Early Childhood Teacher

Position Summary

Under direct supervision of the Early Childhood Program Manager ensures that the children in the Tamaya Learning Center receive appropriate physical, nutritional, social, emotional and developmental education as well as care in accordance with best practices and established rules and regulations.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

·     Supports and supervises all children enrolled in the Tamaya Learning Center.

·     Prepares and implements intentional lesson plans that are developmentally appropriate, culturally relevant and meet the needs of all children in the classroom. 

·     Prepares materials and supplies needed for daily activities.

·     Organizes and participates in all daily activities. 

·     Engages with children at all times to increase social and language skills.   

·     Guides children in exploring their interests, building self-confidence and building self-esteem.

·     Promotes healthy eating, the importance of resting, promotes daily physical activity, promotes and models age-appropriate hygiene practices and encourages toileting when appropriate.

·     Helps children develop habits of Self-help skills and builds a classroom community. 

·     Maintains daily health and safety routines and standards according to established policies and procedures including daily health checks, classroom cleaning and sanitizing and proper     

     handwashing.

·    Records each child’s progress and growth through weekly authentic documentation and assessment.

·    Completes Parent-Teacher Conferences 3 times annually. 

·    Meet required deadlines for lesson plans, trainings, reporting and assigned checklists. 

·    Maintains a safe classroom and playground environment. 

·    Provides classroom management and redirection as necessary. 

·    Communicates with parents daily via the approved communication application, in person and on the phone.

·    Completes annual health and safety trainings as well as completes required trainings as assigned. 

·     Maintains daily progress reports, activity logs, and accident/incident/illness reports

·    Assists in maintaining educational and activity calendars including the planning of field trips and family events.

·    Assists in the serving of meals to include Breakfast, Lunch, Snack and water breaks throughout the day. 

·    Assists in preparing food and cleaning the areas as well as children after meals.

·    Follows mandated reporter requirements and reports any indication of abuse or neglect.

·    Maintains professional knowledge by attending meetings, conferences, trainings, and educational workshops.

·    Maintains confidentiality of all privileged information.

·    Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required.

·    Performs other duties as required.

 Minimum Qualifications:

 High School Diploma or GED plus two years experience in caring for children; or equivalent combination of education and experience. The willingness to continue education including the New   Mexico Entry Level Course, and Child Development Certificate (CDC) within two years of hire. 

 Fluency in the Keres language preferred.

 Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment drug/alcohol screen and background investigation including a motor vehicle check.  Must possess and maintain a current valid New Mexico 

 Driver’s License.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Certifications:

·     Knowledge of early childhood education and child development.

·     Knowledge of Santa Ana Pueblo traditions, language, history and culture.

·     Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

·     Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with co-workers at all levels.

·     The ability to represent the organization in a professional manner, building respect and confidence.

·     Ability to maintain confidentiality.

·     Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

·     Ability to carry out instructions furnished in verbal or written format.

·     Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

·     Ability to demonstrate excellence in, and continually seek improvement in results.

·     Ability to obtain a Food Handlers certification.   

·     Ability to become certified in CDA, First Aid and CPR.