Child Care Assistant

Mississippi State University; Starkville (MS); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Mississippi State University is looking for a dedicated Child Care Assistant to join the team at the Child Development and Family Studies Center. The role entails working closely with young children, ensuring their care and safety while assisting the primary teacher in daily educational activities.

Candidates must possess a high school diploma or GED, with at least two years of experience in a relevant child care environment. This full-time position is based on the Main Campus in Starkville, MS.

Qualifications

• At least two years of experience in a child care setting.
• Understanding of child growth and development.
• Must be at least 18 years old.

Responsibilities

• Assist primary teacher with a group of children.
• Provide care and safety for all children.
• Maintain a cooperative relationship with children and parents.

Skills

Ability to follow instructions

Ability to work with small children

Good communication skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood or related field

Job description

Apply now Job no: 510707 Position type: Full-Time 12-Month Department: 012100 - School of Human Sciences Location: Main Campus - Starkville, MS Categories: Support Staff Position Open Date: Jun 3 2026

Position Function

The child care assistant reports to the Manager at the Child Development and Family Studies Center. Responsible for assisting with teaching and caring for young children and interacting positively with staff, parents, and university students.

The School of Human Sciences provides education, research, and outreach programs related to human interaction and relationships, early childhood, child life, youth, adult and family studies, and teacher education in Family and Consumer Sciences and Agricultural Education. In addition, selected school programs focus on commerce, marketing, and using technology for problem solving and designing programs and projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist primary teacher with a group of children.
• Provide care, safety, and well-being of all children in the group.
• Demonstrate understanding of child growth and development by working with children, communicating with parents and university students, and recording activities.
• Maintain a cooperative relationship with children, co‑workers, university students, and parents.
• Attend staff meetings, professional development and in‑service training, and parent meetings.
• Follow personnel policies of the Child Development and Family Studies Center and the University.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least two (2) years of experience working with children in a child care setting, early childhood, or any applicable child group setting.
• Equivalent combination of related education and experience may be considered.
• At least 18 years of age.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood, Child Development, Elementary Education, Early Childhood.
• Special Education, and/or related field.
• Development Associate Credential (CDA) with 3–5 years of experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to follow instructions.
• Ability to work with small children.
• Good communication skills.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Job frequently requires walking, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, and handling objects with hands.
• Job requires standing, stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling, and lifting up to 40 pounds.
• Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, [phone].

Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.

Advertised: Jun 03 2026 Central Daylight Time