Teaching Assistant

Position Summary

Participate in evaluating the effectiveness of child development activities at an assigned child development center; ensure the safety and physical well-being of the children and provide responsible support to higher-level teaching staff.

This is a safety sensitive position subject to random drug/alcohol testing.

Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

Essential and Supplemental Functions

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the functions listed below)

• Participate in evaluating the effectiveness of child development activities; recommend modifications to existing activities.
• Participate in the planning and the provisions of appropriate child development activities to develop the social, emotional and cognitive abilities of young children; work with children to improve all developmental skills.
• Assist in assessing the progress and needs of each individual child; confer with appropriate staff concerning child progress.
• Participate in the planning, scheduling and organizing of field trips; provide appropriate paper work to higher-level staff.
• Assist in the arrangement of indoor and outdoor environments to facilitate developmental learning.
• Report potential health problems or suspected child abuse and/or neglect to higher-level staff.
• Assist in conducting emergency evacuation procedures including fire drills to ensure compliance with applicable safety codes.
• Provide a safe and healthy learning environment both indoors and outdoors; assist in ordering and maintaining supplies and materials for classroom learning, field trips and other child development activities.
• Assist in the maintenance of accurate and complete records of child development activities; update records as child development progress occurs.
• Administer minor first aid treatment as needed; complete accident report forms; make emergency contacts as required.
• Attend and participate in annual parent-teacher conferences; assist higher-level staff in providing information on their child's developmental progress.
• Serve as a liaison for child development activities with other City departments, divisions and outside agencies.
• Attend and participate in professional group meetings and/or training; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of child development.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:

• Participate in nutritional activities, meal preparation, serving activities and record meal counts.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
• Participate in home visitation activities as needed.

Minimum Education, Experience And Additional Requirements

Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in the following compliant degrees: early childhood education, early childhood program administration, family, infant, toddler studies, child development, early childhood special education, or early childhood multicultural education.

Compliant Areas or Majors are: Elementary Education or a degree in any other discipline outside of those noted above is considered related when the transcript reflects eighteen (18) passing (C or better) credit hours in (1) Early Childhood Education; (2) Early Childhood Program Administration; (3) Family, Infant Toddler Studies; (4) Child Development; (5) Early Childhood Special Education (6) Early Childhood Multicultural Education.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
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) preschool/infant toddler certification or a New Mexico Child Development Credential (CDC) within six (6) months from date of hire.

Possession of a valid C.P.R. 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.

Child Development Associate (CDA) preschool/infant toddler certification preferred.

Working Conditions

Environmental:
Classroom environment; exposure to a variety of communicable diseases and noise; visit the homes of program participants.

Physical:
Essential and supplemental functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for walking, standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time; moderate or light lifting up to 50 (fifty) pounds.