Toddler 1 Assistant Teacher - Barkley

Whatcom Family YMCA; Bellingham (WA); On-site; USD 27,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

The Whatcom Family YMCA in Bellingham, WA is seeking an Assistant Toddler Teacher I to provide a caring, patient, and energetic classroom presence for toddlers. The role focuses on supporting development through a safe, nurturing environment and a play-based curriculum.

You will assist with daily routines, observations, and documentation while building strong relationships with families and staff. This is a full-time, on-site position with comprehensive training and health/safety commitments.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older and a high school graduate (or equivalent).
• Current CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications.
• Complete Praesidium Child Abuse prevention training within 15 days of hire.
• STARS 30 Hour Childcare Basic Training within 3 months (unpaid training with reimbursement).
• Must have or be in the process of obtaining the following: TB test; HIV/Bloodborne Pathogen training; Safe Sleep; MERIT ID; Food Handlers Card; Cleared MERIT Background Check; MMR immunization; willingness to obtain ECE initial certificate (approx. 12 credits).

Responsibilities

• Support Lead Teachers in implementing a play-based curriculum focused on language development and early social skills.
• Supervise children and ensure a safe, positive, welcoming classroom environment.
• Assist with daily routines including feeding, diapering, napping, and transitions.
• Build positive relationships with children, families, and staff.
• Help maintain classroom organization, cleanliness, and required documentation.
• Assist with child observations, assessments, and portfolios.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, family events, and program activities.
• Follow YMCA policies and all licensing, health, safety, and reporting requirements.

Skills

Toddler care

Child development

Communication

Team player

Patience

Education

High school diploma

Experience with children

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Whatcom Family YMCA - Bellingham, WA 98225, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $19.90 - $21.00 Hourly, Do you love working with toddlers and helping them discover the world around them? The Whatcom Family Y is seeking a caring, patient, and energetic Assistant Toddler Teacher I to help create a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where young children can learn, grow, and thrive.

What You'll Do

• Support Lead Teachers in implementing a play-based curriculum focused on language development and early social skills.
• Supervise children and ensure a safe, positive, and welcoming classroom environment.
• Assist with daily routines including feeding, diapering, napping, and transitions.
• Build positive relationships with children, families, and fellow staff.
• Help maintain classroom organization, cleanliness, and required documentation.
• Assist with child observations, assessments, and portfolios.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, family events, and program activities.
• Follow YMCA policies and all state licensing, health, safety, and mandated reporting requirements.

We're Looking For Someone Who Is:

• Passionate about early childhood education and child development.
• Patient, nurturing, and enthusiastic.
• A strong team player with excellent communication skills.
• Comfortable working closely with toddlers and supporting their daily care needs.
• Committed to creating an inclusive environment where every child feels valued and supported.

Why Work at the Y?

• Make a meaningful difference in the lives of young children and families.
• Work in a supportive, mission-driven environment.
• Receive ongoing training and professional development.
• Be part of a team dedicated to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY:

Everything we do at the YMCA is based on the ideal that everyone should have the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or identity, diverse abilities, age, religion, socioeconomic status or any other statuses or identities. Our work is focused on eliminating barriers to access, eliminating disparities in health, providing educational support, supporting working families, and growing our next generation of change makers for our country.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older and a high school graduate (or equivalent).
• Previous experience working with children in a developmental setting preferred.
• Ability to plan, organize and implement age-appropriate/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) 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; this is an unpaid training with reimbursement available from WA State)
• 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
• 9. Willingness to obtain the ECE initial certificate or equivalent (approximately 12 credits).

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee needs sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions and to safely supervise program activities.

The employee frequently is required to sit and reach, and must be able to move around the work environment.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.