Cooperative Preschool Teacher

Children’s Cooperative Preschool (childrenscooppreschool.com) is seeking a Preschool Teacher who will support a loving, safe, and positive learning environment for our preschoolers ages 2.5 - 5. We are seeking an energetic, enthusiastic person with the ability to establish constructive relationships with children and adults. The ideal candidate is interested in moving towards a co-teaching model with our current lead teacher after an initial year as an assistant teacher.

This is a part time position that begins in early September for the 2024-2025 school year.

Children’s Co-Op Preschool is affiliated with the Whatcom Community College Parenting Education program, and is a nonprofit organization run by an elected volunteer executive board and members of the cooperative. Cooperative preschools employ teachers who are supported by parents who work in the classroom as part of their parenting education program.

Job Responsibilities:

Ensure the safety of all the children at all times.

Work closely with the Lead Teacher to implement a play-based curriculum.

Prepare and set up activities, implementing portions of the daily program as directed by the lead teacher, assisting in keeping the classroom, and storage areas, clean, neat, and orderly.

Implement daily lessons when the lead teacher is absent.

Engage in ongoing professional development, with the support of the lead teacher and WCC parenting educator.

Adapt activities and approaches to meet the diverse needs of all children.

Recognize and respond to children experiencing “big feelings” with empathy and understanding, use de-escalation techniques to help children manage their emotions and return to a calm state.

Required Qualifications:

Experience teaching in a preschool setting, preferably a cooperative preschool.

Knowledge of child development, with an emphasis on play-based learning with a social-emotional focus.

Knowledge in guidance techniques in supporting social emotional conflicts

Able to physically work with very young children (must be able to squat down, sit on the floor, sit in child-size chairs, climb stairs, pivot and run at any given moment).

Willing to maintain current first aid and CPR certifications and complete a background check.

Preferred Qualifications:

Minimum Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education

Interest and experience in working with neurodiverse children

Long-term professional career interest in Early Childhood Education

Hours:

Monday/Wednesday/Friday 8:15-12:45

Tuesday/Thursday 8:15-11:45

In addition, the Assistant Teacher is expected to attend monthly teacher trainings, board meetings, and parent/family education meetings for an additional 3-5 hours per month; these dates and times will be set closer to the beginning of our school year.

We follow the Bellingham Public Schools calendar; hours may differ based on school holidays, breaks, field trips, etc.

Salary & Benefits: $22-$25 DOE. No health or retirement benefits are included with this position. Please submit a cover letter and resume to abishop@whatcom.edu.