Classroom Assistant II-ELRA Preschool

Rutgers University; Camden (NJ); On-site; USD 35,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Paid time off

Retirement benefits

Educational benefits

Life insurance

Employee discounts

Job summary

Rutgers University-Camden is seeking a Classroom Assistant II-ELRA Preschool to support daily routines and developmentally appropriate activities for young children. The role is full-time, on-site in Camden, with supervision from the Program Manager and a focus on safe, nurturing learning experiences.

The position requires a high school diploma, CDA credential, and readiness to complete background checks and training. It is grant-funded and located in the ELRA program area.

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or equivalent.
• CDA credential required; associates degree preferred.
• Experience in preschool/early childhood setting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support daily operation of the Infant/Toddler classroom.
• Assist in creating a safe, nurturing, structured learning environment.
• Follow instructional plans and daily schedules under supervision of Program Manager.
• Promote children's social, emotional, cognitive, language and physical development.

Skills

Communication skills

Child development knowledge

Safety and compliance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

CDA credential

Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education (preferred)

Job description

Position Details

Recruitment/Posting Title: Classroom Assistant II-ELRA Preschool

Job Category: AFSCME 1761 (COLT)

Department: Community Leadership Cntr Cam

Overview: Ranked #46 in U.S. News & World Report's list of Best Public Colleges and Universities, Rutgers University-Camden is a diverse, research-intensive campus of approximately 6,100 students at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels and 1,100 faculty and staff members. Located in Camden, N.J., directly across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, the university is uniquely situated to serve the local community while achieving global reach. A U.S. Department of Education-designated Minority Serving Institution, the university thrives due to a supportive culture that helps students achieve their goals and fosters collaboration among employees. Rutgers-Camden is recognized as a national model for civically engaged urban universities and was selected by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching for a Community Engagement classification. Washington Monthly magazine has ranked Rutgers University-Camden among its "Best Bang for the Buck" universities and best national research universities. Recently, Rutgers-Camden earned Carnegie classification as an R2 research university due to a high volume of internationally recognized research, creative output, and scholarly activity.

Posting Summary: The Classroom Assistant II is a full-time position responsible for supporting the daily operation of the Infant/Toddler classroom and assisting in creating a safe, nurturing, structured, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for young children. This position supports the planning and implementation of daily routines, classroom activities, transitions, meals, rest periods, outdoor play, and instructional experiences that promote children's social, emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development. The Classroom Assistant follows classroom instructional plans, individualized child-care routines, daily schedules, and developmental activities established and supervised by the Program Manager. The position supports children's physical, social-emotional, language, cognitive, and motor development through responsive interactions, supervised play, caregiving routines, and age-appropriate learning activities. This is a grant funded position contingent upon the availability of funds to support it.

FLSA: Nonexempt

Grade: 09

Salary Details: Starting salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience, within university policy and salary schedules, as well as departmental budgets.

Minimum Salary: 34723.240

Mid Range Salary: 39813.970

Maximum Salary: 45802.060

Offer Information: The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Position Status: Full Time

Working Hours: 35

Standard Hours: 35.00

Daily Work Shift: Day

Work Arrangement: This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.

Union Description: AFSCME - Local 1761 COLT

Payroll Designation: PeopleSoft

Terms of Appointment: Staff - 12 month

Position Pension Eligibility: PERS

Benefits

Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience: Requires a high school/vocational school education or equivalent and some relevant experience working with children. Positions that support certified special education teachers/teachers of the handicapped, who work predominantly with developmentally disabled or other special needs populations, also require the ability to work with children and/or young adults with autism or other special needs. Must be able to communicate effectively, have effective client service skills, and have the ability to instruct and provide support to the specific student population. Requires the ability to record and maintain data in computerized and non-computerized formats. May require the ability to use specialized instructional and/or record-keeping instruments. May require a valid driver's license, two years of driving experience, and successful completion of the Rutgers Defensive Driving Course. In accordance with New Jersey State law, applicants must agree to undergo, and authorize the university to conduct fingerprint, criminal history and/or child-abuse record checks with various law enforcement agencies, including but not limited to: the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Identification Division and/or The New Jersey Division of State Police Bureau of Identification. Applicants must also assume any costs incurred by the university associated with the background investigations whether required by statute or not. In accordance with state mandated requirements, a Mantoux test will be administered to successful applicants to verify the absence of tuberculosis. In addition, the successful applicant, at the cost of the university, will be required to be inoculated against Hepatitis B, unless the successful applicant waives this vaccination in writing. Required to obtain certification in CPR/First Aid within six months of employment.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent required.
• Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) required, or willingness to complete the CDA credential during the first year of employment.
• Prior experience working in an early childhood, preschool, child care, or classroom setting preferred.
• Experience working directly with young children and supporting their social, emotional, physical, language, and cognitive development.
• Ability to assist with classroom routines, supervision, learning activities, behavior guidance, and child care needs.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work respectfully with children, families, teachers, and staff.
• Ability to follow directions, work collaboratively as part of a classroom team, and maintain professionalism and confidentiality.
• Commitment to providing a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for preschool children.
• Must be willing to participate in required training, professional development, coaching, and program compliance activities.
• Candidate must successfully complete and maintain all required pre-employment and ongoing clearances and health requirements, including a criminal background check, Child Abuse Record Information (CARI) check, physical examination, and any other screenings or clearances required by ELRA, licensing regulations, accreditation standards, and applicable law.
• In addition, once the Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) is obtained, the employee is required to maintain and renew the credential in accordance with applicable accreditation, licensing, and program requirement

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or a related field preferred.
• Current Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) strongly preferred.
• One or more years of experience working in a preschool, early learning, child care, or classroom setting.

Equipment Utilized

• Age-appropriate classroom furniture, learning centers, books, toys, manipulatives, puzzles, blocks, and educational materials.
• Arts and crafts supplies, sensory materials, music and movement materials, and other hands-on learning resources.
• Playground equipment and gross motor materials used for indoor and outdoor activities. Diapering, toileting, handwashing, cleaning, and sanitizing supplies, as appropriate. Meal service items, including child-sized tables, chairs, utensils, cups, and food service supplies.
• Classroom technology such as tablets, computers, smartboards, printers, copiers, and communication systems, as available.
• Child assessment and documentation tools, including observation forms, portfolios, checklists, and digital platforms used by ELRA.
• Safety and emergency equipment, including first aid kits, gloves, emergency contact information, walkie-talkies or phones, and evacuation materials.
• Personal protective equipment and health-related supplies required by ELRA policies or licensing standards.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, sitting on the floor, and reaching throughout the day.
• Lifting, carrying, or assisting