COOK INLET TRIBAL COUNCIL, INC. 

Job Title:Teacher Apprentice

Department:Clare Swan Early Learning Center (CSELC)

Reports To:Staff Development Manager

Supervises:None

FLSA Status:Non-Exempt

Pay Grade:N2

Job Type:Temporary, Full-Time

AKBCU: Yes           ICPA: Yes

General Functions:

The Teacher Apprentice participates in Clare Swan Early Learning Center's Teacher Training Program, designed to train, mentor, and support individuals pursuing careers in Early Childhood Education. Through active classroom instruction and hands-on learning experiences, this position works toward meeting requirements and guidelines for the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Working in partnership with our people, the Teacher Apprentice develops opportunities that fulfill our endless potential by supporting quality early childhood education for Alaska Native and American Indian children. The role requires dedication to professional growth and commitment to fostering children's optimal development across all domains.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Fulfill all requirements established by the CDA Council to earn the Child Development Associate credential, including completing 120 hours of formal instruction and 480 hours of classroom experience.
• Develop a comprehensive professional portfolio, participate in observation conducted by a local Professional Development Specialist, and successfully pass the CDA exam.
• Assist teachers in planning and preparing materials for both individual and group learning activities across all developmental domains.
• Support children in engaging with age-appropriate learning experiences including social-emotional, cognitive, language and literacy, gross and fine motor skills development.
• Implement and monitor positive strategies that support effective classroom management and promote each child's optimal development.
• Apply basic child assessment practices, effectively communicate educational progress with parents, and develop individualized care plans for children.
• Maintain regular and consistent attendance to remain in good standing and on track with program requirements.
• Actively participate in discussions and remain engaged during direct instruction hours.
• Participate in program activities with children, both one-on-one and in group settings, as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality according to regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Perform all related duties as needed and assigned.

Job Specifications:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Flexible and adaptable to shifting priorities and needs.
• Demonstrated ability to foster feelings of security and trust in infants, toddlers, and preschoolers by providing warmth, support, and comfort.
• Ability to maintain composure in a sometimes stressful and fast-paced work environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision as well as collaboratively within a team.
• Ability to understand and apply concepts learned during direct instruction effectively within the classroom.
• Proficient with computers including word processing, email communication, internet resourcing, spreadsheets, and childcare management software.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the social, health, educational, training, and cultural needs of the Alaska Native and American Indian community.

Minimum Core Competencies:

CITC Values, Respectful Leadership, Professionalism, Emotional Intelligence, Problem Solving/Critical Thinking, Communication Skills.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Continued employment is contingent upon completion of satisfactory state and federal fingerprint criminal background check.
• Must be eighteen (18) years of age or older.
• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Must provide copy of current Health Report.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Former or current Head Start Parents are encouraged to apply.

Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Frequently be physically active without getting tired, including active play and activities.
• The ability to be on your feet for long periods of time.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds frequently, by utilizing proper lifting techniques and working in a safe manner.
• Able to get up and down off the floor with ease, including kneeling, bending, squatting.
• The ability to wear the appropriate PPE.
• Frequently exposed to bodily fluids.
• Possible exposure to noise, and contaminants such as cleaning solvents.
• Routinely exposed to outdoor conditions including inclement weather.

Disclaimer
The information provided in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by incumbents within this job. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and working conditions required of employees assigned to this job. Management has sole discretion to add or modify duties of the job and to designate other functions as essential at any time. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract.