Early Learning Center Nurse

Job Code:  29-1141

Salary: $27.29 – $41.03           

Department:  ED – Early Learning Center

Location:  Early Learning Center (ELC)

Status: Non-Exempt, Full-time

Reports To: Quality Assurance Manager 

Telecommute: No

Fleet: No

Mandated Reporter: Yes

Background: PL 101.60

SUMMARY:  Under the general direction of the Quality Assurance Manager, the ELC Nurse plays a vital role in promoting the health and well-being of children ages 0–5, staff, and families. This position integrates pediatric nursing expertise with early childhood development principles to ensure a safe, healthy, and inclusive learning environment. Is responsible for the planning, development, implementation, continuation, monitoring and improvement of the Early Learning Center health and disabilities portion of programming.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

• Adhere to all policies, standards, and procedures as dictated by Tribal Personnel Policies, NYS OCFS Child Care Licensing Regulations, the ELC Behavior Management Plan, the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct, Head Start Program Performance Standards, PL102-477 regulations and all other applicable regulations pertaining to health, safety and sanitation.
• Provide direct nursing care to children, including first aid, medication administration, and chronic condition management (e.g., asthma, diabetes).
• Conduct health screenings (vision, hearing, growth assessments) and monitor immunization compliance.
• Collaborate with families, educators, and health professionals to develop individualized health plans (IHPs) and emergency action plans.
• Support infection control practices and respond to communicable disease concerns.
• Educate staff and families on health topics such as nutrition, hygiene, mental health, and developmental milestones.
• Maintain accurate health records in compliance with state and federal regulations (e.g., Head Start, NYS DOH).
• Assist in emergency preparedness and response protocols.
• Maintain documentation of care, observations and findings. Maintain medical records as dictated by the policies and procedures of the center.
• Establish guidelines for infection control and provide information to staff as needed and specified by program guidelines.
• Update and review Infection Control and the Health Care Plan as needed with staff along with submitting the Health Care Plan to OCFS annually.
• Keep up-to-date and track all staff health trainings, along with tracking all child physicals, immunizations and dental visits and reach out to parents when these are missing or coming due.
• Provide guidance to all staff with regard to dietary restrictions, emergency procedures and routine medical care for the children.
• Track TB staff testing and ensure all staff are up to date on an annual basis.
• Establish and conduct Health Advisory Committee Meetings, on a regular basis as outlined in the Head Start Performance Standards.
• Maintain accurate records and inventory and follow the ELC policy on ordering.
• Offer/provide parent education/workshops throughout the year.
• Assist with all reports in Health, Safety, and Disabilities.
• Assist with screening all incoming children.
• Assist the Education and Disabilities Coordinator in making contacts with the LEA for evaluations as needed and attend CPSE meetings.
• Works with SRMT Health Services dedicated medical oversight professional to ensure practicing within scope of practice, clinical consultation, review and approval of nursing procedures and incident debriefings.  
• Other job duties as assigned.

MANDATED REPORTER:  Must become a mandated reporter prior to having contact with the children in the job-related capacity and maintain that status throughout employment. This includes completing any necessary training and adhering to all reporting obligations as defined by application laws and tribal policies.  

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: This position does not require supervision of employees.

Qualification Requirements: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Due to the sensitive nature of information obtained, must maintain strict confidentiality at all times.

Knowledge of child care and Head Start guidelines is preferred. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Current NYS RN license in good standing AND
  • Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from an accredited institution AND
  • Two (2) years of nursing experience, preferably in pediatric, public health, or school settings. 

OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES: Strong oral and written communication skills required. Must have computer skills including Microsoft programs. Willingness to become Certified to teach CPR/First Aid/AED training and MAT Trainings. Knowledge of Mohawk language and traditions is preferred.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS: 

• Exhibit a friendly and courteous manner while maintaining a high level of professionalism in relationships with children, families, visitors, colleagues, other staff members, management, and community members.
• Positively deal with crisis situations. Deal with hostile, aggressive persons or situations.
• Be aware and sensitive to the needs that may arise when handling stressful and demanding circumstances.  Immediate debriefing will be made available.
• Assist in maintaining a safe working environment in the ELC.
• Promote a positive image of the ELC and foster a climate of respect and integrity.

REASONING ABILITY:

• Ability to implement regulations that govern programs for young children; acknowledging that all staff will cooperate to implement a program that far exceeds minimum regulations.
• Ability to ensure that the rights and needs of children are the highest priority, while also recognizing the needs of other family members.
• To provide needed human and financial resources that will benefit families and children.
• To contribute to the ongoing review, evaluation and modification of services as needed by the community, families and children.
• To provide information about the services of the program to the community and to engage staff in cooperative problem solving, planning and continuing evaluation of themselves and the program.

The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe strives to be an equal opportunity employer dedicated to the policy of non-discrimination based on race, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, physical disability, veteran status or any other non-job-related factor. The SRMT will give preference to the qualified native applicant.
 

The successful candidate must pass a test for illegal substances prior to employment being confirmed. 
 

The successful candidate must pass a criminal background check prior to employment.