Para-Educator

Para-Educator

Job Code:EL-3

Reports To: Early Learning Program Manager

Schedule: PT[12-15 hours per week]

FLSA Status: Hourly/ Non-Exempt/ Non-Benefited

Join our team of mission-driven professionals!

Whatcom Center for Early Learning (WCEL) provides transformational services for young children and their families across Whatcom County, WA-with majestic mountains, beautiful seaside views, and a thriving outdoor recreation culture. Founded in 1973, WCEL partners with families and caregivers to provide high-quality, equitable, and comprehensive therapy, early learning, and support services to children, with a focus on those experiencing developmental delays and disabilities. WCEL is a non-profit organization with a $5 million annual budget and approximately 60 employees. For more information, please visit www.wcel.net.

Lived experience brings valuable insight

We are working to build a team that reflects the communities that we serve and brings a range of perspectives to help strengthen our services. We strongly encourage candidates who bring lived experience related to the barriers people may face in accessing early support services including, but not limited to, experiences related to race, culture, language, disability, identity, or involvement with support systems to apply. This perspective helps us better understand the needs of our communities, improve how we deliver services, and ensure that everyone feels welcomed and supported. If you meet the qualifications and feel your experience can help us grow in this way, we would love to hear from you.

Position Summary

The Para-Educator supports safe, welcoming, and developmentally appropriate classroom and playgroup environments for young children and their families. Under the day-to-day direction of the Classroom Teacher, this position works to support playgroup classes and activities, and reports to the Early Learning Program Manager for supervision, professional development, and role expectations.

Location

Works at WCEL locations and designated playgroup spaces.

Duties and Responsibilities

Classroom and Learning Support

• Prepare and organize supplies, materials, and learning spaces for classroom and group activities.
• Create or assemble materials needed for planned learning activities.
• Assist with setup and cleanup of indoor and outdoor program areas.
• Support the Classroom Teacher in maintaining safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environments.

Children and Family Support

• Welcome children and their families/caregivers, and assist with arrival and departure routines.
• Engage children, parents, and caregivers in developmentally appropriate activities.
• Provide consistent, attentive support that follows classroom routines and staff direction.
• Welcome and assist student and community volunteers participating in program activities.

Classroom Care and Operations

• Clean and vacuum program areas and wash or sanitize dishes, toys, and classroom materials as required.
• Maintain diaper-changing stations and launder and fold bibs, towels, and other classroom linens as needed.
• Empty trash and diaper disposal containers and help keep program spaces orderly and ready for use.
• Complete other duties as assigned, within the scope of the position.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to interact with young children and families in a warm, respectful, and developmentally appropriate manner.
• Reliability, punctuality, flexibility, and responsiveness to changing classroom needs.
• Ability to follow direction, work collaboratively, and contribute as a supportive team member.
• Organization, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks during classroom activities.
• Initiative, creativity, problem-solving skills, and willingness to assist where needed.
• Physical ability to lift and move classroom materials and play equipment and to complete routine setup and cleanup tasks.

Education and Knowledge

Required

• High school diploma or GED.
• Experience or demonstrated readiness to work safely and respectfully with young children and families.

Preferred

• Coursework in human services, early childhood education, or a child- and family-related field.
• Experience working with typically developing young children and children with developmental delays or disabilities.
• Proficiency communicating in languages beyond English is preferred, but not required for this posting.

Benefits

• Professional development stipend after 90 days of employment
• Flexible schedule
• Paid holidays

Other Requirements

• Vehicle in working condition, driver's license, and auto insurance

FLSA Status Options

Non-Exempt: This position is eligible for overtime pay for any time worked beyond 40 hours in a Sunday-Saturday workweek, in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Washington State regulations.

Whatcom Center for Early Learning (WCEL) is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Offers of employment are contingent upon passing a background check.