Teacher I - Head Start

Presbyterian Medical Services

1d

About The Position

The Teacher I serves in a Head Start classroom, creating an appropriate social and emotional environment that supports children’s learning and growth. The role provides daily guidance to classroom staff and works with typically and atypically developing children. The employee may be reassigned to different classrooms or centers as needed for program operations.

The position requires one of the listed education or enrollment pathways in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field, along with an eligible early childhood credential or its specified equivalent. Some pathways require obtaining a three-year Office of Head Start waiver upon hire and completing specified degree and Early Childhood Education credit requirements during the waiver period. Prior early childhood experience with children from birth through age five and bilingual English/Spanish or English/Navajo ability are preferred.

The employee must have or obtain First Aid and BLS/CPR certifications within 30 days of hire and keep them current. Staff assigned to infants and toddlers must complete training in safety and effective communication. Employment is subject to required health and TB screening and criminal background checks.

Requirements

• Meet one of the specified education or enrollment pathways: an AA/AAS, BA/BS, or MA/MS in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Multicultural Education, or Child Development; an AA/AAS with 29 Early Childhood Education credits and preschool teaching experience; a BA/BS with 45 Early Childhood Education credits and preschool teaching experience; a non-related BA/BS with admission to Teach for America; participation in Teach for America preschool summer training with ongoing professional development from TFA staff; or enrollment in an educational institution’s AA/AAS or BA/BS program that offers Early Childhood Education courses.
• For the applicable waiver pathway, obtain a three-year waiver from the Office of Head Start upon hire and complete a degree plus 29 Early Childhood Education credits at the AA/AAS level or 45 credits at the BA/BS level within the waiver period.
• Have a current Child Development Associate credential for preschool-aged children, a state-awarded certificate for center-based preschool teachers, a one-year Early Childhood Education certificate, completed prerequisites while awaiting the award of one of these credentials, a current New Mexico Child Development Certificate, or an Office of Head Start-approved CDA equivalent.
• Have or be able to obtain First Aid and BLS/CPR certifications within 30 days of hire; maintain current certifications meeting the specified training resource requirements.
• If assigned to infants and toddlers, complete training in safety issues and effective communication with infants, toddlers, their parents, and other staff.
• Successfully complete the required post-offer health exam, TB test, and criminal background checks.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience working in early childhood with children from birth through age five.
• Bilingual English/Spanish or English/Navajo.

Responsibilities

• Provide an appropriate social and emotional classroom environment to support children’s learning and growth.
• Provide daily guidance to classroom staff.
• Work in a classroom-based setting with typically and atypically developing children.
• Be available for reassignment to various classrooms or centers as needed for program operations.

Benefits

• $100 employee referral bonus, subject to tax withholding and eligibility requirements.
• Competitive salaries.
• Nine paid holidays and generous paid time off.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Free life and long-term disability coverage.
• Free discretionary pension plan contribution.
• Employee recognition and engagement activities.
• Robust training program.
• Tuition reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree