Assistant Teacher

Administration & Operations; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

George Mason University Child Development Center seeks an Assistant Teacher to support classroom operations and daily activities in a full-time on-site role in Fairfax, VA. You will assist with planning, setup and maintaining a positive learning environment for young children, under the Lead Teacher's guidance.

The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent, and CDA credentials or 12 college credits in a related field, with preferred additional training in CPR/First Aid and MAT.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• CDA Credential or at least 12 college credits related to education required.
• Experience working with young children in a school or childcare setting.
• Knowledge of early childhood development and developmentally-appropriate activities.
• Ability to engage with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Responsibilities

• Support Lead Teacher with social-emotional development of each child based on individual needs.
• Assist planning and implementing developmentally-appropriate activities aligned with Mason’s CDC mission.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the classroom; support daily routines.
• Attend required trainings and complete in-service hours.

Skills

Social-emotional development

Early childhood knowledge

Classroom support

Diversity & inclusion

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

CDA Credential or 12 college credits

Associate’s degree in related field

Tools

CPR/First Aid training

Medication Administration (MAT) training

Job description

Department: Auxiliary and Business Services

Classification: Direct Svc Associate 1

Job Category:Classified Staff

Job Type:Full-Time

Work Schedule:Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type:On Site Required

Sponsorship Eligibility:Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Pay Band:01

Salary:Salary commensurate with education and experience

Restricted:Yes

Criminal Background Check:Yes

Works with Minors check:Yes

About the Department:

The George Mason University Child Development Center was established to support University faculty, staff and students by providing early care and education through an emergent, play-based preschool program. The staff of the CDC is committed to prioritizing the healthy development of each individual student within an environment that emphasizes whole food nutrition, social-emotional skills, and nature-based play. Our program celebrates the diverse cultures, languages, ethnicities, and family structures of our community.

About the Position:

The Assistant Teacher (AT) supports the implementation of the overall program of their classroom. The AT adapts to the changing needs of the Lead Teacher and classroom, providing support to each developing child, daily routines, cleaning, planning/set-up, and organization. The AT is responsible for assuming management of the classroom in the absence of the Lead Teacher.

Responsibilities:

• Supports Lead Teacher with social-emotional development of each child based on individual needs;
• Assists the Lead Teacher in planning and implementing developmentally-appropriate and engaging activities consistent with Mason’s CDC mission and philosophy;
• Maintains cleanliness and organization of the classroom; and
• Attends all required staff trainings; completes annual in-service hours/professional development.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent;
• Demonstrated experience working with young children in a school or childcare setting;
• Knowledge of early childhood development;
• Skill working with young children, preferably in a preschool setting;
• Approach all interactions with curiosity, respect, and openness to diverse perspectives and backgrounds; and
• Child Development Associate Credential issued by Council for Professional Recognition (CDA) or CDA Credential equivalent of at least 12 college credits in related education field required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree in related field; and
• Training in Mandated Reporter, CPR/1st Aid, Medication Administration (MAT) preferred.

Open Dates:Posting Open Date: August 3, 2026

Open For Full Consideration, Apply by:August 14, 2026

Open Until Filled:Yes