Learning And Development Jobs in Ferndale, WA (NOW HIRING)

Spend your afternoons making a difference.

Do you love working with young children and want a schedule that leaves your mornings free? The Whatcom Family YMCA is looking for three caring, energetic, and dependable Early Learning Teachers to join our Millworks Early Learning Center beginning September 2026.

Located near downtown Bellingham, our licensed Early Learning Center serves children from 1 month to 5 years old in a warm, play-based learning environment where curiosity, creativity, and relationships come first.

We're hiring for:

• Toddler 1 (12–20 months)
• Toddler 2 (20–30 months)
• Preschool 2 (3–4 years)

Schedule

Monday–Friday | 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Availability during most school breaks is required.

This position is perfect for college students, paraeducators, substitute teachers, or anyone looking for meaningful afternoon work.

Why You'll Love Working at the Y

Every day, you'll help young children learn, grow, and discover the world around them while building lasting relationships with families and a supportive team of educators.

At the YMCA, you're more than an employee—you become part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to strengthening our community through Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility.

What You'll Do

As a Closing Early Learning Teacher, you will:

• Create a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom where children feel valued and supported.
• Work alongside the Lead Teacher and classroom team to implement a high-quality, play-based curriculum.
• Support children's daily routines, including meals, diapering, toileting, rest time, and transitions using developmentally appropriate practices.
• Encourage language development, social-emotional growth, independence, and exploration through meaningful interactions.
• Observe and document children's learning to support assessments and individual growth.
• Build positive relationships with families through daily communication during afternoon pick-up.
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming classroom by completing daily cleaning and sanitizing tasks.
• Follow YMCA policies, Washington State licensing requirements, and health and safety procedures.
• Administer basic first aid, complete required documentation, and report concerns appropriately.
• Support the YMCA's commitment to child protection by following all Youth Protection and mandated reporting requirements.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and family engagement events.

We're Looking For Someone Who:

• Loves working with young children.
• Has experience caring for or teaching children under age 5 (preferred).
• Can commit to the afternoon schedule listed above.
• Enjoys building positive relationships with children, families, and coworkers.
• Is dependable, flexible, and eager to learn and grow professionally.
• Believes every child deserves to feel welcomed, included, and successful.

Ready to make every afternoon count?

If you're looking for a rewarding part-time position where you can make a lasting impact in the lives of young children while working with an incredible team, we'd love to meet you.

Apply today and help shape tomorrow—one child, one smile, and one afternoon at a time.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Must be 18 years of age or older and a high school graduate (or equivalent).
2. Previous experience working with children in a developmental setting preferred.
3. Ability to plan, organize and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities.
4. Previous experience with diverse populations. Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.
5. Current CPR (Adult, Infant & Child) and First Aid, AED certifications.
6. Complete Praesidium Child Abuse prevention training within 15 days of hire.
7. STARS 30 Hour Childcare Basic Training (Must be completed within 3 months of hire date)
8. 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

        9. 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.