Substitute Teacher

About the role

Where every child's voice is heard and every teacher is valued. Where you become family. 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. 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. Be the spark that lights a child's love of learning.

Responsibilities

• 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 ECD Program.
• 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.
• 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.
• Actively supervise children by sight and sound at all times, maintain health and safety practices, and support safe indoor and outdoor learning environments.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED AND Child Development Associate (CDA) or must be willing to work towards obtaining a CDA within 6 months of hire.
• Some experience working or volunteering with young children is preferred.
• Bilingual English/Spanish (preferred).
• 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.

Skills

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