Preschool Teacher at Kenaitze Indian Tribe in Kenai, Alaska

Job Description:

Preschool Teacher
Revision Date: 5/17/2022
Department: Education
Employment Status: Full-Time
Program: Early Childhood Center
FLSA Status: Exempt
Reports To: Preschool Coordinator
Schedule: 40 Hours/52 Weeks
Supervises: N/A
Preference: TERO Ordinance 2017-01, P.L. 93-638

Job Summary
The Preschool Teacher's main responsibility is to create a positive and enriching environment which promotes the growth and development of up to 20 children and their families. Preschool Teachers maintain on-going communication and contact with families while working in collaboration with other program components (health, nutrition, family services, and mental health) to integrate educational goals and developmentally appropriate practices into the family setting. Preschool Teachers encourage the health and well-being of each child by following performance standards. In addition to social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development, Preschool Teachers prepare children for a successful transition into the public school system.
Essential Functions
Collaboratively develops and utilizes developmentally appropriate lesson plans which reflect mandated elements; component work plans; parental and cultural influences; social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of children; and the eight domains and outcomesMaintains accurately written records and data entry in database systemFollows a consistent schedule which includes small and large group experiences, Dena'ina language, choice time, music and movement, large and small motor activities, skill development, meals with children in family style, effective activity transitions, social skills curriculum (Project Achieve-Stop & Think)Responsible for classroom management; child/staff ratio; guiding and mentoring Preschool Classroom Aide, Roving Aides and volunteers during class and on field trips; and delegation of responsibilities to team members according to their abilities, development, and skills to ensure that all classroom activities are conductedPlans field trips within the community, and various cultural trips as appropriateEncourages and schedules regular parent volunteers in classroom; regular Parent Committee activities/meetings; and planned family events which may require working occasional eveningsParticipates in training, professional development, and regularly scheduled team meetings to plan for and deliver collaborative services which may require working evening and weekendsPlans and facilitates the development of Family Partnerships Agreements (FPA) with parents of students through establishment of mutual trust relationships and the identification of family strengths, goals, needed services, and supportAssists families in achieving goals by coordinating support services, making contacts with agencies, providing transportation resources, and scheduling appointmentsConducts a minimum of two home visit per school year with each family; may conduct other home visits for purposes of assessment and support, and to share information on parenting, educational strategies, and classroom progressEnsures compliance with Tribal, federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, Tribal policies and TERO ordinance
It is the intent of this job description to highlight the essential functions of the position; however, it is not an all-inclusive list. The incumbent may be called upon and required to follow or perform other duties and tasks requested by his/her supervisor, consistent with the purpose of the position, department and/or the Kenaitze Indian Tribe's objectives.
Working Conditions
Lifting Requirements
Medium work - Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Physical Requirements
Stand or Sit (Stationary position)Walk (Move, Traverse)Use hands/fingers to handle or feel (Operate, Activate, Use, Prepare, Inspect, Place, Detect, Position)Climb (stairs/ladders) or balance (Ascend/Descend, Work atop, Traverse)Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl (Position self (to), Move)Talk/hear (Communicate, Detect, Converse with, Discern, Convey, Express oneself, Exchange information)See (Detect, Determine, Perceive, Identify, Recognize, Judge, Observe, Inspect, Estimate, Assess)Taste/Smell (Detect, Distinguish, Determine)Pushing or PullingRepetitive Motion
Hazards and Atmospheric Conditions
Exposure to FumesChemical HazardsWetNoise
OSHA Categories
Category II - Normal routine involves no exposure to blood, body fluid or tissue, but exposure or potential for exposure may occur
Travel
LocalIn-State
Qualifications
Education
Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field; or a combination of education and experience may substitute for a degree
Experience
Three (3) years of experience in a preschool setting
Preferred
Knowledge and experience with Head Start child development program and performance standardsKnowledge and experience with the Creative Curriculum, DECA P-2, Teaching Strategies GOLD, DIAL 4, and USDA-Child and Adult Care Food ProgramKnowledge and experience working with cultural diversities
License/Certification
Pediatric/Adult CPR and First Aid Certification (or obtain within 30 days of hire)State of Alaska Food Worker Card (or obtain within 30 days of hire)Must have a valid Alaska State driver's license and must remain insurable under the Tribe's policy
Special Skills
Ability to develop developmentally and culturally appropriate curriculum and materialsAbility to implement, track, and collect data for outcome-based curriculum and goalsExperience with computerized data management systemsExcellent oral and written communication skillsAbility to guide and mentor employees, colleagues, and volunteers Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, or obtain training within 90 days of hireAbility to work independently as well as collaboratively Conducts business in a service-oriented manner that is attentive, pleasant, respectful and kind when dealing with un'ina, visitors, co-workers and others
This position is a Covered Position subject to all requirements of the Alaska Barrier Crimes Act (ABCA) and to the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act, (ICPA). ABCA and ICPA requirements apply and must be complied with at all times in order to remain in the position.