Job Description

Job DetailsJob Location: Whatcom Family YMCA - Bellingham, WA 98225Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $20.53 - $22.50 HourlyToddler Lead Teacher
Shape Little Minds. Build Big Futures.
Are you passionate about early childhood development and creating joyful learning environments for young children? At the Whatcom Family Y's Heart House Early Learning Center, we believe every child deserves a safe, nurturing place to grow, explore, and thrive. As a Toddler Lead Teacher, you’ll play a vital role in guiding our youngest learners during one of the most important stages of their development—while supporting families and strengthening our community.
If you love curiosity-filled days, meaningful connections, and watching toddlers discover the world around them, this could be the perfect role for you.
Why Work at the YMCA?
At the Y, we’re more than a workplace—we’re a mission-driven community dedicated to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Every day, our team helps children and families reach their full potential.
You’ll join a supportive team that values collaboration, inclusivity, and growth—while making a real difference in the lives of young children and their families.
What You’ll Do
As the Toddler Lead Teacher, you will create a welcoming and engaging classroom environment where toddlers can learn through play, exploration, and connection.
Key Responsibilities:
Supervise children, classroom environments, and daily program activities.
Lead and mentor Assistant Teachers to create a positive and effective team environment.
Plan and implement play-based learning experiences that support language development, social skills, and early childhood milestones.
Create and follow daily toddler routines including meals, diapering, play, and rest.
Document children’s development through observations, assessments, and portfolios.
Build strong partnerships with parents and caregivers through open communication and support.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized classroom environment.
Participate in family events, staff meetings, and ongoing professional development
Our Commitment to Equity
Everything we do at the YMCA is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential.
We are committed to:
Eliminating barriers to access
Supporting working families
Improving community health and education
Empowering the next generation of changemakers
We welcome team members from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences who share our mission and values.The Impact You’ll Make
Every day you’ll help toddlers:
Build confidence and independence
Develop language and social skills
Experience curiosity and discovery
Feel safe, valued, and supported
And just as importantly—you’ll help families feel connected to a caring community.
Ready to inspire young learners and make a lasting difference?
Join the Whatcom Family Y and help us nurture the potential in every child.
QualificationsQualifications
Required
Experience working with children in a licensed childcare or developmental setting
Must be 18 years or older with a high school diploma or equivalent
Ability to plan and lead developmentally appropriate activities for toddlers
Strong relationship-building skills with children, families, and diverse communities
Preferred
Experience working with diverse populations
Additional Requirements
Negative TB test
HIV/Bloodborne Pathogens training
Safe Sleep training
MERIT ID account
Washington State Food Handler’s Card
Cleared Portable Background Check from MERIT
MMR Immunization Record
Training & Certifications (required within specified timelines):
Praesidium Child Abuse Prevention Training (upon hire)
CPR/AED and First Aid certification (Adult, Infant & Child) (within 2 months of being hired)
STARS 30-Hour Childcare Basic Training (within 3 months of hire)
Must be able to obtain ECE Short Certificate or equivalent (approx. 20 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.