Preschool Substitute Teacher

About the Role

You will provide temporary classroom coverage and support the implementation of a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for children ages 0-5 in the HELP NM Early Childhood Development (ECD) Program. You will assist with daily routines, classroom activities, transitions, meals, rest time, outdoor play, and active supervision while helping maintain consistency in the absence of regular teaching staff.

You will work as part of the center-based team to support children’s school readiness and overall development, while following all state and federal regulations, including the Head Start Program Performance Standards, the Head Start Act, New Mexico childcare licensing requirements, and HELP NM ECD Policies and Procedures. You must actively supervise children by sight and sound at all times, maintain health and safety practices, and support safe indoor and outdoor learning environments.

Responsibilities

• Provide temporary classroom coverage for children ages 0-5.
• Support the implementation of a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment.
• Assist with daily routines, classroom activities, transitions, meals, rest time, and outdoor play.
• Maintain active supervision of children by sight and sound at all times.
• Follow state and federal regulations, including Head Start Program Performance Standards and New Mexico childcare licensing requirements.
• Support children’s school readiness and overall development as part of a center-based team.
• Maintain health and safety practices in indoor and outdoor learning environments.

Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or willingness to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Some experience working or volunteering with young children (preferred).
• Bilingual English/Spanish (preferred).
• TB test or Chest X-ray.
• New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) Background Clearance.
• First Aid/CPR Certified or willingness to obtain within the first 6 months of employment.
• Food Handlers card (must obtain upon hire).

About Us

Help New Mexico (HELPNM) was created in 1965 by the interdenominational New Mexico Council of Churches to support education in their community. Today, their legacy and impact carry on through HELPNM’s work as a fully-owned subsidiary of CPLC. The Office of Learning and Academic Opportunity (OLAO) provides services to children and families from birth to eight years of age, focusing on education, health, and social/behavioral development. OLAO combines programming for children and adults to strengthen family units and build stable families.

You are conscientious and caring, able to respond quickly and soothingly to children’s needs. You are creative, planning and interacting with children to promote motor, language, social, cognitive, perceptual, and emotional growth. You maintain open, friendly, and cooperative relationships with each child and family.