Closing Preschool Teacher - Downtown

Whatcom Family YMCA•Bellingham, WA

3d•$20 - $20•Onsite

About The Position

The Closing Preschool Teacher supports the Whatcom Family YMCA’s early learning program at Millworks in downtown Bellingham, Washington. The role closes a transitional preschool classroom serving children ages 2.5 to young 3. The classroom has 17 children and 2–3 teachers throughout the day. The teacher maintains a supportive, positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects individuals, promotes youth potential, and provides a quality experience for children and their families. This is a part-time position with a Monday–Friday schedule from 3:00–6:30 p.m., including school breaks except for specified holidays. The teacher supervises children, the classroom, and activities; works with the Lead Teacher and other teachers on a play-based curriculum emphasizing social-emotional development; communicates with families; and completes end-of-day cleaning. The role also includes maintaining program records and equipment, supporting child assessments, participating in staff and family activities, administering first aid when needed, and following child-protection and mandated-reporting requirements.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate or equivalent.
Ability to plan, organize, and implement age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate program activities.
Previous experience with diverse populations.
Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.
Current CPR (Adult, Infant & Child), First Aid, and AED certifications.
Complete Praesidium Child Abuse Prevention training within 15 days of hire.
Complete STARS 30 Hour Childcare Basic Training within 3 months of hire.
Have or be in the process of obtaining a negative TB test, HIV/Bloodborne Pathogen training, Safe Sleep training, a MERIT ID account, a Food Handlers Card, a cleared Portable Background Check from MERIT, and an MMR immunization record.
Willingness to obtain the ECE initial certificate or equivalent, approximately 12 credits.
Ability to safely supervise program activities and move around the work environment; occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
Must be able to work Monday–Friday, 3:00–6:30 p.m., including school breaks except for specified holidays.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience working with children in a developmental setting.
Group experience with children ages 2–5.
Some experience with potty training.
Ability to multitask and supervise children in a busy classroom.
Comfort communicating with parents at the end of a busy day.

Responsibilities

Supervise children, the classroom, and all program activities.
Follow applicable laws and YMCA procedures and standards, make ADA accommodations where appropriate, and maintain the program site, equipment, and required records.
Work alongside the Lead Teacher and other classroom teachers to engage children in a play-based curriculum emphasizing social-emotional development, and arrange the environment using the ECERS environmental rating scale.
Build positive rapport and shared interests with youth.
Provide opportunities for youth to lead, solve problems, make decisions and choices, and reflect on and respond to their experiences.
Assist the Lead Teacher in collecting documentation for child assessments and portfolios.
Maintain ongoing dialogue with parents and caregivers about children’s needs and progress, and connect families to the YMCA.
Attend and participate in family nights, program activities, staff meetings, and staff training.
Complete and record the daily cleaning list; clean, sanitize, and organize classroom materials and surfaces.
Administer first aid, complete accident forms, and notify the Lead Teacher, Program Supervisor, or Director.
Follow YMCA policies and procedures for protecting youth from abuse, including screening and selection, training and supervision, and responding to allegations.
Communicate the organization’s commitment to protecting youth from abuse to staff and volunteers, and follow mandated-reporting requirements.