Paraeducator - Mental Health

Wyoming Child & family development is an equal opportunity provider

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 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.