Job Description

Organization Background

Heather's Happy Days Daycare is situated under Divine Konnections Inc (DKI), a nonprofit organization in Duluth, MN. DKI seeks to transform the lives of BIPOC youth and young adults through affordable housing and a strong circle of support. Founded and led by Deyona Kirk, a BIPOC woman dedicated to community transformation, DKI empowers young people and families while inspiring them to give back and uplift others, creating a lasting cycle of care and connection.

Position Summary

Heather's Happy Days Daycare will be a newly licensed multicultural childcare center that provides early care and education to youth ages 6 weeks up to the day before Kindergarten. The Daycare hosts an Infant Room, Toddler Room, and Preschool Room and is open from 7:30am - 5:30pm. We are committed to providing individualized early learning though an educational environment that is relationship-centered and meets the basic physical and human social needs of each child.

The Daycare is seeking an experienced Asssitant Teacher who is dedicated to implementing culturally-responsive lesson plans and strengthening their leadership and teaching skills. The position will support licensing preparation, classroom set-up, and curriculum development. The Lead Teacher will be responsible for co-creating an inclusive and healing-en classroom that fosters early learning, joy and curiosity, and a deep sense of belonging for students and their families.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions

Manage the day-to-day operations of a preschool classroom, including:

1. Classroom Leadership & Management

Provide daily care and supervision to a group of Infants / Toddlers / Preschoolers Guide and mentor Teacher's Aides / Float Teachers Adhere to safety guidelines and health policies, ensuring compliance with licensing regulations Maintain documentation, reporting, and record-keeping, including daily logs and attendance sheets
2. Curriculum, Teaching, & Learning Environment

Implement lesson plans and provide opportunities for learning by implementing a play-based, child-led, and culturally-responsive curriculum Observe, assess, and document students' development and adjust teaching and materials as necessary Implement a welcoming classroom aligned with licensing, safety, and trauma-informed care principles Implement identity-affirming routines that support secure attachment, wellness, and all mind-bodies
3. Collaboration & Family Engagement

Co-create individualized learning and care plans with parents/caregivers, re-evaluating and making changes as needed Communicate regularly with parents/caregivers and gather feedback through classroom materials, daily interactions, emails, and conferences Participate in and/or help facilitate, parent/caregiver workshops, community and cultural events, meetings, and orientation activities Provide families with resources and tips regarding parenting strategies and youth development

Skills & Strengths

Early Childhood Learning & Development Teaching & Classroom Management Problem Solving & Conflict Resolution Intrapersonal & Interpersonal Creative & Imaginative

Qualifications & Experience

Divine Konnections is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from individuals of all races, ethnicities, faiths, gender identities, sexual orientations, and life experiences, particularly those with lived experience relevant to our work.

Required:

At least 18 years old High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent Minimum 1 years experience as a Assistant Teacher with Infants / Toddlers / Preschoolers in a professional, community-based, or family setting Must be able to meet Minnesota DHS Rule 3 Early Childhood Asssitant Teacher Qualifications and pass a background check Basic understanding of childcare center licensing laws and regulations Commitment to Educational Freedom, Equity, & Justice Experience working with diverse populations
Preferred:

Current CPR / First Aid Certification Degree, Certification, or Coursework in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Family Studies, Social Work, or closely related field BIPOC candidates strongly encouraged to apply

Benefits (health, dental, vision, life insurance, PTO, HSA) are available for all full-time employees.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $19.00 per hour

Expected hours: 10 - 20 per week

Benefits:

Paid time off
Application Question(s):

Have you worked with, or alongside, diverse populations?
Experience:

Assistant Teaching: 1 year (Required)
License/Certification:

Infant / Child CPR & First Aid Certification (Preferred)
Work Location: In person