Preschool Teacher Assistant

About the role

Growing futures through play, compassion and creativity. Bring your energy, ideas and heart to our classrooms! The Office of Learning and Academic Opportunity (OLAO) provides services to children and families from birth to eight years of age. Our priority is to provide general services related to families in the areas of education, health and social/behavioral development. OLAO also provides an intentional, coordinated approach to strengthening the family unit and combines programming for children and adults in order to build strong and stable families.

Location: 500 E. Oak Street, Deming 88030

Responsibilities

• Function as a partner in planning and implementing the classroom-learning environment to promote school readiness by preparing children and families for school success and life success.
• Assist and partner with the Teacher in providing high quality developmentally appropriate care and education for children age 3-5 in a center-based classroom.
• In partnership and guidance from the teacher, participate as part of a center based inter-disciplinary team to support the child in all areas of development while providing education, disabilities, health, and social service support to families.
• Abide by all state and federal regulations that apply to care and education of young children including the revised Head Start Program Performance Standards, Head Start Act, and HELP NM ECD Policies and Procedures.
• Actively supervise children by sight and sound at all times and in all environments.
• Maintain all health and safety regulations to create an optimum learning environment.
• Facilitate health practices to keep children safe in all indoor and outdoor environments.

Qualifications

Personal attributes:

• Conscientious and caring, able to respond quickly in a soothing manner to children’s needs.
• Creative individual who can plan and interact with children in activities to promote motor, language, social, cognitive perceptual and emotional growth.
• Effective communicator who can maintain an open, friendly, and cooperative relationship with each child and family.

Minimum qualifications and competencies:

• High School Diploma/GED and Child Development Associate (CDA) or willingness to obtain within 6 months of hire required. Upon completion of CDA, must begin coursework towards completion of Associate degree in Early Childhood Education or closely related field.
• Associate’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 6 months experience working with preschool aged children required.
• Bilingual English/Spanish (preferred).
• Valid Driver’s license and current Auto Insurance.
• TB test or Chest X-ray.
• NM ECECD Background Clearance.
• First Aid/CPR Certified or must obtain within first 6 months of employment.
• Applicants must obtain Food Handlers card upon hire.

Benefits

Comprehensive and competitive suite of benefits for full-time employees:

• Generous Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off & Paid Sick Days
• Medical, Dental, and Vision for Spouse/Domestic Partner & Children to age 26
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Employee Recognition Program
• Tuition Reimbursement for qualifying degrees
• Health Savings Account & Flexible Spending Account
• Free Preventative Services & Wellness Rewards
• Life + Disability options
• Employee Assistance Program
• Telemedicine & Concierge Services
• Pet Care, Life Mart Purchase Discounts
• Mileage & Cell Reimbursement for qualifying roles
• Identity Theft Protection & Voluntary Benefits