Classroom Assistant, Early Childhood Education (4127U) #87101

University of California, Berkeley; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 27,014 - 31,684; Part time

Job summary

The University of California, Berkeley is looking for a Classroom Assistant for the Early Childhood Education Program. This part-time role involves supporting teaching staff, interacting positively with children, and maintaining a safe and clean environment. The ideal candidate must have strong communication and multitasking skills, as well as relevant experience in early childhood education.

Applicants should have a high school diploma and must complete various training and checks as per California state requirements. The hourly pay ranges from $19.61 to $23.00.

Qualifications

• Ability to interact positively with children and staff.
• Experience working with or caring for young children.
• Basic computer skills relevant to job duties.

Responsibilities

• Assist with various caregiving and supervisory activities.
• Maintain a safe and clean environment for children.
• Participate in meetings and professional development activities.

Skills

Communication skills

Active listening

Reasoning skills

Multitasking

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Early Childhood Education coursework

Job description

About Berkeley

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom, and belonging makes it a special place for students, faculty, and staff. As a world‑leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic, and social value.

Departmental Overview

Residential and Student Service Programs (RSSP) is a complex cluster of student service and residential housing auxiliary services departments with an aggregated operating budget of approximately $145 million and over 2,500 employees. The Early Childhood Education Program (ECEP) is a department in RSSP that provides early education and child care for 262 infant, toddler, and pre‑school children of students, faculty, staff and community families in five centers across campus and the surrounding community. The program serves children as young as 3 months old up until they attend kindergarten.

Position Summary

The Classroom Assistant will help teachers in a wide variety of activities including care giving, supervision of children, and carrying out curriculum. The position also includes maintenance of a safe and healthy environment, meal preparations, housekeeping duties, and participation in staff meetings and trainings as required. It is a part‑time position spanning all aspects of the ECEP Center and classroom operation, with a regular commitment of at least 3–4 consecutive hours for 3–4 days a week. Under the general direction of the Center Director, the Assistant will support the professional teaching staff in all areas of responsibility assigned and help plan, organize, set‑up and clean‑up curriculum activities.

Responsibilities

• Interact with children and classroom staff in a positive manner.
• Assist in providing developmentally appropriate learning experiences and activities for children under the direction and supervision of professional teaching staff.
• Assist in maintaining the center as a safe, clean, and supportive environment for children.
• Assist in maintaining standards of student behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the center.
• Participate in meetings with supervising teachers to discuss concerns and plan curriculum.
• Provide caregiving functions when appropriate (diapering, napping, feeding, nurturing, etc.).
• Develop knowledge of teaching methods, techniques and skills through continuing education.
• Participate in required professional development activities.

Observation

• Observe and interact with children respecting their rights as individuals and share observations with staff.
• Escalate concerning observations quickly and appropriately to ensure the safety of all children.
• Function as a Mandated Reporter under California Child Abuse and Neglect Act (CANRA) to report observed/suspected abuse or neglect of children, dependent adults and elders to designated law enforcement or social service agencies.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Participate in in‑service meetings, staff meetings, workshops, and other program activities as requested.

Required Qualifications

• Verbal and written communication skills in the English language, active listening, and dynamic flexibility in adapting to the needs of clients.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and employ reasoning skills.
• Basic computer skills relevant to job duties.
• Ability to multitask in a busy environment.
• Previous experience working with or caring for young children or early childhood education coursework on how young children learn and develop at different stages.

Preferred Qualifications

• PITC (Program for Infant/Toddler Care) exposure preferred.
• Previous experience or familiarity with emergent, play‑based, Reggio‑inspired, Montessori or similar early education philosophy and approach preferred.
• Knowledge of and/or ability to learn campus policies and procedures.

Education / Training

• High school diploma and/or equivalent certification, experience, or training. (Required)
• Early Childhood Education coursework. (Preferred)

Licenses / Certifications

• Must pass FBI and DOJ criminal check with approval from Dept. of Social Services. (Required)
• Must complete blood borne pathogen training upon hire and annually. (Required)
• Must complete the online State of CA Mandated Reporter training upon hire. (Required)
• Must test TB negative and have health screening clearance, including up‑to‑date measles and pertussis vaccination and any new State or UC Berkeley health requirements for positions working with young children. (Required)
• Active Child CPR Certification. (Preferred)
• Standard First Aid Training Certification. (Preferred)

Salary & Benefits

The budgeted hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $19.61‑$23.00.

• This is a non‑exempt, bi‑weekly paid position.
• This Per Diem position is ineligible for UC benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.