Closing Early Learning Teacher

Whatcom Family YMCA•Bellingham, WA

11d•$20 - $20•Onsite

About The Position

Spend your afternoons making a difference. Do you love working with young children and want a schedule that leaves your mornings free? The Whatcom Family YMCA is looking for three caring, energetic, and dependable Early Learning Teachers to join our Millworks Early Learning Center beginning September 2026. Located near downtown Bellingham, our licensed Early Learning Center serves children from 1 month to 5 years old in a warm, play-based learning environment where curiosity, creativity, and relationships come first. This position is perfect for college students, paraeducators, substitute teachers, or anyone looking for meaningful afternoon work. Every day, you'll help young children learn, grow, and discover the world around them while building lasting relationships with families and a supportive team of educators. At the YMCA, you're more than an employee—you become part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to strengthening our community through Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility.

Requirements

Must be 18 years of age or older and a high school graduate (or equivalent).
Ability to plan, organize and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities.
Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.
Current CPR (Adult, Infant & Child) and First Aid, AED certifications.
Complete Praesidium Child Abuse prevention training within 15 days of hire.
STARS 30 Hour Childcare Basic Training (Must be completed within 3 months of hire date)
Must have or be in the process of obtaining the following: Negative TB Test, HIV/Bloodborne Pathogen training, Safe Sleep, MERIT ID account, Food Handlers Card, Cleared Portable Background Check from MERIT, MMR Immunization Record.
Willingness to obtain the ECE initial certificate or equivalent (approximately 12 credits).

Nice To Haves

Previous experience working with children in a developmental setting preferred.
Previous experience with diverse populations.

Responsibilities

Create a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom where children feel valued and supported.
Work alongside the Lead Teacher and classroom team to implement a high-quality, play-based curriculum.
Support children's daily routines, including meals, diapering, toileting, rest time, and transitions using developmentally appropriate practices.
Encourage language development, social-emotional growth, independence, and exploration through meaningful interactions.
Observe and document children's learning to support assessments and individual growth.
Build positive relationships with families through daily communication during afternoon pick-up.
Help maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming classroom by completing daily cleaning and sanitizing tasks.
Follow YMCA policies, Washington State licensing requirements, and health and safety procedures.
Administer basic first aid, complete required documentation, and report concerns appropriately.
Support the YMCA's commitment to child protection by following all Youth Protection and mandated reporting requirements.
Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and family engagement events.