Job Identification:

• Position Summary:

The Master Teacher is responsible for providing a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment that supports children's growth and school readiness. Under the direction of the Director of Childcare, the Master Teacher plans and implements curriculum, supervises classroom activities, mentors classroom staff, and ensures compliance with all applicable licensing regulations, policies, and procedures. The Master Teacher must maintain positive relationships with children, families, and staff, possess knowledge of child development and age-appropriate practices, and be willing to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) to operate a school minibus. The individual serving in this position will support the mission of the O-Gah-Pah Learning Center and Downstream Learning Center by providing high-quality childcare in a safe and supportive environment.

The mission of the O-Gah-Pah Learning Center and the Downstream Learning Center is to provide exceptional quality childcare by embracing the best research and knowledge of child development and health, to assist children in developing a firm foundation that will sustain them in becoming contributing adults in tomorrow's society, and to comfort parents by providing their children with a safe, supporting environment.

3. Essential Job Functions: 

• Maintain constant supervision of children in care, overseeing all activities to encourage participation and ensure safety.
• Continuously circulate throughout the classroom and activity areas to assist children and ensure safety.
• Provide guidance and support to children when social or academic adjustments are needed or when out-of-control behaviors occur. 
• Use appropriate positive interactions when addressing discipline concerns.
• Interact with all children in a nurturing and friendly manner, using a calm, in-control tone of voice, addressing each child by name, making eye contact, and using appropriate physical guidance (e.g., a hand on the child’s shoulder or elbow, holding the child’s hand, etc.).
• Treat each child and parent/guardian with respect.
• Provide a well-balanced daily schedule that includes both active and quiet activities.
• Develop and implement lesson plans, including at least five (5) weekly activities based on the Director’s curriculum. 
• Prepare and organize lesson materials and ensure teaching aids are properly stored after use.
• Maintain appropriate communication with staff, parents/guardians, and children.
• Maintain a classroom environment that is age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate for each child, including those with special needs.
• Adhere to all Department of Human Services (DHS) regulations, OLC/DLC policies and procedures, Quapaw Nation policies and procedures, and all applicable parent policies and procedures.
• Administer medications in accordance with policies and ensure appropriate documentation is completed by the parent/guardian.
• Maintain close communication with the Director of Childcare regarding children with special needs.
• Provide daily written communication to parents/guardians regarding each child’s activities and progress.
• Maintain a consistently professional demeanor.
• Attend staff meetings and participate in recommended training, workshops, and conferences.
• Perform daily housekeeping duties (e.g., sweeping, vacuuming, sanitizing toys).

4. Non-essential Job Functions: 

• Attend meetings, seminars, workshops, and training sessions as required to support professional development and program objectives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

5. Job Specifications: 

      Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) as required.
• Ability to obtain a favorable adjudication certification within 90 days of hire.
• Must successfully pass a tribal background investigation and drug screening.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and qualify under the Quapaw Nation Motor Vehicle Policy.

Experience: 

• Two years of childcare experience or experience working with children is preferred.
• Level 4 Professional Development Ladder (PDL) is preferred.

Education:

• Certificate of Mastery in Early Childhood Education or Child Development from an accredited Oklahoma college or university;
• Current Child Development Associate (CDA) or Certified Childcare Professional (CCP) credential;
• Four-year degree from an accredited college or university with at least six (6) college credit hours in Early Childhood Education (ECE), Child Development (CD), or related coursework supporting work with children;
• Two-year or four-year degree from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education or Child Development;
• Occupational Childcare Competency Certificate for a Master Teacher or Lead Teacher through an Oklahoma technology center, along with three (3) months of satisfactory full-time experience in a licensed or legally exempt childcare setting;
• Thirty (30) college credit hours from an accredited college or university, including at least twelve (12) credit hours in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related coursework supporting work with children.

To meet the educational requirements as stated, the employee agrees to begin obtaining CDA, CCP, Cert. of Mastery, college credit hours in child development after 90 days of hire date (may be delayed with director’s approval on a case-by-case basis). The time frame does not include the 20 hours required by the Department of Human Services, which is 20 hours of training in the first 90 days.

Physical Abilities:

Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and perform tasks that require reaching above shoulder level.

Ability to push, pull, squat, kneel, bend, and safely lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

• Ability to climb and maneuver safely within and around outdoor playground equipment.
• Visual acuity sufficient to perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Manual dexterity and coordination required to grasp, manipulate, and handle objects.
• Ability to travel occasionally for meetings, training, seminars, and professional development activities.

6. Working Conditions:

• Work is performed primarily in a childcare setting with frequent interaction with children, families, and staff.
• Must maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity while working in a diverse environment.
• Requires participation in both indoor and outdoor activities in varying weather conditions.
• May be exposed to childhood illnesses and routine cleaning and sanitizing materials.
• Must be able to respond quickly to children's needs and emergency situations to ensure a safe and secure environment.
• Occasional travel may be required for training, meetings, workshops, or other program-related activities.

6. Disclaimers: 

This job description encompasses and describes most but not all tasks and responsibilities of the job. The management reserves the right to change the nature of the job and the job description with or without warning, as well as to give special consideration to circumstances related to the essential job functions on a case-by-case basis. The incumbent may be required by the management to perform other duties as assigned.

This job description does not constitute a contract for employment and may be changed at the discretion of the employer. PLEASE NOTE: Hiring preferences in the following order will be provided to qualified members of the Quapaw Nation followed by spouse and caregivers of Quapaw Nation members and then other federally recognized tribes. The Quapaw Nation requires a designated candidate to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen, criminal background check and confirmation of professional references.

*The Quapaw Nation will not observe a medical marijuana card for any position deemed safety sensitive in accordance with the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana and Patient Protection Act (Unity Bill).