Job Purpose/Summary
The Daycare Teacher will provide a safe, nurturing, and culturally enriched environment where children can grow socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually. This role is especially focused on incorporating Indigenous values, traditions, and teachings into daily activities, helping children develop a strong sense of identity and community. The role involves supervising children, engaging them in age-appropriate activities, ensuring their well-being, and fostering their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Supervision and Safety:
Ensure the safety and well-being of children at all times.
Maintain a clean, organized, and child-friendly environment.
Monitor children during indoor and outdoor activities.
Follow all safety protocols and procedures.
Child Development:
Plan and implement age-appropriate lessons, activities, and play-based learning experiences that promote physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development.
Encourage positive behavior and manage challenging behaviors using appropriate techniques.
Support children’s emotional and social development by encouraging positive behavior, problem-solving, and self-expression
Support children in developing self-help skills, such as dressing and eating.
Engagement and Interaction:
Engage children in creative play, arts & crafts, storytelling, & other educational activities.
Foster a positive and inclusive, and culturally respectful classroom environment where each child feels valued and respected.
Incorporate Indigenous traditions, storytelling, language, and cultural practices into daily routines
Communicate effectively with children, understanding their individual needs and responding appropriately.
Communication with Parents and Guardians:
Provide regular updates to parents and guardians about their child’s progress and any concerns.
Build positive relationships with families, offering support and advice as needed.
Coordinate with parents regarding children’s schedules, dietary needs, and any special requirements.
Record Keeping and Administration:
Maintain accurate records including attendance, incident reports, and developmental observations.
Ensure compliance with state and local regulations regarding childcare.
Adhere to licensing regulations, organizational policies, and health/safety standards
Assist in preparing and serving snacks and meals according to dietary guidelines.
Professional Development:
Participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
Stay informed about best practices in early childhood education and care.
Collaborate with colleagues to share knowledge and improve the quality of care provided.
Collaborate with other teachers, staff, and program leaders to create a holistic wellness environment for families.
Other duties as assigned or required to fulfill the mission of Sacred Path.
Experience & Qualifications
Experience working with young children in a childcare, preschool, or similar setting.
Minimum 1 year preschool teaching experience preferred.
Knowledge of child development principles and age-appropriate practices.
Patience, creativity, and a genuine love for working with children.
Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Additional education in early childhood education:
Fully Qualified Teacher
12 core semester units in early childhood education/development semester units,
(1) Principles and Practices in Early Childhood Education
(2) The Child, family, and Community
(3) Early Childhood Curriculum
(4) ECE/Child Development
Infant, Child, Adult CPR & First Aid Certification
Live Scan Fingerprint Clearance
TB test with Physicians Form completed
Proof of Pertussis, Measles, & Influenza Immunizations
Previous experience working with young children in a childcare, preschool, or early education setting.
Knowledge of child development and age-appropriate practices.
Strong communication and teamwork skills.
Commitment to Indigenous values, traditions, and community wellness.
Must pass a background check and meet all childcare licensing requirements.
Completed 15 hours of health and safety training.
Completed mandated reporting training.
License/Certifications
CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
Patient Care and Customer Service
Deliver exceptional customer service to children and their families, addressing inquiries, concerns, and complaints in a timely and compassionate manner.
Resolve any issues related to patient care or service delivery and escalate matters as necessary.
Communication/Interpersonal Skills
Interact with people in a professional and respectful manner, both verbally and in writing.
Some key skills in this area include active listening, clear verbal/written communication, empathy, compassion, cultural humility, conflict resolution, problem-solving, collaboration, time-management, advocacy, resilience, adaptability and adhering to ethical standards such as confidentiality.
Technology Skills
Must be able to use a computer or laptop to complete needed tasks for the job.
Excel, Word, Google Workspace, appropriate software.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date records, ensuring data accuracy, security, and adherence to privacy regulations to safeguard sensitive information.
Position Qualification Preferences
Experience working with the American Indian/Alaska Native community.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are typical of those an employee will encounter while performing the primary functions of this job. Work is typically performed in a childcare center, and may involve exposure to childhood illnesses and frequent noise levels. Additionally, the position will include:
Indoor classroom setting with outdoor playtime.
Schedule may vary depending on program needs (some evenings or weekends may be required for community events).
Physical Demands
The physical demands described are typical of those required by an employee to perform the primary functions of this job successfully. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk frequently, sit, twist, talk, and hear. Ability to lift and carry children and equipment up to 40 pounds. Capable of prolonged standing, bending, and kneeling. Able to participate in physical activities with children, both indoors and outdoors. Specific vision abilities required by this job include reading, distance, computer, and color vision. Talking and hearing are essential to communicate with children, families and staff.
Mental Demands
There are various deadlines associated with this position. The employee must also multi-task and interact with many people on a variety of issues that are, at times, very complicated.
Performance Expectations
In the performance of their respective tasks and duties, all employees of Sacred Path are expected to conform to the following:
Uphold professional ethics and confidentiality in handling sensitive information and maintaining privacy.
Adhere to all relevant policies, procedures, and regulations, ensuring compliance with childcare and social service industry standards and best practices.
Interact in an honest, trustworthy, and dependable manner with children, families, employees, and vendors, keeping in mind the primary purpose of child care and safety.
Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity
Demonstrate proficiency in the essential job duties and responsibilities, consistently meeting or exceeding performance targets and quality standards.
Other Requirements
Eligible to work in the United States
Pass fingerprint clearance
Maintain annual negative TB test results on file
Pass a post-offer drug test
Possess & maintain a reliable vehicle with valid CA driver’s license & active auto insurance
Flexibility in working hours to accommodate the needs of the childcare center, including possible early morning or late afternoon shifts.