TCC Lead Teacher

Job Description: The Moapa Band of Paiutes (MBOP) Tribal ChildCare program assists eligible Native American/Alaskan Native families in Clark County by providing access to high-quality, low-cost childcare. Our goal is to enhance the availability of affordable, high-quality childcare in Southern Nevada. MBOP Tribal ChildCare is funded by the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. This act consolidated funding for childcare under Section 418 of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. § 6180] and made such funding subject to the requirements of the Child Care and Development Block Grant. Our mission is to offer safe, supportive, high-quality cultural and educational childcare services to Native American/Alaskan Native families, both on and off the Moapa Reservation. We aim to provide a healthy childcare experience that fosters each child's social, emotional, and cognitive growth. The MBOP Tribal ChildCare program operates a Tribally Operated Center located on the Moapa Reservation and offers a 12-Month Certificate subsidy program for childcare provided by In-Home Providers, exempt programs, before/after school programs, and licensed centers throughout Clark County.

MBOP Tribal ChildCare is seeking a dedicated and experienced educator who will take a leadership role in the classroom. This individual will oversee instructional processes, develop curriculum, assess student progress, and ensure high-quality learning experiences for all children. The role also requires strong communication with parents and administration, serving as a guiding force for both teachers and children within the assigned grade level or subject area.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Leadership & Reporting:

Supervise and ensure the safety and care of children at all times

Direct and organize TCC Staff-related tasks with minimal supervision

Maintain a sanitized, organized, and safe classroom/playground environment

Assit with preparing monthly, quarterly, and annual reports on childcare operations

Assist with investigation reports (SCAN) as needed

Follow program regulations, policy and procedures, and health/safety guidelines.

Curriculum & Instruction:

Ensure that directives are being followed due the implementation of schedules, routines, and activities in accordance with program guidelines.

Develop, plan, organize, and implement developmentally appropriate practices based on the individual and collective needs of enrolled children.

Develop and implement daily lesson plans that promote learning through play and exploration by providing a variety of developmentally appropriate activities to support growth in all areas: physical, social, emotional, and cognitive.

Classroom Management & Child Development:

Supervise, guide, and model appropriate behavior and teaching techniques for TCC Staff, parent/guardian(s), and volunteers.

Observe and document children’s progress according to developmental milestones, share progress, and collaborate the proper child transitions with the TCC Assistant Director and parent/guardian(s) as directed.

Assist children with feeding, grooming, dressing, napping, hand washing, and toileting.

Evaluate the classroom environment and recommend changes to maintain engagement and support child development.

Manage classroom behavior using positive discipline strategies. Identify and report behavioral or developmental concerns to the TCC Assistant Director.

Demonstrate knowledge or willingness to learn with understanding Individual Education Plans (IEPs) under the direction of a licensed specialist.

Maintain assessment records and complete parent-teacher conferences and transition forms.

Behavior & Safety:

Implement behavior plans designed by mental health specialists and report on effectiveness.

Maintain discipline and supervision of children, ensuring protection from physical punishment or verbal abuse.

Observe children for signs of illness, injury, emotional disturbance, learning disorders, or suspected abuse/neglect and report immediately.

Sit and eat with children during meals to model healthy nutritional habits.

Family & Community Engagement:

Collaborate with paraprofessionals, school readiness coaches, and family advocates to involve children and encourage parent participation.

Attend regular parent-teacher meetings to address any issues, concerns, or parent/guardian complaints with the TCC Assistant Director.

Coordinate with special service providers to ensure integrated support for children with special needs.

Administrative & Professional Development:

Maintain classroom inventory and supplies.

 Ensure all the TCC Staff abide by deadlines and standards for submissions for our procurement process.

Ensure confidentiality of all personnel, child, and family records.

Attend mandatory Professional Development Days, other CCDF related training sessions, teleconferences, conferences, workshops, and program events.

The ability to complete all required program documentation, newsletters, and reports.

Perform related duties as assigned by the TCC Assistant Director approved by the TCC Upper Management.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

All employees of MBOP Tribal Child Care are designated mandatory reporters under applicable state, federal, and tribal laws.

Demonstrates a genuine passion for working with young children, exhibiting a nurturing, compassionate, and professional demeanor while remaining attentive to their individual needs.

Possesses strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with Tribal Child Care Staff and partnering professionals.

Capable of building positive, trust-based relationships with children and their parent(s)/guardian(s) to effectively advocate for each child’s well-being and development.

Has experience working with Native American/Alaska Native Tribal communities and demonstrates cultural respect, awareness, and sensitivity.

Proficient in Microsoft 365 applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive, and Microsoft Teams; experience using Teaching Strategies and ProCare classroom software is required.

Maintains a general understanding of program standards and the pace of administrative and regulatory processes.

Demonstrates knowledge of educational principles, child development, and early learning frameworks, including current research related to early brain development.

Familiar with early childhood assessment tools, as well as established health and safety practices.

Skilled in implementing developmentally appropriate practices and responding effectively to children’s diverse and evolving needs.

Able to collect, analyze, and interpret data to support informed decision-making and program improvement.

Exhibits strong oral and written communication skills.

Proficient in the use of technology for data management, documentation, and reporting.

Demonstrates sound problem-solving abilities and critical-thinking skills.

Minimum Education and/or Experience Qualifications:

Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening and a comprehensive background check.

Must have tuberculosis (TB) clearance and COVID-19 vaccination, or demonstrate a willingness to obtain required documentation.

Must obtain and maintain valid CPR and First Aid certification (or be willing to obtain upon hire).Must obtain and maintain a valid Food Handler’s Card or Food Manager’s Card (or be willing to obtain upon hire).

High school diploma or GED is required.

Preferred: Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Public Health, Early Childhood Education, or possession of a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or an Associate of Arts (AA) degree in a related field.

Preferred: Minimum of one (1) year of classroom experience working with preschool-aged and/or infant and toddler-aged children.

Must be physically able to lift and carry children weighing up to forty (40) pounds and actively participate in classroom and outdoor activities.Willingness to complete CCDF-required training within the first ninety (90) days of employment.