Paraeducator Early Head Start

Wyoming Child and Family Development; Torrington (WY); On-site; USD 18,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Wyoming Child and Family Development is seeking a Paraeducator for the Early Head Start program to help create a safe, nurturing environment for birth to three-year-olds. You will assist the Lead Teacher with materials and classroom setup, plus provide individualized care to support each child and family.

You will work within Head Start/EHS standards, licensing, and policy guidelines while helping children with learning activities, socialization, and development goals.

Qualifications

• Must work with children birth to three, including those with special needs.
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices and early childhood education principles.
• Strong problem-solving and ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to collaborate with diverse individuals.
• Strong communication with staff, families, and community.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing daily routines.
• Bilingual candidates are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Recruit children for the program under DHHS and WCFD guidelines.
• Provide infant/toddler care based on child development.
• Deliver direct services to children, families, and staff in various settings.
• Communicate positively with staff, children, families.
• Support children with behavioral concerns and developmental needs.
• Organize and implement group socialization activities.
• Complete required paperwork accurately and on time.
• Provide individualized educational activities to foster exploration and problem solving.
• Assist IFSP/IEP goals with teachers, family support, and therapists.
• Keep classroom areas clean, safe, and organized.
• Take on full classroom responsibilities when needed.
• Perform basic first aid and routine hygiene care.
• Provide regular care (diapering, feeding, comforting).
• Participate in child screenings as necessary.
• Assist with outdoor and playground activities.

Skills

Child development

Infant/toddler care

Communication

Collaboration

Behavior management

Group activities

Documentation

IFSP/IEP support

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Child Development Associate Credential

Additional training/certifications

Accredited degrees per DoE

Job description

"This institution is an equal opportunity provider”

PARAEDUCATOR EHS JOB DESCRIPTION

Base Pay Rate: $15.59

Job Summary

In this role, you will help create a safe and supportive environment for children from birth to three years old, where theycan explore, learn, and build trusting relationships. You will work with the Lead Teacher to get materials ready and set upthe classroom. You will also provide individualized care to meet the needs of each child and family in our Early HeadStart (EHS) program.

Duties/Responsibilities

All duties will comply with Head Start/Early Head Start standards, DFS licensing, NAEYC guidelines, Wyoming Division of Disabilities regulations, and WCFD policies. All employees will adhere to the mission, vision, values, policies, and procedures of WCFD.

• Recruit children for the program in accordance with guidelines from the Department of Health and HumanServices and WCFD.
• Provide infant/toddler care based on knowledge of child development and growth.
• Deliver direct services to children, families, and staff in various settings regardless of weather conditions.
• Communicate positively with staff, children, and families through both verbal and nonverbal methods.
• Work effectively with children who have behavioral concerns, developmental disabilities, and/or learningimpairments.
• Assist in organizing and implementing group socialization activities for children and families.
• Complete all required paperwork accurately and on time.
• Provide individualized educational activities to help children explore, develop problem-solving skills, and buildself-confidence.
• Support Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) and/or Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals in collaboration withteachers, family support providers, and therapists.
• Keep classroom areas clean, organized, and safe.
• Assume full classroom responsibilities when needed.
• Perform minor first aid and routine hygienic care.
• Provide regular care to children, including diaper changes, feeding, and comforting.
• Participate in child screenings as necessary.
• Assist with outdoor and playground activities.
• Ensure ability to perform job functions safely, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Attend all required training sessions and meetings.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Board or its designee.
• Adhere to all policies, guidelines, and operational procedures set forth by Wyoming Child and FamilyDevelopment, Inc.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Must demonstrate the ability to work effectively with children ranging from birth to three years old, includingthose with special needs, and their families.
• Should demonstrate an understanding of developmentally appropriate practices and early childhood educationprinciples.
• Must possess strong problem-solving skills and the ability to follow both written and verbal instructionsaccurately.
• Excellent interpersonal skills are required to collaborate with a diverse range of individuals and personalities.
• Strong communication skills are essential to interact with staff, children, families, and the broader community.
• Must have effective stress management strategies and the ability to maintain composure in challenging situations.
• Flexibility is key; the ability to adapt to changing daily routines is required.
• Bilingual candidates are preferred.

Education and Experience

• Must have a High School Diploma or a G.E.D. and be 18 years of age (state requirements).
• Must obtain a Child Development Associate Credential within a specified time frame. Training and support willbe provided by WCFD.
• Must attain additional training or certifications, which may be required by Wyoming Child and FamilyDevelopment, Inc.
• WCFD will only accept college degrees from accredited institutions recognized by the U.S. Department ofEducation.

Physical Requirements

Reasonable accommodations can be made for persons with disabilities. The work environment characteristics describedhere are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Ability to read technical materials for extended periods of time.
• Ability to sit, stand, or walk for long periods without fatigue or discomfort.
• Must be able to travel to various sites, meetings, and training sessions, both in-state and out-of-state.
• Must be willing to drive safely in a variety of weather conditions.
• Capable of hearing and processing both in-person and telephone conversations.
• Must be able to work in a variety of temperatures, including hot and cold weather.
• Ability to work in air-conditioned buildings and under fluorescent lighting.
• Must be able to climb stairs, stoop, kneel, crouch and/or reach, to retrieve materials and supplies from groundlevel to a height of at least 5 ft.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to assist children in emergency situations and provide first aid when needed.