Substitute Paraeducator Head Start

Wyoming Child and Family Development; Douglas (WY); On-site; USD 18,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Wyoming Child and Family Development is seeking a Substitute Paraeducator Head Start to help create a safe, supportive environment for 3–5 year olds. You will assist the Lead Teacher with materials, set up the classroom, and provide individualized care to support school readiness.

The role emphasizes collaboration with families, IFSP/IEP goals, and adherence to Head Start standards. Training and support will be provided by WCFD.

Qualifications

• Must be able to work with children aged 3–5, including those with special needs.
• Understand developmentally appropriate practices in early childhood education.
• Able to follow both written and verbal instructions accurately.
• Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate with diverse individuals.
• Excellent communication with staff, children, and families.
• Demonstrate effective stress management and stay composed in challenging situations.
• Remain flexible to changing daily routines.
• Bilingual candidates are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Recruit children for the program per WCFD guidelines.
• Implement set lesson plans in various group settings.
• Deliver direct services to children, families, and staff.
• Communicate positively with staff, children, and families.
• Work with children with behavioral concerns or developmental needs.
• Assist in organizing group socialization activities.
• Complete required paperwork accurately and on time.
• Provide individualized educational activities to foster problem-solving and self-confidence.
• Support IFSP/IEP goals with teachers, family providers, and therapists.
• Keep classrooms clean, organized, and safe.
• Take on full classroom responsibilities when needed.
• Perform minor first aid and routine hygienic care.
• Provide regular care including diapering, feeding, and comforting.
• Participate in child screenings as necessary.
• Assist with outdoor and playground activities.

Skills

Work with children 3-5

Developmentally appropriate practices

Follow written and verbal instructions

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Stress management

Flexibility

Bilingual preferred

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Child Development Associate Credential

Additional training/certifications

US DoE-accredited degrees (if applicable)

Job description

\"This institution is an equal opportunity provider\"

SUBSTITUTE PARAEDUCATOR HEAD STARTJOB DESCRIPTION

Base Pay Rate: $15.69/hour

Job Summary:

In this role, you will help create a safe and supportive environment for children from three to fiveyears old, where they can explore, learn, and build trusting relationships. You will work with the Lead Teacher to get materials ready and set up the classroom. You will also provide individualized care to meet the needs of each child and family in our Head Start (HS) program with the overall goal of social competence and school readiness for each child.

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 Human Services and WCFD.


• Implements set lesson plans, as directed, in individual, cooperative, small and large group settings.


• 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 learning impairments.


• 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 build self-confidence.


• Support Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) and/or Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals in collaboration with teachers, 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.


• 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 Family Development, Inc.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Must demonstrate the ability to work effectively with children ranging from threeto fiveyears old, including those with special needs, and their families.


• Should demonstrate an understanding of developmentally appropriate practices and early childhood education principles.


• Must possess strong problem-solving skills and the ability to follow both written and verbal instructions accurately.


• 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 will be provided by WCFD.


• Must attain additional training or certifications, which may be required by Wyoming Child and Family Development, Inc.


• WCFD will only accept college degrees from accredited institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Physical Requirements:

Reasonable accommodations can be made for persons with disabilities. The work environment characteristics described here 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 ground level 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.