Para-Educator

Whatcom Center for Early Learning•Bellingham, WA

About The Position

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, the position supports playgroup classes and activities. The role reports to the Early Learning Program Manager for supervision, professional development, and role expectations. It works at WCEL locations and designated playgroup spaces and is a part-time position scheduled for 12–15 hours per week. Whatcom Center for Early Learning (WCEL) is a nonprofit organization serving young children and families across Whatcom County, Washington. Founded in 1973, WCEL partners with families and caregivers to provide therapy, early learning, and support services, with a focus on children experiencing developmental delays and disabilities. The organization has an annual budget of $5 million and approximately 60 employees. The position requires a high school diploma or GED and experience or demonstrated readiness to work safely and respectfully with young children and families. A vehicle in working condition, driver's license, and auto insurance are also required. Employment offers are contingent upon passing a background check. The position is hourly, non-exempt, and non-benefited; eligible for overtime pay for time worked beyond 40 hours in a Sunday–Saturday workweek under applicable law.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Experience or demonstrated readiness to work safely and respectfully with young children and families.
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 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 complete routine setup and cleanup tasks.
Vehicle in working condition, driver's license, and auto insurance.
Pass a background check as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

Prepare and organize supplies, materials, and learning spaces for classroom and group activities.
Create or assemble materials 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.
Welcome children and their families or 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.
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.