Preschool Teacher

The Preschool Teacher administers the early childhood education program at the classroom level and supports the Center Director and Coordinator(s) in planning and implementing developmentally appropriate activities. This position promotes the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth of children while maintaining a safe, clean, and nurturing classroom environment. The Preschool Teacher is responsible for daily classroom operations, documentation, and effective communication with families.

Ideal Candidate:

• Has a passion for early childhood education and child development
• Demonstrates patience, empathy, and strong communication skills
• Is dependable, flexible, and able to work effectively in a team environment
• Maintains professionalism and confidentiality at all times
• Is committed to supporting families and nurturing positive child outcomes

Primary Responsibilities & Duties:

• Plan and implement daily classroom activities that support children's emotional, social, cognitive, and physical development
• Conduct child assessments and maintain accurate classroom records
• Prepare lesson plans, collect data, and complete required reports
• Adapt teaching strategies to meet the individual interests and learning styles of children
• Establish and maintain a safe, healthy, and developmentally appropriate learning environment
• Treat each child with dignity and respect
• Ensure proper hygiene practices, including diaper changing as needed
• Maintain classroom cleanliness and safety, including laundry, cleaning, dishwashing, and sanitizing toys and equipment
• Notify supervisor of needed repairs to classrooms, buildings, playgrounds, equipment, or toys
• Promote positive working relationships with coworkers and support a team-oriented environment
• Maintain professional conduct when interacting with parents, staff, visitors, and the public
• Involve children in age-appropriate classroom routines and responsibilities
• Adjust daily schedules to meet the needs of children
• Schedule and participate in parent conferences as needed
• Build positive relationships with families through daily communication during pickup and drop-off
• Inform parents and supervisor of significant changes in a child's behavior
• Report any suspected child abuse or neglect to the supervisor in accordance with policy and law
• Participate in required trainings and professional development
• Enforce all applicable state, federal, licensing, and accreditation regulations
• Incorporate and demonstrate the mission, vision, values, and work of Catholic Charities at all times
• Maintain flexibility to meet the changing needs of the center's schedule
• Perform other duties as assigned

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, and talk or hear. Frequently required to walk or stand, reach with hands or arms, climb, crouch, bend, or balance, stoop or kneel. Must lift and/or move up to 50 pounds when picking up children. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision. May occasionally be required to drive a motor vehicle.

WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Two (2) years in childcare experience.
• Valid NM driver's license with a good driving record.
• Must be able to pass a state enforced background check
• Must have knowledge and experience on the normal range of development of children.
• Strong verbal communication and listening skills to converse with children, fellow professional caregivers and parents or guardians.
• Excellent patience and stamina for keeping up with the demands of children of all ages and the program(s) need.
• Advanced multitasking and organizational skills to handle multiple children at a time.

EDUCATION EXPERIENCE

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• 45-hour Entry-Level Course preferred or completed within four (4) months after hire date.
• CDC preferred. If a certificate is not applicable, a CDC must be obtained within two (2) years after the hire date.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred.

Must pass a state-enforced background check.