"THIS INSTITUTION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER"
Support Paraeducator
JOB DESCRIPTION
Base Pay Rate: $15.59 per hour
Job Summary:
In this role, you will assist the classroom teacher in implementing an individualized, developmentally appropriate early childhood education program, with a focus on supporting each child's social competence and school readiness. This role includes helping children develop emotional regulation, positive social skills, and foundational academic skills through play-based learning and structured activities. The support paraeducator will provide targeted support to children with unique emotional or developmental needs, ensuring a safe and nurturing classroom environment. By collaborating with both teachers and families, the paraeducator will help create an inclusive space that fosters growth and readiness for school. This position requires a commitment to promoting mental well-being and fostering a positive, supportive learning experience for all students.
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.
- Provide 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 learning impairments.
- Assist children in developing social competence by guiding interactions, promoting emotional regulation, and teaching positive social skills. Encourage problem-solving, empathy, and cooperative behaviors in both structured and free-play environments.
- 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.
- Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Board or its designee.
Required Skills/Abilities:
- Must demonstrate the ability to work effectively with children ranging from birth to five years old, including those with special needs, and their families.
- Must demonstrate patience, empathy, and a calm demeanor when working with children.
- 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 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.
