Preschool Teacher Assistant (Level 1)- Helpnm

Columbus, NM
Preschool Teacher Assistant
OBJECTIVE AND POSITION SUMMARY
This position assists the classroom Preschool Teacher in planning and implementing activities with children between the ages of 3-5 years of age, consistent with the curriculum guide, resources and training provided; follow basic principles of early childhood development defined by the program and establish and maintain effective, working relationships with children, parents, and staff. In the absence of the teacher, the Teacher Assistant will assume the routine of the teacher. Teacher Assistant is supervised in the classroom by the teacher and on a secondary level by the Center Manager or Lead Teacher. All activities and interactions will be in conformance with all federal, state and local regulations, standards, policies, procedures and best practices.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
None
SPECIALIZATIONS
This position is non-exempt under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is subject to the Agency's policies and procedures pertaining to overtime hours and premium pay.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Assist the teacher in planning and maintaining a safe, clean, learning environment indoors and outdoors; assures the well-being and safety of the children in his/her care.
2. Maintain a positive, calm attitude and a pleasant, soothing voice, and models this attitude and voice for parents and others working or volunteering in the program.
3. Assist teacher to implement the developmental assessment for each child to determine the child's strengths and areas in which each child may need assistance.
4. Plans with and assists the teacher in preparing materials and supplies in advance for activities.
5. Interacts with children in activities to promote social and intellectual growth appropriate to the child's developmental stages at all times.
6. Assist classroom teacher in conducting daily learning environment health and safety inspections.
7. Assists in planning, preparing, and developing lesson plans, activity evaluations, IEP's, observations, report of contacts, referrals and other documentation required by the program, i.e., in-kind, attendance, inventory, data entry.
8. Responsible for observation documentation as designated by the teacher.
9. Implement home visits and parent conferences at the convenience of the parent.
10. Share information about the child and family with the teacher and parents.
11. Assist teacher in maintaining discipline and supervision of children during all activities, as define in the program's guidance of children policy/procedures.
12. Observe children to detect signs of illness, injury, issues, developmental, child abuse or child neglect and immediate report to teacher for follow-up.
13. Works cooperatively with the teacher as a team to encourage the active participation of all parents in the program.
14. Assumes the teacher's role in leading selected activities during designated parts of the class-day on a regular basis.
15. Attends all training opportunities and all staff and parent meetings provided and scheduled.
16. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
17. Must provide accurate and timely documentation, as needed.
18. Adheres to all program and funding regulations, as well as agency and program policies and procedures and written service plans.
19. Will abide by the Confidentiality Statement and the Core Values of the program.
20. Performs other duties as assigned and which are deemed necessary or desirable by the program.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES
Education/Background:

• High School or GED
• Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field; or Child Development Associate (CDA) or New Mexico Child Development Certificate or willing to work towards requirements within a specific timeframe identified by the program.
• Minimum of 1-2-years' experience working with young children in an early childhood setting or a public-school setting at a grade level no higher than elementary school.
• First Aid/CPR Certified or willing to obtain within the first 6-months of employment is required.
• Health Determination/TB Skin Test and Fingerprint Background Check prior to employment.
• Bilingual ability (Spanish/English) is preferred

Driver's License/Proof of Insurance (Preferred): Maintain a current New Mexico driver's license, an insurable driving record, and provide proof of current liability insurance meeting or exceeding State-required minimum coverages is preferred for this position.
Other Requirements:
Effective January 3, 2022, all CPLC Employees and all Service Providers, are required to be Fully Vaccinated against COVID-19. Newly hired employees, who are not Fully vaccinated at the time of hire, are expected to begin a vaccination series immediately upon hire. CPLC recognizes medical and religious exemptions to the COVID-19 vaccination requirement, in accordance with applicable law and upon approval by CPLC. However, any person approved for an exemption, without exception, is subject to masking, and other requirements established by CPLC from time to time.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS
Position requirements: This position is both a mobile and a sedentary position with periods of light physical activity and is performed mostly in office surroundings. Positions typical in nature require regular walking or standing; sitting, lifting, and carrying up to 20 pounds; climbing stairs bending, reaching, holding, grasping and turning objects; and using fingers to operate computer keyboards. This position will require the ability to speak normally and to use normal or aided vision and hearing.
Travel: Local, interstate, and intrastate travel to Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc., its affiliates and/or subsidiaries, will be necessary to successfully fulfill the duties of this position. Candidate must have and maintain a valid driver's license and auto insurance. Technology will be utilized to minimize travel whenever feasible. The travel requirements for this position are anticipated to be 25 to 35 percent assignment depending. Overnight travel must be approved in advance by the Department VP.
LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER
This job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended or is implied to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. All employees are accountable for understanding and complying with all corporate policies and procedures as well as any program specific policies and procedures. Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis.
This job description is subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. Employee signature below indicates the employee's understanding of the requirements, essential functions and duties of the position.
EMPOWERING LIVES THROUGH CONTINUOUS LEARNING
Continuous Learning: All certifications related to the position at hire, or obtained while employed by CPLC, must be maintained. Candidate will be expected to participate in continuous learning opportunities to maintain competency and enhance skillset. Learning opportunities must be approved by supervisor.
CPLC Mission, Vision and Values in Action: Our mission and purpose is to drive economic and political empowerment. We cannot achieve our vision of "Empowered Lives" without the full engaged participation of each employee. Each CPLC employee is expected to adhere not only to the CPLC Code of Conduct when acting on behalf on CPLC, but each employee is also expected to contribute to promoting and demonstrating CPLS's Values in Action in their interactions with clients, other CPLC employees, CPLC stakeholders, and at any and all times representing CPLC.
CPLC Values in Action

1. I deliver on my commitments.
2. I bring innovative solutions and adapt to address challenges.
3. I advance and own my professional and personal growth.
4. I engage passionately and fully in advocating for, and responding to, the needs of our community.
5. I demonstrate respect with honest and transparent communication.
6. I protect CPLC resources as if they are my own.