Classroom Teacher

When you join the staff of Whatcom Center for Early Learning (WCEL), you join a dedicated, mission-driven team of professionals who believe every child should have access to Early Support services and the opportunity to grow their skills and abilities. Our staff are passionate about our county-wide work with children and families with developmental delays and disabilities and aim to actively contribute to an equity-minded culture of appreciation and growth.

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WCEL’s mission is to partner with families to provide high-quality, equitable, and comprehensive therapy and support services to children experiencing developmental delays and disabilities. Our vision is an equitable society where children with disabilities and their families thrive, experience meaningful connections, and have a deep understanding of their strengths and needs.

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This position is located in beautiful Bellingham, WA. Bellingham is uniquely placed at the heart of the Pacific Northwest, nestled between the mountains and the sea. Living here you can discover your inner adventurer by exploring iconic cities, trying countless outdoor activities, and becoming part of a welcoming community.

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Join our life-changing organization today!

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Position Summary:

The Classroom Teacher is part of the team responsible for designing and implementing group programs to meet the needs of children and families enrolled in Whatcom Center for Early Learning early intervention services and the greater community. The Classroom Teacher leads 1-3 community or special interest playgroups each week with the support of a classroom assistant. Collaboration with the early intervention staff will be integral to the position, as supporting the goals of children’s Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP) is a primary focus of our classroom programs.  

Locations:

Possibility of working at WCEL sites in Bellingham or Ferndale, and in the community offerings in Ferndale, Lynden or Bellingham.   

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Duties and Responsibilities:​

Classroom Responsibilities: 

• Meets regularly with classroom staff and with other team members to plan group programs. 

• In collaboration with other Classroom teacher(s) and the Early Learning Program Manager, is responsible for the development and organization of the classroom around developmentally appropriate curricular materials and activities.  

• Assumes primary responsibility for the attractiveness, cleanliness, and organization of the classroom (e.g. bulletin boards, parent corners, cleaning procedures). 

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 Families: 

• Supports families to feel welcome in the program, always being aware that for children under the age of three years, the child and family are one. 

• Views families as integral and valuable partners in the service delivery system of group programs. 

• Be available to answer family questions regarding child’s development and team with the family’s Primary Service Provider and Family Resource Coordinator to align strategies of support for children and family's needs.  

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Other Duties: 

• Utilizes team building strategies in order to promote good working relationships among team members and staff members in general. 

• Remain current in education and trends relating to early childhood curriculum, early childhood special education, infant mental health and parent education and support. 

• Teams with the administrative staff  responsible for gathering photo releases and photos for the website and other media representations of WCEL. 

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Skills and Abilities:

• A motivated self-starter and problem solver with energy, flexibility, creativity, a sense of humor, and a willingness to pitch in wherever needed. 

• Professional work habits (punctual, responsive, organized, ability to manage multiple projects, attention to detail). 

• Excellent communication and conflict management skills including via written, in-person and telephone. 

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Teams, or willingness and competency to learn. 

• Ability to prioritize effectively and handle multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously and strong organizational/record keeping skills. 

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with staff as a foundational team member. 

Education and Knowledge

• Early Childhood and/or Special Education degree and at least 2 years group teaching experience with children under 5 years of age.  

• Teaching Certificate with Early Childhood and/or Special Education Endorsement preferred. 

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Pay Range: DOE

Schedule: TBD

Please send resume and cover letter to careers@wcel.net

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Please send your resume and cover letter describing your interest in our mission and how your work or life experience had prepared you for this role.