Teacher-Head Start

Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation; Wapato (WA); On-site; USD 46,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation seeks a Teacher for Head Start in Wapato. The position manages a classroom of up to twenty children aged 3–5, delivering developmentally appropriate instruction under Head Start Performance Standards.

The role requires training in early childhood education, strong knowledge of child development, and commitment to culturally responsive teaching, family engagement, and collaboration with staff and specialists.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education and two years of teaching experience.
• Knowledge of WA ECE Guidelines and Head Start Standards.
• Experience with culturally responsive teaching and Yakama language integration.
• Ability to engage families and coordinate with specialists.
• Follows Head Start Performance Standards and related policies.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate lessons for 3–5 year olds.
• Deliver high-quality, culturally responsive classroom instruction.
• Collaborate with specialists, coordinators and consultants to provide integrated services.
• Lead family engagement activities and conduct regular parent conferences.
• Supervise teacher assistants and substitutes as needed.
• Maintain health, safety and record-keeping per program guidelines.

Skills

Early childhood development

WA ECE guidelines

Head Start standards

Culturally responsive teaching

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Classroom management

Family engagement

Education

Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education

Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education (preferred)

Job description

Teacher

Head Start

Department of Human Services

Hourly Wage: $22.17-$24.97/Regular/Full-Time

Location: Wapato

Closing Date: 10-16-26

The Teacher plays a vital role in providing comprehensive services to children and families within the Yakama Nation Head Start Program. With responsibility for a classroom of up to twenty children between the ages of three to five, this position requires professional training and coursework in early childhood education. A deep understanding of child development and the principles of early childhood education is essential for success in this role. The primary objective is to deliver high-quality educational and related services to young children and their families. All work is performed in strict compliance with the Head Start Performance Standards, placing a strong emphasis on early childhood education, health, special services, child safety, nutrition, family services, and mental health. Collaboration with colleagues and other stakeholders is essential to ensure the seamless delivery of integrated services that promote the holistic development of children and families. By creating engaging and developmentally appropriate learning experiences, fostering positive relationships, and supporting families, the Teacher contributes to the overall growth and well-being of the children and the community.

Examples of Work Performed:

• Reviews Yakama Nation Head Start program mission, values, and policies with staff, volunteers, and families.
• Utilizes culturally responsive teaching strategies, by incorporating the Yakama Language and Culture into instructional practices, providing explicit instruction and modeling to children.
• Implements culturally relevant activities and materials that reflect the community's heritage and traditions, fostering a sense of cultural pride and identity among the children.
• Demonstrates commitment to the program mission, values, and policies in performance of daily duties.
• Follows all applicable federal, state, local, and tribal policies, regulations, and procedures.
• Ensures compliance with applicable policies, procedures, and regulations governing a Head Start classroom.
• Utilizes culturally responsive teaching strategies by incorporating the Yakama Language and Culture into instructional practices.
• Implements culturally relevant activities and materials that reflect the community's heritage and traditions, fostering a sense of cultural pride and identity among the children.
• Develops and implements an appropriate learning environment for up to twenty children, ages three to five.
• Implements the use of developmentally appropriate research-based curricula.
• Prepares and implements appropriate lesson plans in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards and applicable guidelines.
• Provides appropriate instruction to children in all developmental domains.
• Engages in regular communication and collaboration with specialists, coordinators, and program consultants to ensure the seamless delivery of services and support.
• Actively participates in team meetings, sharing insights, and contributing to the development of individualized plans for children with diverse needs.
• Provides instruction and direction to teacher assistants and substitutes during classroom activities.
• Establishes and maintains positive, productive, and collaborative relationships with staff, peers, and parents.
• Demonstrates leadership skills while serving as a role model.
• Participates in parent committee meetings and activities.
• Participates in family/parent engagement and education activities.
• Schedules and conducts regular parent conferences.
• Makes regular home visits to each child's home.
• Assists with educational transition activities for children.
• Communicates effectively with other staff, including specialists, coordinators, and program consultants, to ensure appropriate services and support is provided.
• Assists with recording, collecting, and maintenance of center in-kind records.
• Prepares and maintains required daily and monthly activity reports using appropriate forms.
• Ensures classroom meets all applicable health and safety standards.
• Participates in program data collection and entry.
• Participates in program self-assessment activities.
• Participates in professional development activities to establish and/or maintain employee qualifications.
• Performs other assigned duties.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Early Childhood Development theories/practices.
• Knowledge of Washington State Early Learning and Development Guidelines.
• Knowledge of Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Frameworks
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards.
• Knowledge of the Yakama Nation Personnel Policy Manual and procedures.
• Knowledge of the Creative Curriculum
• Knowledge of Teaching Strategies Gold Assessment System
• Knowledge of the Classroom Learning Assessment Scoring System (CLASS).
• Knowledge of ChildPlus database systems.
• Ability to maintain standards of professionalism in terms of confidentiality.
• Ability to adhere to applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to maintain standards of professionalism in dress, appearance, attitude, presentation, and work ethic.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with individuals or groups.
• Ability to operate a computer, tablet, smartphones, copiers, faxes, laminator, and multi-media devices.
• Ability to effectively and efficiently organize all position duties and responsibilities.
• Ability to be flexible in work schedule and assignments.
• Ability and willingness to participate in staff development activities.
• Ability to endure long periods of standing, walking, stooping, and kneeling.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to use hands and fingers to handle, feel, and/or operate objects and equipment.
• Ability to handle constant noise during children's activities for long periods of time.
• Skilled in the ability to instruct a classroom of children from ages 3-5.
• Skilled in classroom and behavioral management in a classroom setting.
• Skilled in communication and collaboration with students, families, and staff.

Minimum Requirements:

• Associate of Arts Degree (in Early Childhood Education or equivalent to a major/specialization) and two years of experience in the education field.
• Must have experience working with young children.
• Preference given to current or former Head Start Parent(s) who meet qualifications.
• Must be able to manage confidential information.
• Must follow Yakama Nation and YN Head Start Code of Conduct/.
• Must have current First Aid/CPR care or able to obtain one within 6 months of hire.
• Must have current food handler's card or able to obtain one within 6 months of hire.
• Must pass a pre-employment background check.
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License with the ability to obtain a Yakama Nation Driving permit.
• Required to pass a pre-employment drug test.
• Enrolled Yakama Preference, but all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Preferred Requirements:

• Preferred Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, or related field (with Early Childhood Education credits equivalent to a Major/Specialization).