Teacher ( Pre- K)

About the Role

Perform a variety of early childhood development and teaching activities; develop and implement lesson plans for children and perform technical tasks related to assigned areas of responsibility. This is a safety-sensitive position subject to random drug/alcohol testing.

Responsibilities

• Plan and provide appropriate activities to develop the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive abilities of young children; continually assess the progress and needs of each individual child.
• Develop and arrange indoor and outdoor environments to facilitate learning and enjoyment; provide safe and healthy environments; conduct inspections and clean facilities as needed.
• Assist in the review of applications for admission to the program; maintain enrollment capacity; update waiting lists; record attendance of employees and children; collect enrollment fees.
• Administer minor first aid and make emergency contacts as needed; complete accident reports on injuries to children and staff.
• Visually examine children for potential health problems, child abuse, neglect, and communicable diseases; take appropriate courses of action.
• Participate in food distribution activities including breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks; record meal counts and maintain menu book.
• Maintain and update accurate and detailed records of student performance, progress, attendance, enrollment, and injuries as required by federal, state, and local regulations.
• Schedule and conduct parent conferences, workshops, and home visits; discuss student performance and recommend performance plans as needed.
• Ensure the general maintenance and cleanliness of assigned child development center facilities and equipment; maintain adequate levels of supplies for classroom activities.
• Respond to public inquiries in a courte manner; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve complaints efficiently and timely.
• Serve as liaison between the assigned child development center and elementary schools, family advocates, and other community groups.
• Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of child development instruction.
• Participate in home visitation activities as required.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in elementary education, early childhood education, child development, family studies, or liberal studies; and one (1) year of classroom teaching or student teaching practicum experience, preferably in early childhood development.
• Degrees in other disciplines are considered related if the transcript reflects eighteen (18) passing (C or better) credit hours in:
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Early Childhood Program Administration
  • Family, Infant Toddler Studies
  • Child Development
  • Early Childhood Special Education
  • Early Childhood Multicultural Education
• Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver’s License, or the ability to obtain by date of hire.
• Possession of a City Operator’s Permit (COP) within six (6) months from date of hire.
• Possession of a Child Development Associate (CDA) or a New Mexico Child Development Certificate (CDC) within six (6) months from date of hire.
• Possession of a valid CPR certificate within six (6) months from date of hire.
• Possession of a valid First Aid certificate within six (6) months from date of hire.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.

Working Conditions

• Classroom environment; exposure to communicable diseases and noise; visits to the homes of program participants.
• Physical requirements include maintaining physical condition necessary for walking, standing, or sitting for prolonged periods; moderate or light lifting up to 50 pounds.