Teaching Assistant

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 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. 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.

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.