Dakota Language Preschool Teacher

About the Job

Position Overview

The Child Development Laboratory School (CDLS) is seeking a full-time (40 hours/week) Lead Teacher for the Dakota Immersion and Language Nest classroom. Under the direction of the Preschool Program Director, the lead teacher participates in establishing and maintaining a safe, organized classroom at the CDLS. This includes participation in the planning to establish a learning environment that is inclusive and developmentally age-appropriate. The lead teacher will carry out daily activities and monitor child development by providing high-quality care, maintaining classroom materials, first aid and daily health checks. Housed in the Institute of Child Development at the University of Minnesota, the CDLS provides high-quality early care and is a training site for university students majoring in early childhood education.

This position is responsible for a classroom in the Dakota Language Immersion Classroom

• The Wahohpi. This position will participate in staff development opportunities, support a welcoming classroom environment for researchers to conduct observations and participant testing, and support and advance the school's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Occasionally, the lead teacher will host a university practicum student who will observe the classroom setting.

A key responsibility of this position is to actively support and advance the University's commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. This position will support the Institute of Child Development's commitment to anti-racism.

This position is based on campus at the Child Development Laboratory School. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures. The University offers employees total rewards with meaningful benefits, including medical and dental, life insurance retirement savings, flexible spending accounts, tuition benefits, and an award-winning Wellbeing Program. This position is a 9-mo academic year appointment, with additional hours in the summer available.

This position is represented by the AFSCME Union, Locals 3937 & 3801. The hours are M-F, between 7:45 a.m.

• 4:30 p.m. The work location is near the Minneapolis campus. Per UMN policy, work may be done remotely when appropriate and approved by your manager. The minimum starting pay for this position is $22.06.

Job Responsibilities

Classroom Management (80%)

• Implement Dakota language and cultural teachings to children and families.

• Maintain familiarity with diverse dialects of Dakota/Lakota/Nakoda language but maintain focus on Minnesota dialects of Dakota.

• Provide support for families learning the Dakota language and culture.

• Participate in planning and implementing emergent curriculum for children in a developmentally appropriate and inclusive environment .

• Under the guidance of a Program Director, maintain an inclusive, professional and safe learning space for children of all backgrounds, identities, abilities and developmental stages in compliance with MN DHS licensing and NAEYC accreditation standards, as well as relevant federal laws (e.g. USDA, ADA/IDEA, EOAA).

• Utilize approved techniques, such as small groups, reflective practice, and observations, to plan and implement learning experiences.

• Under the guidance of a Program Director, plan and implement curriculum, centering the educational work with children on their emerging interests and their learning in relationship with others.

• Under the guidance of a Program Director, assess individual children's learning and development using the prescribed assigned assessment tool, in accordance with MN DHS licensing and NAEYC accreditation standards.

• Utilize approved techniques, develop the child's role as an integral member of their learning community through developing the child's self-image and competence.

• Under the guidance of a Program Director, prepare materials required for daily instruction for the children, ensuring they meet MN DHS licensing and NAEYC accreditation standards.

• Conduct daily checks of the environment; assign, monitor, and follow up on the health and safety of the children and ensure the supervision of children are within sight and sound as per NAEYC and MN DHS Licensing (indoors and outdoors).

• Maintain and secure the confidentiality of information and records regarding staff, children, and families as mandated by the U of MN (e.g. FERPA, MN DHS-Licensing, MN Dept. of Ed., NAEYC accreditation and USDA, HIPAA and ADA).

Communication (10%)

• Under the direction of the Program Director, establish effective partnerships with parents and reciprocal processes of communication regularly. Maintain open verbal and written communication with parents regarding child development, behavior issues, parent education, and other child-related issues.

• Provide parents with ongoing informal and, twice annually, a formal overview of the child's learning experience and progress within the classroom community.

• Escalate parent, child, and/or staff issues to the Program Director as needed (i.e., concerned parents, a child's behavior problems, or an employee's performance issues).

• Regularly communicate and collaborate with fellow teachers (e.g. assistants as child(ren) transitions to different classrooms).

Professional Development (5%)

• Attend CDLS staff meetings.

• Participate in scheduled CDLS-wide professional development training sessions, workshops, retreats, etc.

• Participate in ongoing reflection (monthly and yearly) on the evaluation of the program and personal professional development aligning with performance and job responsibilities.

• Attend early childhood education conferences as a participant, as available.

Pre-Service Teacher Training and Support Academic Research (5%)

• Work with a team to develop curriculum and training materials for Early Childhood and/or Dakota language teachers

• Host university practicum students in the classroom, as needed, by allowing them to observe teacher-child interactions.

• Report concerns of university practicum student interactions in the classroom to the Program Director.

• Host university research studies in the classroom, as needed, by supporting naturalistic observations to occur.

• Report concerns of university researcher interactions in the classroom to the Program Director.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• A combination of education, and teacher experience that meets State of MN State Human Services Licensing Act, Rule 3 (9503.0032) requirements for Child Care Teacher, such as a high school diploma or the equivalent, at least 24 quarter credits (16 semester credits) in early childhood education from an accredited post-secondary school, and 4,160 hours as an assistant teacher. See https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/9503.0032/ for additional qualifications.

• Have or be willing to obtain within 90 days, 8 hours of approved first aid training and Infant CPR.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with children and families from all backgrounds and identities.

• Pass background fingerprint study and reference verification that meets the requirements of the State of MN State Human Services Licensing Act, Rule 11.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficient in Dakota language (ACTFL Advanced Low or higher).

• Experience in providing daily care, developmentally appropriate education, and supervision of young children from a variety of backgrounds, identities, and communities.

• Ability to observe children and adapt curriculum based on their developmental needs and interests.

• Effective interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, with people from a variety of backgrounds and identities.

• Demonstrated ability to articulate an understanding of child development and best teaching practices.

• Strong collaboration skills to effectively partner with colleagues, parents, and children in a professional manner.

• Proven ability to work independently, take initiative, and prioritize.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to repeatedly perform each of the following:

• Physically supervise young children, protecting and preventing harm to them.

• Immediately respond to emergencies.

• Visually and aurally observe children in their environment.

• Bend, stoop, stand, reach, squat, sit (on the floor and/or child-size chairs).

• Carry and lift children weighing between 30-50 pounds.

• Push a 4-6 seat stroller while walking with children (infants and toddlers).

All candidates must pass a criminal background check and be free from any history of substantiated child abuse or neglect and have or be willing to obtain within 90 days 8 hours approved first aid training and Infant CPR, demonstrated ability to work effectively with children and families from all backgrounds and identities, and pass background fingerprint study and reference verification that meets requirements of State of MN State Human Services Licensing Act, Rule 11 as a lead teacher.

About the Department

Department Overview:

The Institute of Child Development (ICD) at the University of Minnesota has long been a premier center for scholarship, teaching, and outreach devoted to the understanding and fostering of child development. Founded in 1925, the Institute is one of the oldest departments studying children's development in the United States. From its inception, a key tenet of the department has been to "give away" child psychology. This philosophy has created an environment rich with collaborations, new ideas, and exciting interdisciplinary work. The ICD is housed within the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) and has an undergraduate program within the College of Liberal Arts (CLA).

College Overview:

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the third largest college and University, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of the life span. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That's why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice. https://www.cehd.umn.edu/

Benefits

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off

• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program

• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans

• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts

• University HSA contributions

• Disability and employer-paid life insurance

• Employee wellbeing program

• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity

• Financial counseling services

• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

• To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).