Developmental Support Assistant
The Developmental Support Assistant provides targeted support to children requiring additional assistance within multiple early childhood classrooms across the assigned county. This role involves working directly with preschool-aged children, ensuring compliance with health and safety certifications, and supporting educational development in a mission-driven non-profit environment focused on underserved communities.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Teaching.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
This role supports early childhood classrooms by providing targeted, in-class assistance to children who need additional developmental or behavioral support. You'll work across assigned county sites, following lesson plans and guidance from lead teachers and program supervisors to help children meet developmental milestones and participate fully in classroom activities.
Core Responsibilities
- Provide one-on-one and small-group support to children ages birth–5 in classroom settings
- Assist lead teachers with implementing lesson plans, routines, and developmental activities
- Use positive guidance techniques to encourage social, emotional, and cognitive development
- Observe and document student progress and share observations with the teacher and supervisor
- Help maintain a safe, clean, and nurturing classroom environment
- Follow all Head Start and state regulatory requirements, including required screenings and background checks
- Complete required training, certifications, and entry-level course work within stated timeframes
Minimum Qualifications
- 18 years of age or older
- High school diploma or GED
- One of the following credential paths (must meet at least one):
- Current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential for preschool-aged children; OR
- State-awarded certificate for center-based preschool teachers (e.g., New Mexico Child Development Certificate); OR
- One-year certificate in Early Childhood Education; OR
- Office of Head Start–approved CDA equivalent; OR
- Enrolled within 10 business days of hire in one of the programs above with a completion plan within two years; OR
- Associate or Bachelor’s degree (in any field) or current enrollment in a degree program leading to one
- 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
- Able to obtain First Aid and BLS/CPR certifications within 30 days of hire
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with children birth–5 in early childhood settings
- Bilingual in Spanish/English or Navajo/English
- Familiarity with Head Start program standards and documentation practices
Compensation & Benefits
- Pay range: $16.39 - $18.87 per hour (dependent upon education/credentials)
- Full-time employment with benefits including: medical, dental & vision; life & LTD insurance; nine paid holidays and PTO; tuition reimbursement; pension contribution; robust training programs; employee recognition programs
- $500 employee referral bonus (subject to eligibility and tax withholding)
Requirements & Screening
- Successful completion of post-offer health exam and TB test as required by policy
- Criminal background checks in accordance with federal Head Start Act and New Mexico Administrative Code
- Maintain required certifications and training as a condition of employment
About Our Client
This position is with a confidential client operating in the Teaching/early childhood education space, providing services across community locations. The organization focuses on serving children and families in underserved areas and supports employee development through training and tuition assistance.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind.
To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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