"THIS INSTITUTION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER"
Support Paraeducator Head Start
Base Pay Rate: $15.59
10 hours/week
JOB DESCRIPTION
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 Support 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.
