Paraeducator Head Start / Family Advocate

POSITION AVAILABLE: Wyoming Child & Family Development, Inc. Gillette Center is now scheduling interviews for a combined position: Paraeducator Head Start/Family Advocate.  This is a Full-time position for 37 hours a week 176 days a year. No weekends, and most major holidays off as well as an extended winter break.     For more details, including the complete job description, and to apply please visit: . We look forward to visiting with you!

The base hourly rate is $15.87.

Application deadline: February 2, 2026.

For questions, please contact the Center Director, Lori at [email protected] or call 307-682-4214.

“This institution is an equal opportunity provider.”

Paraeducator HS/Family Advocate Job Description

Job Summary – Paraeducator HS :

In this role, you will help create a safe and supportive environment for children from three to five years old, where they can explore, learn, and build trusting relationships. You will work with the Lead Teacher to get materials ready and set up the classroom. You will also provide individualized care to meet the needs of each child and family in our Head Start (HS) program with the overall goal of social competence and school readiness for each child.

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.
• Implements set lesson plans, as directed, in individual, cooperative, small and large group settings.
• 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 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.
• Ensure ability to perform job functions safely, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Board or its designee.
• Adhere to all policies, guidelines, and operational procedures set forth by Wyoming Child and Family Development, Inc.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Must demonstrate the ability to work effectively with children ranging from three to five years old, including those with special needs, and their families.
• 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 obtain a Child Development Associate Credential within a specified time frame.  Training and support will be provided by WCFD.
• 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.

Physical Requirements:

Reasonable accommodations can be made for persons with disabilities. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Ability to read technical materials for extended periods of time.
• Ability to sit, stand, or walk for long periods without fatigue or discomfort.
• Must be able to travel to various sites, meetings, and training sessions, both in-state and out-of-state.
• Must be willing to drive safely in a variety of weather conditions.
• Capable of hearing and processing both in-person and telephone conversations.
• Must be able to work in a variety of temperatures, including hot and cold weather.
• Ability to work in air-conditioned buildings and under fluorescent lighting.
• Must be able to climb stairs, stoop, kneel, crouch and/or reach, to retrieve materials and supplies from ground level to a height of at least 5 ft.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to assist children in emergency situations and provide first aid when needed.

Family Advocate Job Description

Job Summary- Family Advocate:

This role is responsible for recruiting and enrolling children into the program. They will collaborate with families to assess their strengths, interests, needs, and aspirations related to family engagement outcomes. The Family Advocate works with a team of staff to address needs through interventions, referrals, and follow-up support. They help families achieve individualized engagement outcomes and establish a partnership process for goal setting, progress review, and strategy adjustments. Promotes Parent, Family, and Community Engagement activities within the center, community, and at the child’s home. Additionally, they provide individualized support in areas such as child development, health, nutrition, and school readiness. This role fosters a collaborative and supportive environment for children and families.

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.

• Visits each child's family in the program a minimum of four times a year, of which two will be scheduled in the child’s home. The Family Advocate must work closely with the parents in order to jointly identify individual family strengths and needs and help to identify solutions to meet the identified needs and follow-up, as appropriate.
• Encourages positive parent-child relationships, along with connections to peers and community.
• Assists parents in finding the available resources they need to increase family well-being. Visits to community agencies, to establish and maintain contact, are required.
• Understands how trauma may affect children and families in order to support their health, healing, resilience and well-being.
• Responsible for establishing and securely maintaining child and family information/records in ChildPlus, and in paper files, as appropriate. Must ensure all necessary data is obtained from families and accurately entered into ChildPlus. If information is incomplete or missing, must contact parents or guardians for completion, or to provide additional information.
• Must keep all family and child data current in the ChildPlus system, including Family Partnership Goals and Outcomes, child health and screening information, notes regarding contact, etc. Documents, such as Enrollment Paperwork and In-kind, must be kept and maintained on a consistent basis.
• May assist and attend Health Services Advisory Committee and Human Resource meetings.
• Organizes and helps to facilitate Family Engagement Activities and parent meetings, including trainings, with input from parents. Actively encourages families and community members to volunteer and be engaged in children’s education.
• Ensures that screening has been completed on all children, including hearing, vision and development, and keeps up-to-date and accurate individual health records on all enrolled children in ChildPlus, within the allotted time frame as stated in the Head Start Program Performance Standards
• Works with educational staff to inform parents of any medical or oral health needs or problems of their child. Makes referrals for medical and oral health care and assists with follow-up.
• Informs other staff members of health and/or social service needs for the child or family.
• Assists the family in securing a medical and/or oral health home. Helps make appointments and arrange transportation, as needed. Assists families with obtaining health insurance. When necessary, transports children and families to appointments with approval of the Center Coordinator.
• Assists with monthly screenings at the center and within the community, as needed.
• Works to ensure family engagement is present and active in all areas of the program and is central to their approach of partnering with children and families.
• Supports parent participation in Parent Group, Policy Council and other leadership and advocacy efforts on behalf of their children and Head Start.
• Encourages families as lifelong educators and learners.
• Assists families as their child transitions to the next educational setting.
• Able to perform the essential functions of the position, as defined in the job description, without presenting a danger to either self or others, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Must have an employment physical and TB risk assessment prior to working with children.
• Must have AHA CPR and First Aid Training completed within 90 days, unless otherwise specified by the supervisor.
• Wyoming Child and Family Development, Inc. requires all prospective employees to participate in a Central Registry and criminal background check, including fingerprinting upon hire and every 5 years.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, safe driving record and liability insurance as required by Wyoming State Law. Driving records are reviewed annually.
• Wyoming Child and Family Development requires an initial statement of health from a licensed healthcare provider and a health status annual assessment.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Must be able to work well with children (ages 0 through 5 years of age), including those with special needs, and their families.
• Proficient in engaging a diverse range of families, fathers, partners, grandparents, and any significant figures in a child’s education.
• Ability to identify and understand the needs of others, including children and families.
• Skilled in interacting with and engaging both children and adults in a positive manner.
• Knowledgeable about community resources and services, or able to acquire this knowledge, to provide families with relevant information and referrals to address their needs and challenges.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with families, staff, and the community.
• Strong stress management skills and the ability to handle challenging situations effectively.
• Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to adjust to changing daily routines and priorities as needed.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficient in stress management and maintaining a calm, organized approach in a fast-paced environment.

Education and Experience :  

• Prefer an Associates or Baccalaureate in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field.
• Staff must have within 18 months of hire, at a minimum, a credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling or a related field. An equivalent certification is provided by WCFD.
• WCFD will only accept college degrees from accredited institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. 
• Must attain additional training or certifications, which may be required by Wyoming Child and Family Development, Inc.  

Physical Requirements:

Reasonable accommodations can be made for persons with disabilities. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Ability to read technical materials for extended periods of time.
• Ability to sit, stand, or walk for long periods without fatigue or discomfort.
• Must be able to travel to various sites, meetings, and training sessions, both in-state and out-of-state.
• Must be willing to drive safely in a variety of weather conditions.
• Capable of hearing and processing both in-person and telephone conversations.
• Must be able to work in a variety of temperatures, including hot and cold weather.
• Ability to work in air-conditioned buildings and under fluorescent lighting.
• Must be able to climb stairs, stoop, kneel, crouch and/or reach, to retrieve materials and supplies from ground level to a height of at least 5 ft.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to assist children in emergency situations and provide first aid when needed.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $15.87 per hour

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person