Preschool Assistant Teacher PT

Do you love working with young children and helping them learn through play? Join the Whatcom Family YMCA as an Assistant Preschool Teacher and help create a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children can grow, explore, and thrive.

What You'll Do

• Support Lead Teachers in implementing a play-based preschool curriculum.
• Build positive relationships with children, families, and staff.
• Supervise children and ensure a safe, welcoming classroom environment.
• Assist with daily activities, transitions, meals, and nap times.
• Encourage social-emotional development, creativity, and problem-solving.
• Maintain classroom cleanliness, organization, and required documentation.
• Follow YMCA policies and all state licensing, health, and safety requirements.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, family events, and program activities.

We're Looking For Someone Who Is:

• Passionate about early childhood education.
• Positive, patient, and nurturing.
• A team player with strong communication skills.
• Comfortable engaging in active play and outdoor activities.
• Committed to creating an inclusive environment where every child belongs.

Why Work at the Y?

• Make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families.
• Work in a supportive, mission-driven environment.
• Receive training and professional development opportunities.
• 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.

Apply today and help young learners build confidence, friendships, and a lifelong love of learning!

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Must be 18 years of age or older and a high school graduate (or equivalent).
2. Previous experience working with children in a developmental setting preferred.
3. Ability to plan, organize and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities.
4. Previous experience with diverse populations. Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.
5. Current CPR (Adult, Infant & Child) and First Aid, AED certifications.
6. Complete Praesidium Child Abuse prevention training within 15 days of hire.
7. STARS 30 Hour Childcare Basic Training (Must be completed within 3 months of hire date)
8. 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.

Salary : $20 - $21