Teacher I - Head Start

Presbyterian Medical Services

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Teacher I serves in a Head Start classroom, providing an appropriate social and emotional environment that supports children’s ability to learn and grow. The position 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.

Candidates must meet one of the listed education and enrollment pathways in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or Teach for America, and must obtain a three-year waiver from the Office of Head Start upon hire when applicable. Within the waiver period, the employee must complete the specified degree and Early Childhood Education credits. Candidates must also hold, or be awaiting, an accepted preschool teaching credential or equivalent.

First Aid and BLS/CPR certifications must be held or obtained within 30 days of hire and kept current. Staff assigned to infants and toddlers must complete required safety and communication training. Employment is contingent on required health and TB screening and criminal background checks. Previous early-childhood experience and bilingual English/Spanish or English/Navajo skills are preferred.

Requirements

• Meet one of the stated 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 degree and admission to Teach for America; participation in Teach for America summer training for preschool children with ongoing professional development from TFA staff; or enrollment in an AA/AAS or BA/BS program at an institution offering Early Childhood Education courses.
• Obtain a three-year waiver from the Office of Head Start upon hire, where applicable, and complete the required degree and Early Childhood Education credits within the waiver period.
• Hold a current preschool Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, state-awarded certificate for center-based preschool teachers, one-year Early Childhood Education certificate, current New Mexico Child Development Certificate (CDC), or Office of Head Start-approved CDA equivalent; alternatively, have completed prerequisites for an accepted credential and be awaiting its award.
• Have or obtain First Aid and BLS/CPR certifications within 30 days of hire and keep them current.
• Successfully complete the required post-offer health exam, TB test, and criminal background checks.
• If assigned to infants and toddlers, complete training in safety issues and effective communication with infants, toddlers, their parents, and other staff.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Provide an appropriate social and emotional classroom environment to expand children’s ability to learn and grow.
• Provide daily guidance to classroom staff.
• Work in a classroom-based setting with typically and atypically developing children.
• Complete safety and effective-communication training when assigned to work with infants and toddlers.
• Maintain current required First Aid and BLS/CPR certifications.

Benefits

• $500 employee referral bonus, subject to tax withholding and eligibility requirements.
• Nine paid holidays and generous PTO.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Free life and LTD coverage.
• Free discretionary pension plan contribution.
• Employee recognition and engagement activities.
• Robust training program.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Competitive salaries.

What This Job Offers

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