Teacher Assistant - Head Start

Job Title

Childhood Education / Early Head Start / Head Start / Children's Services

This position works as part of a teaching team to assist in the orderly functioning of the classroom to provide an appropriate social-emotional environment in order to expand the child's ability to learn and grow. Position may involve the reassignment to various classrooms/centers as deemed necessary for program operations.

Requirements

Education and/or

Experience:

• 18 years or older.
• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required. Must have one of the following:
• Current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential for preschool-aged children; OR
• State-awarded certificate for center-based preschool teachers including the New Mexico Child Development Certificate (CDC); OR
• One-year certificate in Early Childhood Education; OR
• Office of Head Start approved CDA equivalent; OR
• enrolled within ten business days of hire in one of the above programs that will be completed within two years; OR
• an Associate or Bachelor's degree (in any area) or enrolled in a program leading to such a degree.
• Must complete a 45 hour entry level course or an approved three credit early care and education course or equivalent approved by the New Mexico Children Youth & Families Department prior to or within six months of hire.
• Experience working with children ages birth through five years in an early childhood environment preferred.
• Bilingual Spanish / English or Navajo / English preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Have or be able to obtain First Aid and BLS/CPR certifications within 30 days of hire. Certifications must meet the requirements listed in the document "BLS / CPR / ACLS & First Aid Training Resources" posted on Staurolite. It is your responsibility to keep your certifications current at all times.

Screening Requirements:

• This position requires successful completion of an initial post-offer of employment:
• Health exam (and annually thereafter in accordance with PMS Policies).
• TB Test (and upon exposure in accordance with PMS Policies).
• In accordance with the federal Head Start Act, Section 648A(g) and the New Mexico Administrative Code 8.8.3., this position requires:
• Criminal Background Checks.

Bonuses:

• $100 Employee Referral Bonus
• All bonuses subject to tax withholding and eligibility requirements.

• Founded in 1969, PMS is a non-profit organization with over 1,300 employees providing services at 100+ locations in New Mexico.
• Our diverse services include primary care, dental, behavioral health, early childhood education, supportive living, and senior programs.
• We concentrate our resources on meeting the needs of underserved areas of New Mexico.
• We operate the largest network of federally qualified health centers in the state.
• PMS is not affiliated with Presbyterian Healthcare Services, Presbyterian Hospitals or Presbyterian Health Plan.

• Mission-driven organization
• Competitive salaries
• Nine paid holidays and generous PTO
• Medical, dental & vision insurance
• Free Life & LTD coverage
• Free discretionary pension plan contribution
• Employee recognition and engagement activities
• Robust training program
• Tuition reimbursement

EOE/AA/M/F/SO/Vet/Disability

• Job Identification 10815
• Job Category Children's Services
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations 501 Airport Rd, Santa Fe, NM, 87507, US
• Program Description Sweeney Head Start - Santa Fe County
• Exempt/Non-Exempt Non-Exempt
• Remote Eligible No
• Benefits Eligible Yes
• Original Posting Date 04/17/2026
• Driver No