- Program Description: Little Paws Head Start - Santa Fe County
- Exempt/Non-Exempt: Non-Exempt
- Remote Eligible: No
- Benefits Eligible: Yes
- Original Posting Date: 2026-09-09
- Driver: No
JOB CATEGORY: EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION / EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT / TRAINING / CLASSROOM
POSITION SUMMARY: This position supports candidates who have completed required coursework and training hours applicable to Child Development Associate (CDA) completion or have completed four courses required for the New Mexico Child Development Certificate (NM CDC) and require application or portfolio submission support. This position works closely with the Teacher II or Center Supervisor to provide an appropriate social and emotional environment in order to expand the child's ability to learn and grow. Works in a classroom-based setting with typically and atypically developing children. Position may be reassigned to various classrooms/centers as deemed necessary for program operations.
Qualifications
REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
- High School Diploma / GED AND
- All Required subject area education / hours toward a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential* OR
- Completion of four courses required for the New Mexico Child Development Certificate (NM CDC)**
- Previous experience working in early childhood education with children ages birth through three years preferred.
- Bilingual Spanish or Navajo preferred.
*Child Development Associate (CDA) subject area education / hour requirements:
(Ten education hours each for a total of 120 education hours)
- Planning a safe and healthy learning environment
- Advancing children’s physical and intellectual development
- Supporting children’s social and emotional development
- Building productive relationships with families
- Managing an effective program operation
- Maintaining a commitment to professionalism
- Observing and recording children’s behavior
- Understanding the principles of child development and learning
**New Mexico Child Development Certificate required courses with at least a grade of “C”:
- Child Growth, Development and Learning.
- Guiding Young Children
- Health, Safety and Nutrition
- Family and Community Collaboration
- Assessment of Children and Evaluation of Programs
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:
- Must submit all required subject area education / hours and 480 hours of working / classroom experience necessary to obtain a CDA – Infant/Toddler OR all four courses and application requirements for the New Mexico Child Development Certificate (NM CDC – Infant/Toddler) within 120 days of hire. Continued employment is contingent upon award of applicable certification.
- 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
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.
$100 EMPLOYEE REFERRAL BONUS
BONUSES
- All bonuses subject to tax withholding and eligibility requirements.
ABOUT PMS
- 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.
WHY PMS?
- 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
