Dakota Language Nest Preschool Teacher

The Child Development Laboratory School (CDLS) is seeking a Lead Teacher for the Dakota Immersion and Language Nest classroom. 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. The classroom consists of children from all backgrounds and identities following the policies and philosophy of CDLS and the University. This includes establishing a learning environment that is inclusive and developmentally age-appropriate, a focus on Dakota language and culture, developing an emergent curriculum (see "UMCDLS Learning Philosophy" for UMCDLS's definition), supervising, and monitoring child development, providing high-quality care, maintaining classroom materials, first aid, and daily health checks. The Teacher also supports and advances the program's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The Dakota Language Preschool Teacher works in collaboration with the Program Director (Supervisor) and an Assistant Teacher(s) to plan and implement a high-quality, responsive, enriching, and supportive learning environment that is respectful of each child's background, development, and needs. The weekly curriculum and learning experiences are rich with relational experiences designed to support the development of a range of social, emotional, self-help, language, literacy, cognitive, and motor skills and should align with the Work Sampling and MN Early Childhood Indicators of Progress-ECIPS (Infant, Toddler, and Preschool).

This position is based on campus. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures. This position is for 40 hours per week, 9-months per year. 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.

Bargaining unit consideration begins on October 1, 2026 and ends on October 7, 2026.

This is a 9-month, 30 hours per week / 0.75 FTE position. No overtime or weekend work.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Job Responsibilities:

Classroom Leadership (40 %)

• Establish and 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).
• Implement Dakota language and cultural teachings to children and families.
• Maintain familiarity with diverse dialects of Dakota/Lakota/Nakoda language, but maintain focus on the Minnesota dialects of Dakota.
• 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).
• Participate in ongoing reflection (monthly and yearly) on the evaluation of the program and personal professional development, aligning with performance and job responsibilities.

• Supporting student employees in the classroom and sharing feedback with their supervisor.

Curriculum (20 %)

• Participate in planning and implementing emergent curriculum for children in a developmentally appropriate and inclusive environment.
• Plan and implement a consistent daily visible schedule of routines and activities.
• Uses small groups, reflective practice, and observations for planning and implementing learning experiences.
• Plan and implement curriculum, centering the educational work with children on their emerging interests and their learning in relationship with others, following the UMCDLS Learning Philosophy.
• Develop the child's role as an integral member of their learning community through developing the child's self-image and competence.

• Prepare materials required for daily instruction for the children, ensuring they meet MN DHS licensing and NAEYC accreditation standards.

Documentation and Assessments (10 %)

• Through authentic observation, assess individual children's learning and development using the assigned assessment tool, Work Sampling, per MN DHS licensing and NAEYC accreditation standards.
• Complete and maintain accurate documentation for "Work Sampling" compliance with the NAEYC standards, and anecdotal records on children.
• Review assessments and documentation of children's learning to revisit, reflect, and extend emergent curriculum, investigations, and small group explorations.

• Update and extend documentation to reflect children's work, processes, questions, and dialogues between teacher-to-child and child-to-child, with encounters, investigations, and projects.

Communication (10 %)

• Regularly communicate parent, child, and/or staff issues with the Program Director (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).

Family Engagement (10%)

• Work with parents to facilitate their children's development.
• Establish a positive relationship with families and communicate with families about their child's experience at school.
• Establish effective partnerships with parents and reciprocal processes of communication on a regular basis. 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 a year a formal overview of the child's learning experience and progress within the classroom community.
• Provide support for families learning the Dakota language and culture.

• Maintain records on each child's progress and development.

Mentorship and Supervision (5%)

• Mentor University students from a variety of backgrounds, communities, and identities, as needed.
• Work with a team to develop curriculum and training materials for Early Childhood and/or Dakota language teachers.

• Provide support in the classroom for the assistant teacher or classroom support staff.

Miscellaneous Duties (5%)

• Participate as a member of the Child Development Laboratory School staff by being actively engaged in staff meetings.
• Assist with administrative tasks as assigned.
• Foster positive relationships with partner organizations, including Dakota language programs.
• Participate in department, staff, University, and external professional development opportunities.
• Follow the NAEYC Code of Ethics.
• Assist with regular cleaning and organizing of shared storage, kitchen, and outdoor spaces.
• Assist with research projects as needed.

Required:

• 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 Teachers, 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.
• BA/BS in Education or a related field and 3 years of related early childhood experience.
• Proficient in Dakota language (ACTFL Advanced Low or higher).

Preferred:

• 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.

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).

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the University's third largest college, 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 life. 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.

Pay Range: $24.57 - 25.06/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

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

The University 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

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

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.

Required application materials: cover letter and 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 jobcentr@umn.edu.

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

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.

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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.