"This institution is an equal opportunity provider" Head Start Teacher/Support Paraeducator DD (Developmental Disabilities)

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Summary:

Little Explorers Teacher - 15 hours/week Provide effective and nurturing teacher-child interactions by planning and implementing developmentally appropriate learning experiences that support successful curriculum implementation, ongoing assessment, and children's progress aligned with the

Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework:

Ages Birth to Five and applicable state early learning and development standards. Ensure inclusive practices that support children with disabilities and dual language learners, as appropriate. Partner with parents to support and strengthen their role as their child's first teacher.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Evaluate the Paraeducator in accordance with Wyoming Child & Family Development policies and procedures. Provide direction and support to the Paraeducator in preparing classroom materials, documenting children's progress, and assisting individual children within the classroom environment.

Duties/Responsibilities:

All duties will comply with all rules, regulations, and practices of the agency and its regulating authorities. WCFD 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. Provides direct services to children, families, and staff in a variety of settings and weather conditions. Plans and implements developmentally appropriate learning experiences that support effective curriculum implementation and school readiness goals. Creates a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment with effective classroom and behavior management practices. Uses ongoing assessment data to individualize instruction and promote children's progress aligned with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework, Wyoming Early Learning Guidelines, and Wyoming Early Learning Foundations. Maintains accurate and timely program documentation, including lesson plans, child assessments, and progress records. Recognizes parents as their child's primary teacher and encourages family engagement in curriculum, trainings, and program activities. Works collaboratively with parents/guardians to develop and support individualized school readiness goals for each child. Establishes positive, cooperative relationships with families and communicates information that supports the best interests of children. Demonstrates advocacy, involvement, and support for children and families within the broader community. Participates in child screenings and referrals, as appropriate. Ensures the safety and well-being of all enrolled children and families participating in WCFD programs. Assists with child recruitment activities in accordance with Department of Health and Human Services and WCFD guidelines. Provides emergency care and responds appropriately to urgent situations involving children and families. Maintains confidentiality of children, families, staff, and program information at all times. Reports suspected child abuse and neglect in accordance with WCFD policies and applicable regulations. Follows all WCFD policies, procedures, and Standards of Conduct. Performs other related duties as assigned by the Board or its designee. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations, without posing a safety risk to self or others. Must complete required pre-employment and ongoing requirements, including physicals, TB risk assessments, CPR/First Aid certification, background checks, and fingerprinting. Must maintain a valid driver's license, safe driving record, and liability insurance in accordance with Wyoming State Law.

Required Skills/Abilities:

Must be able to work well with 3 - 5 year old children and their families, including those with special needs and those that speak languages other than English. Reliable, organized, and detail oriented Must possess strong problem-solving skills Demonstrated ability to follow both written and verbal instructions accurately Excellent interpersonal skills are required to collaborate with individuals with diverse ranges of personalities, backgrounds, and knowledge bases 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:

Baccalaureate or advanced degree in Early Childhood Education, or a baccalaureate or advanced degree and coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education preferred. Minimum of an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education or required field Must be willing to 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. Must possess visual acuity and stamina to read technical material for extended periods of time. Be able to sit, stand or walk for long periods of time without fatigue or discomfort. Must be able to travel to site locations, meetings and trainings, both in and out of state. Must be willing to drive in a variety of weather conditions. Must be able to hear and process ordinary conversation and telephone conversation. Must be able to tolerate air-conditioned buildings and fluorescent lights. 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. Must have upper body strength to lift and carry the equivalent of 50 pounds. Must be able to assist a child to safety in case of an emergency. Must be able to work in a variety of temperatures, including hot and cold weather. Ability to travel across a multi-county region; work in homes, community settings, and office environments; maintain flexible scheduling to meet availability needs. Support Para

EHS JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Summary:

Support Paraeducator DD - 10 hours/week 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.