PRIMARY TEACHER

Fairbanks Native Association; Fairbanks (AK); On-site; USD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Fairbanks Native Association seeks a dedicated Head Start professional to deliver developmentally appropriate services for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in a culturally resonant setting.

You will mentor classroom staff, coordinate with health coordinators, and ensure safety and confidentiality in daily activities while partnering with families to support children's learning journey.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; CDA or equivalent credential.
• ECE-related associate degree or higher preferred; degree progression encouraged.
• Two years of experience in Early Childhood or Head Start advised.

Responsibilities

• Plan daily activities with lesson plans aligning health, safety, and development.
• Collaborate with staff to tailor activities to individual needs.
• Engage families and provide regular progress updates.
• Maintain safe, clean, and supportive classroom environments.
• Adhere to licensing regulations and participate in trainings.

Skills

Curriculum knowledge

Punctuality

Computer skills

Cultural sensitivity

Multitasking

Oral and written communication

Interpersonal relationships

Independent and teamwork

Customer service

Education

High school diploma with CDA or equivalent

Associate in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or equivalent

Bachelor's degree in ECE (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

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 mentoring and coaching to classroom staff in collaboration with the Lead Teacher. 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 curriculum.
• Use a team approach to develop activities individualized to meet the child's needs.
• Develop 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.
• Attend staff meetings, family staffing, training, and other scheduled activities.
• Adheres to all State Childcare Licensing regulations.
• Participates in monthly fire drills, ensuring children, volunteers, and all classroom staff know appropriate drill procedures.
• Assists the Health & Nutrition Coordinator 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 on time.
• 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.
• Skills 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 teams.
• 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)

• To work with children ages zero to three (0 - 3), applicants must have a high school diploma and a CDA Credential or the equivalent.
• To work with children ages three to five (3 - 5), applicants must have a high school diploma, an Associate’s in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or the equivalent, and be actively working towards a bachelor's degree in ECE.
• Two (2) years of experience working in an Early Childhood or Head Start Program.
• Three (3) references demonstrating positive experience working with or caring for children.
• A combination of experience, education, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may substitute for degree requirements.
• Current Pediatric CPR/First Aid or the ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (Education & Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree in ECE.

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