The posting
Division: Education
Reports to: Naagaanizid Gekinwaa’amaaged (Lead)
Worksite: Maajiigin
LLBO Status: Non-exempt
Safety Sensitive: Yes
License/Certification Requirements: Adult, Child and Baby First Aid/CPR certification.
Summary: In a team environment, works to create a respectful learning and working atmosphere while providing care for infants and toddlers. Receives mentorship, training and experience to build necessary skills. Develops a nurturing relationship with each child. Collaborates with Maajiigin team to expand and deepen both Ojibwe language and cultural skills. Responsible to continue to attain and impart Ojibwe-Anishinaabe knowledge, values, and language to families, children, and staff.
Education Requirements and Experience:
High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (G.E.D) is required.
CDA, Early Childhood Certificate or Diploma is preferred, or must be able to obtain within two of years of employment.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
Experience working with Infant & Toddler children.
Demonstrated love of small children.
Commitment to Ojibwe-Anishinaabe worldview.
Possess an understanding and sensitivity and passion to work with Anishinaabe children, families and communities.
Ability to establish and maintain positive, trusting and supportive relationships.
With increasing frequency and skill, speak Ojibwe. Ojibwe language proficiency preferred.
Demonstrates increasing knowledge and practice of Ojibwe-Anishinaabe lifeways and practices.
Active learner.
Native American preference.
The ability to handle diverse work problems is required.
Requires the ability to set priorities and work schedule.
Be flexible with time, adaptable to various environments and a self-starter.
Able to manage time & resources well and to work effectively with minimal supervision.
Excellent attendance and punctuality are necessary.
Must be able to use a computer to develop documents, charts and letters.
Must be able to pass the Leech Lake Licensing Standards.
Good communication skills.
Supervisory Duties:
None.
Duties/Responsibilities:
Administration
Utilize Anishinaabe principles to guide decisions in all aspects of programming.
Create space for language revitalization by speaking and learning Ojibwe.
Maintain positive work atmosphere by modeling and communicating in a manner that fosters good relations with children, families, co-workers and community members.
Treat children, families, co-workers and the public in a respectful and courteous manner at all times.
In cooperation with Maajiigin team, ensure a positive working climate.
Be knowledgeable of and comply with Maajiigin and LLBO policies, the Leech Lake Child Care Licensing Requirements and the Child Care Services Policies and Procedures.
Be knowledgeable of and work towards Maajiigin program plan, vision and mission.
With team, maintain each child’s file.
With team, complete all required daily, monthly and annual paperwork and reports.
With team, complete and follow learning plans (lessons).
With team, set, review and update Ojibwe language goals.
With team, monitor supplies and follow procurement process as necessary.
With the utmost discretion, maintain the confidentiality our children, families and colleagues at all times.
Attend all mandatory meetings and trainings as required.
Complete special projects and other duties as assigned.
Ojibwe Language
Actively build Ojibwe language skills.
Attend all scheduled Ojibwe learning sessions.
Increasingly utilize Ojibwe as the language of communication with children, families and colleagues.
Set achievable individual, team and learning environment language goals.
Evaluate progress toward goals regularly.
Participate in language assessment.
Regularly share Ojibwe language support and resources with families.
Provide Ojibwe language mentorship where applicable.
Ojibwe-Anishinaabe Worldview
Utilize Ojibwe-Anishinaabe worldview and practices in the learning environment, with families and colleagues.
Actively attend programming to deepen cultural perspective and understanding, some programming may take place outside of regular child care hours.
Learning Environment
Approach programming, teaching and learning from an Ojibwe-Anishinaabe lens.
Utilize Ojibwe culture and language to structure daily activities and routines.
Work with mentor to build early childhood best practice skill base.
Utilize developmentally appropriate practices and guidance.
Use reflective practice to improve skills and assess effective practices in the learning environment.
With team, assess and document each child’s development through regular observations and reflection.
With team, develop routines, daily activities and learning plans (lesson) responsive to each child’s observed development interests, learning style, and goals and aligned with Early Childhood Indicators of Progress/Minnesota Early Learning Standards (ECIPs).
Develop an understanding of how children learn language.
Actively engage with children. Build a consistent, respectful and nurturing relationship with each child.
Actively incorporate outdoor activities daily.
Maintain a safe, nurturing and sanitary learning environment where each child’s needs are lovingly met in a timely manner.
Participate in the development of behavior support plans, as necessary, for individual children that include parent input.
Outdoor Learning
Utilize the outdoor environment, including Megwayaak daily, year-round.
Incorporate outdoor learning and nature play in regular routines and learning plans.
Communicate with families our commitment to outdoor learning and what gear their child needs to have successful experiences.
Incorporate garden experiences as part of outdoor learning.
Program Development
Regularly reflect and contribute to Maajiigin team efforts to make overall program improvements.
Families
Build ongoing relationships with families. Welcome families into the learning environment.
Develop regular communication.
Share Ojibwe language materials and learning goals with families.
Regularly share observations with families about their child’s activities, interests and development.
Participate in and plan family engagement activities.
Professional Development
Participate in annual training as required by licensing attend ongoing in-service training.
Identify professional development goals and collaborate with Maajiigin team to create a plan to reach those goals.
Submit monthly reflective practice.
Receive ongoing mentorship as part of the training program.
CACFP
Follow CACFP procedures and policy including documentation and tracking.
Be knowledgeable of CACFP requirements.
Attend and or conduct all mandatory meetings and trainings as required.
Maintain confidentiality and professional ethics at all times.
Travel in and out of the state on a possibly regular basis.
Understanding and sensitivity to Native American culture.
Adhere to policies governing staff conduct.
All other related duties as assigned.
Physical Requirements:
A physical is required biannually and TB test is required every 5 years.
Subject to random drug testing.
Requires sitting, standing, bending, stooping, crawling, lifting, hiking, climbing, running and reaching with manual dexterity sufficient to address the needs of infants and toddlers.
Be physically fit to work with children 0 – 4.
Be able to lift 50 lbs three times or more and use proper body mechanics.
Ability to be outdoors year-round.
