Careers

PLEASE NOTE:  New Standards for Vaccination and Masking to Reduce Transmission of COVID-19

The Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) require the use of face masks for everyone in a Head Start program 2 years of age and older, with some exceptions. The requirement on masking is effective immediately.

The new HSPPS also require vaccination against COVID-19 for all staff, contractors working directly with children, and volunteers. The HSPPS require these individuals to be vaccinated by January 31, 2022. This means staff, certain contractors, and volunteers must have their second dose in a two-dose series or first in a single-dose series by January 31, 2022. Head Start programs may allow exemptions to the vaccination requirement for those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical conditions or religious beliefs, practices, or observances. For those granted a vaccine exemption, there will be a weekly testing requirement. Without an approved vaccine exemption, there is no option for testing in lieu of receiving the vaccine.

Consistent with CDC’s current definition, people are considered fully vaccinated:

· 14 days after their second dose in a two-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines

· 14 days after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine

• It takes time to get vaccinated. To be vaccinated by Jan. 31, 2022, individuals must begin receiving COVID-19 vaccination no later than:

• Jan. 3: First-dose (Moderna)

JOB SUMMARY:

The Teacher Assistant is responsible for assisting the teacher in the planning and implementation of educational activities in the classroom, consistent with Head Start performance standards; providing a learning environment which is interesting, stimulating and developmentally appropriate thus encouraging each child to reach his/her maximum potential. He/she will receive instruction, training and supervision from the Teacher, Education Coordinator and the Area/Site Supervisor, with a dotted line reporting relationship with the Education/Transition Manager. He/she will receive evaluations from the teacher with input from the Education Coordinator and Area/Site Supervisor.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS:

•       High School Diploma or GED
•       Prefer Six (6) months of early childhood related work experience
•       Must obtain Child Development Associate credential or State Certificate within 2-1/2 years of hire.
•       Possess excellent oral and written English communication skills

Salary – This is a Non-Exempt position $14.66- $20.57 an hour depending on qualifications (related experience, education, training, etc.)

 We offer a 4-day work week (Monday – Thursday)

Thirteen (13) Paid Holidays per year

Sick Leave

Retirement Plans

Medical, Dental, Vision, and

Life Insurance

ADDITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS:

• Certification in First Aid and CPR within the first 2 months of beginning employment and updated as required.
•  Possess excellent oral and written communication skills.
•  Ability to express self, in English, in a clear, concise, understandable manner, both orally and in writing.
•  Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
•  Warm and friendly personality.
•  Compassionate in accomplishing the objectives and goals of the Head Start Program.
•  Ability to gain the confidence of Head Start families.
•  Ability to interact with children and adults in a positive, courteous and professional manner.
•  As a condition of employment, must meet SNMCAC’s vehicle liability insurance standards (refer to the Human Resources Policy Handbook) in effect at the time of hire and remain insurable during employment with SNMCAC.

Requirements that must be satisfied prior to attaining regular employment status:
1. Three Professional References
2. Proof of High School Diploma/GED/CDA/Educational Credentials/Degree (Per Job Requirement)
3. Drug and Alcohol Pre-screen Test (Per Job Requirement)
4. TB Test Results
5. Local Police Report
6. Child Abuse and Criminal Background Checks (Finger Prints will be taken and Processed)
7. Valid Driver’s License
8. Clear Driving Record
9. Proof of Current Vehicle Liability Insurance
10. Proof of US Citizenship, or eligibility to work in the US

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Consistently ~ Occupation requires this approximately 66% – 100% of the time:

• Assists in planning and implementing developmentally appropriate lesson plans and arranges a learning environment, which meets the physical, cognitive and social-emotional, needs of all children, including those with special needs.
• Assists in observing, assessing and keeping a current record of each assigned child’s developmental progress.
• Participates in both indoor and outdoor activities with the children.
• Assures that classroom furniture, toys and equipment are kept safe, clean and orderly.
• Assists in maintaining appropriate, accurate records on each assigned child, inventory, equipment, supplies, volunteer hours, daily meal counts and submitting paperwork in a timely manner.
• Greets the parent on a daily basis as the parent is bringing in and/or picking up their child.
• Serves as a role model for employees, children, parents, clients and community partners.
• Maintains good work habits through timeliness and low absenteeism.
• Punctual at all times.
• Develops and maintains a positive, professional attitude and working relationship with the staff, clients and community.
• Facilitates open communication with employees, parents, clients and community partners.
• Knowledge of SNMCAC and Head Start policies, procedures, performance standards and NM state licensing regulations.
• Complies with SNMCAC’s Confidentiality Policy assuring that the program, children, family and employee records and information are protected at all times.
• Understands, accepts, implements and promotes SNMCAC’s Mission Statement, program goals, philosophy and objectives.
  Frequently ~ Occupation requires this approximately 33% – 66% of the time:
• Assists children with toileting/diapering.
• Prepares/cooks breakfast in the classroom.
• Assists in obtaining and documenting the required monthly volunteer hours.
• Carries out any and all other assignments to meet the goals and objectives of the Southeast NM Community Action Corporation and the Head Start program.
  Occasionally ~ Occupation requires this up to 33% of the time:
• In the absence of the teacher, assumes the teacher’s responsibilities and takes charge of the classroom.
• Assists in conducting a developmental screening of the children.
• Assists in conducting an “initial contact”, a minimum of two home visits and two parent/teacher conferences during the school year.
• Participates in the enrollment process of children and families.
• Participates in activities/projects planned for the parents.
• Participates and works cooperatively with parents and other Head Start staff in the development and utilization of the Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
• Attends IEP meetings as needed.
• Participates in a minimum of 24 annual hours of training during one program year – per the New Mexico State Licensing regulations.
• Participates in on-going self and program assessment in order to enhance personal skill and program development/improvement.
• Participates in workshops, in-service training, as well as, other personal and professional growth opportunities.
• Attends all required/assigned local and out-of-town Head Start functions, training and staff meetings.
• Documents and reports any signs of the following: child abuse and neglect, illness or accidents and reports families who appear to have special needs in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
• SNMCAC is an EEOE