminal background check information to Human Resources Department with application. Per WI Department of Children & Families (DCF) Bureau of Early Care Regulation (BECR) memo 2014-3, as of 12-31-16 all licensed child care center employees must complete a fingerprint-based background check prior to employment and repeated as required by the Department of Children & Families. Every year thereafter, a name-based background check through the Department of Justice (DOJ) must be conducted annually or following any conviction occurring after commencement of employment.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person