Early Childhood Ojibwe Immersion Educator

Early Childhood Ojibwe Immersion Educator

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:

• 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.
• Maintain confidentiality of all child's and family information and records.
• Plan and implement age-appropriate lesson plans which provide a variety of activities designed to enhance social, emotional, physical, cognitive and intellectual development.
• Promotion of safe, attractive and stimulating physical environment for children while establishing and maintaining consistency.
• Reinforce positive self-imaging, pride and cultural identity with children at all times.
• 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.
• 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.
• Maintain and document all contacts with parents. Develop and maintain a professional relationship with parents of children enrolled in program.
• Assist the family, child and other relevant staff in developing an Individual Family Services Plan (IFSP) if there are any special needs children.
• Positive child guidance techniques will be utilized by all staff when needed.
• 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.
• When appropriate, refer families to ECC Family Services or Red Cliff Wrap Around services.
• Notify supervisor in advance of any known absences you will have. Educators are responsible for arranging their own qualified substitute in their absence.
• 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.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule to help meet the needs of children, families and other staff.
• 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:

• Ojibwe language proficiency in order to stay in Ojibwemowin throughout the day is required.
• Knowledge of the uniqueness of the Red Cliff Community is desired.
• Must have knowledge and experience in child guidance and child development or be willing to learn.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office is necessary.

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years old and have completed high school or equivalent as determined by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
• CDA, AA degree, or BA degree in Early Childhood Education preferred or willingness to obtain.
• Ojibwe language proficiency in order to stay in Ojibwemowin throughout the day is required.
• 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 Have the ability to obtain 240 hours within the first 6 months of employment.
• Must have completed the following courses:
  Introduction to Child Care Profession, Skills and Strategies for Child Care Teacher, and Fundamentals of Infant and Toddler Care, or the state approved equivalent of these courses. OR Have the required education as determined and set…