Teacher Assistant, Early Childhood Education

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The Early Childhood Education Program (ECEP) serves over 260 children (3 months through pre‑kindergarten) of university (faculty, staff, and students) and community families. The program consists of over 60 career FTE, 10 – 30+ limited and per diem substitutes, and 60 - 80 student assistants who work daily with children and families in the program to assure high‑quality early education experiences that best nurture and develop the individual child, support a family‑responsive environment for the university, and advance the field of early childhood education.

This position requires a strong foundation in ECE pedagogy and developmentally appropriate care and educational practices for young children in a group setting that utilizes low adult‑to‑child ratios. Under general supervision, the Assistant Teacher is responsible for supporting a play‑based, emergent curriculum, including preparing and implementing lesson plans that best meet the individual needs of children within a group setting. The curriculum is “emergent” because it is derived from the children’s interests and is teacher‑facilitated rather than teacher‑directed.

The Assistant Teacher supports Teachers in developing and leading small‑ and large‑group activities appropriate to the age and developmental level of the children assigned to them.

The program also commonly follows the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) best practices and a caregiving philosophy recommended by the Program for Infant and Toddler Care (PITC). The Assistant Teacher is also responsible for assisting with preparing lesson plans that meet the individual needs of children. Assistant Teachers support in leading small‑ and large‑group activities for the age and developmental level of the children assigned.

Assistant Teachers assist, support, and provide feedback to Teachers regarding child screening and ongoing assessment, based on established child development milestones, to better support the individual needs of each child and to determine whether any referrals are necessary for more formal screening and assessment. Assistant Teachers are also responsible for supporting the parent communication process and interaction regarding the child’s progress and adherence to local, state, and federal standards, as well as all licensing regulations pertaining to children in group care settings.

Excellent communication and a commitment to teamwork are core to the success of this position.

The First Review Date for this job is May 28, 2026.

• Provides caregiving functions as needed and when appropriate, i.e., diapering, napping, feeding, nurturing, etc. Assists in building and maintaining…