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JOB DESCRIPTION

Position:Educational Assistant (EA) School-Run Early Childhood Learning Center

Reports to: Lead Classroom Teacher/Caregiver & Program Director

Site: Shiwi Ts'ana Elementary -  Early Childhood Learning Center 

FLSA Status:Non-exempt

Contract Length: 9 months

Salary:$21,498.75 to $35,490.65 depending upon experience and education

Purpose:

Works directly under the supervision of the Early Childhood Learning Center Lead Classroom Teacher/Caregiver and Program Director. Assists with the daily care, safety, and developmental needs of infants, toddlers, and/or preschool-age children, including feeding, diapering/toileting, and age-appropriate learning activities, in compliance with New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) licensing standards.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required;
• Must be at least 18 years of age;
• Must complete ECECD-approved Pre-Service Health & Safety Training/orientation prior to unsupervised contact with children, and maintain ongoing ECECD Professional Development System training requirements (minimum 24 hours annually, per NMAC 8.16.2);
• Current CPR and Pediatric First Aid certification (hands-on component required; online-only certification not accepted), or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire;
• Must complete Mandated Reporter training (child abuse and neglect recognition/reporting) during onboarding;
• Must complete infant/toddler-specific training within three (3) months of assignment to an infant/toddler classroom, if applicable;
• Must pass an ECECD/CYFD background check, including FBI fingerprint-based clearance, in accordance with 8.8.3 NMAC, prior to unsupervised contact with children, and maintain eligibility (renewed at least every five years);
• Current TB screening and immunization records (or documented exemption) on file, per program and local public health guidance;
• New Mexico Public Education Department Educational Assistant License, or willingness to obtain, as applicable to site requirements;
• Ability to develop an effective working relationship with children, families, staff, volunteers, and community;
• Experience with computers with the ability to enter data, utilize technology and Microsoft Office programs;
• Ability to plan and implement age-appropriate activities based on department, licensing, and site objectives and the needs and abilities of the children assigned;
• Ability to communicate with children and families orally and in writing in English;
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral, diagram and schedule form;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of child and family records;
• Able to perform the following essential duties, physical and mental functions, and utilize the essential equipment of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Essential Duties:

• Treat all children with dignity and respect;
• Follow the directions of the Lead Classroom Teacher/Caregiver within the scope of the position;
• Change diapers and assist with toileting/potty-training in accordance with ECECD health and sanitation standards, including proper handwashing and diaper-changing station sanitation procedures, and document changes as required;
• Assist with feeding, bottle preparation, and mealtime/snack routines, including adherence to any allergy or dietary restriction plans;
• Maintain compliance with required staff-to-child ratios and supervision standards at all times, including during transitions, naptime, and outdoor play;
• Assist Lead Classroom Teacher/Caregiver with:
  • Provision of direct care and support in areas which have been taught utilizing a variety of developmentally appropriate methods and materials;
  • Managing multiple projects, schedules and classroom/child activities;
  • Planning activities and developing age-appropriate instructional and play-based materials;
  • Preparation of materials, record-keeping (including daily logs of feeding, diapering, and naps) and other daily tasks associated with the classroom;
  • Reinforcing developmentally appropriate behaviors for individual and/or small groups of children and monitoring children's ability to follow directions and behavior.
• Establish, model, practice and reinforce age-appropriate rules and logical consequences;
• Assist with the implementation of classroom procedures, systems and routines that provide structure for children and maximize learning and play time;
• Maintain charts and records related to children's development, health, and daily care;
• Assist with the preparation of required reports (including licensing and health/safety documentation) accurately and in a timely fashion;
• Maintain a clean, safe, sanitary, and organized classroom and diaper-changing/toileting area, including routine cleaning and disinfecting per licensing standards;
• Provide immediate, corrective and/or positive feedback to children regarding behavior and/or developmental progress;
• Maintain confidentiality of child records, conversations, discussions and classroom information;
• Maintain supervision and discipline in the classroom in the absence of the Lead Teacher/Caregiver for short periods of time, while maintaining required ratios;
• Immediately report any suspected child abuse or neglect in accordance with Mandated Reporter training and New Mexico law;
• Assist with emergency preparedness procedures, including fire, weather, and lockdown drills, per licensing requirements;
• Participate in required in-service training, ECECD Professional Development System coursework, and annual training hours;
• Meet New Mexico ECECD/Public Education Department competencies for the position;
• Perform other assigned duties on a timely basis.

Physical Functions:

• Frequently required to stand, talk, hear, walk, sit, bend, kneel, and crouch (including for diaper changing and floor-level child care);
• Occasionally required to lift and carry children and equipment up to 30 pounds; may lift up to 75 pounds with the help of another employee;
• Usually works on even surfaces, may walk on uneven surfaces outdoors during outdoor play/supervision;
• Exposed to various degrees of noise (children playing, activities, assemblies, etc.). The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud;
• Works in close proximity of other individuals, including direct physical contact with children for care and safety purposes;
• Ability to adjust focus from various tools to include: computer, written assignments, typed material, and age-appropriate learning/play equipment.

Mental Functions:

Must be able to:

• Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written and oral form;
• Deal with children and parents in such a way to maintain their goodwill;
• Respond appropriately to child behavior in a developmentally appropriate manner;
• Respond appropriately to supervision and accept recommendations;
• Communicate verbally and in writing in English;
• Effectively present information and respond to questions from children, parents, peers and supervisor;
• Handle stress, work under pressure of deadlines, interruptions and frustrations;
• Handle difficult people and difficult situations; work on conflict resolution and problem solving;
• Remain calm and act decisively in emergency or health/safety situations involving young children;
• Organize data, information and disseminate to appropriate venues.

Essential Equipment:

• Operate phone,  computer, scanner, printer, calculator,  etc.;
• Operate diapering, feeding, and other age-appropriate child care equipment and supplies;