LEAD TEACHER

Fairbanks Native Association; Fairbanks (AK); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Fairbanks Native Association is seeking a dedicated Head Start educator to provide developmentally appropriate services to infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in an Alaska setting. You will oversee comprehensive services for children and families, mentoring staff and ensuring compliance with Head Start and licensing regulations.

The role emphasizes collaborative family engagement, culturally responsive planning, and maintaining safe, healthy classroom environments.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of curriculum and learning styles for early childhood.
• Ability to report to work in a timely manner.
• Proficiency with computer software for administrative tasks.
• Sensitivity to Alaska Native cultures and settings.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Customer service skills for educators and families.

Responsibilities

• Plan daily activities through lesson planning and integrate health, safety, and family partnerships into curriculum.
• Mentor and coach classroom staff to meet Head Start and licensing regulations.
• Maintain a safe, healthy classroom environment and involve parents in activities.
• Attend staff meetings, trainings, and essential program activities.
• Recruit families and build positive relationships with families served.

Skills

Curriculum knowledge

Punctuality

PC skills

Cultural sensitivity

Multitasking

Oral & written comms

Teamwork

Customer service

Education

BA in ECE

CDA Credential

2 years experience

Three references

CPR/First Aid

Job description

This position will provide safe, healthy, developmentally appropriate Head Start services to infants, toddlers, and/or preschoolers. Overseescomprehensive services to the child and family. Provide lead mentoring and coaching to classroom staff. Provide leadership when mentoring and coaching individual classroom staff to meet FNA, Head Start, and Child Care Licensing regulations. May be assigned to ride the bus as a monitor.

JOB DUTIES

• Plans a schedule of daily activities through lesson planning; integrating child health and safety, early childhood development, child mental health, and family and community partnerships into the creative curriculum.
• Uses a team approach to develop activities individualized to meet the child's needs.
• Develops classroom activities that reflect the specific cultural and ethnic backgrounds of the children, as well as individualize them based on needs.
• Maintains a safe, healthy, and positive learning environment.
• Involves parents in educational activities to enhance their role as the primary educators of their children
• Advises an appropriate supervisor of social service issues, health, and educational concerns.
• Attends staff meetings, family staffing, training, and other scheduled activities.
• Adheres to all State childcare licensing regulations, including the Head Start Act of 2007.
• Participates in monthly fire drills, ensuring children, volunteers, and all classroom staff know appropriate drill procedures.
• Assists Health Specialists and Family Advocates with gathering pertinent information such as dental and medical follow-ups.
• Communicates with families, both written and oral, providing periodic informational flyers to parents.
• Cleans classroom every day, including putting supplies in proper places, and cleaning and sanitizing surfaces and toys.
• Acts as a positive role model for children, especially about respecting the feelings and rights of others
• Follows program procedures for reporting child abuse and neglect.
• Participates in the recruitment of families to encourage enrollment of their child(ren) into the program(s).
• Develop consistent, stable, and supportive relationships with families served, while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Maintain confidentiality of family records and information.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITY

• Knowledge of curriculum, various content areas, and learning styles is critical to making decisions related to educational planning.
• Ability to report to work in a timely manner.
• Skill in operating personal computers utilizing a variety of computer software.
• Understanding and sensitivity to diverse cultures and lifestyles, and ability to work effectively with Alaska Native populations.
• Skill in managing multiple priorities and tasks concurrently and meeting deadlines.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative and respectful working relationships with children, parents, supervisors, and other employees.
• Ability to work independently as well as with a team.
• Strong customer service skills, with the ability to effectively present instruction, and/or information to students, staff, parents, administrators, and the public.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education & Experience)

• BA degree in Early Childhood Education or equivalent.
• Current CDA Credential or willingness to acquire one within a year of hire if not an Early Childhood Education Degree and actively working towards a SEED Practitioner Level 10.
• Two (2) years of experience working in an Early Childhood or Head Start Program.
• Three references demonstrating positive experiences working with or caring for children.
• Current Pediatric CPR/First Aide or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (Education & Experience)

• Four (4) years of experience working in an Early Childhood or Head Start Program.

Notice: All employment at the Fairbanks Native Association (FNA) is “at will.” This means the employee or FNA may terminate employment at any time and for any reason. Unless specified in writing, no duration of employment is expressed or implied for this position. Your signature indicates that you have read this Job Description and understand the essential functions of and qualifications for the job.