Job Description

Job Location: Whatcom Family YMCA - Bellingham, WA 98225

Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $19.90 - $21.00 HourlyDo 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.

Join our team and help create a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success!

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.

QualificationsQUALIFICATIONS

• 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

1. 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.