Classroom Assistant – Neighborhood Preschool

Wesleyan University; Middletown (CT); On-site; USD 20,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

The Neighborhood Preschool at Wesleyan University seeks Classroom Assistants who are Wesleyan students eligible for Federal Work-Study. Two preschool classrooms (ages 3-5) and two infant/toddler rooms (4 months-3 years) operate in a new campus facility on Long Lane.

Responsibilities span assisting staff, participating in activities, and helping with daily tasks. You’ll be a positive role model, ensure safety, and may share a skill with the class.

Qualifications

• Must be a Wesleyan University student eligible for Federal Work-Study.
• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Sensitive to the needs of and a strong liking for children.
• Classroom Assistants must be at least 18 years old.
• Dependability, emotional stability, and a warm personality.
• Ability to accept directions and work with staff and children.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Assist under staff direction in classroom activities.
• Participate in school activities (newsletter, snack planning, decoration).
• Let professionals lead and handle crises when needed.
• Help with housekeeping tasks and diapering/toileting as required.
• Volunteer a skill or talent (e.g., language, music).
• Be a positive role model and ensure safety of children.
• Report problems, illness, or injuries to the Lead Teacher.
• Go outside with children daily when scheduled.

Skills

Federal Work-Study eligibility

Sensitivity to children

18 years old minimum

Dependability

Emotional stability

Willingness to learn

Positive classroom role model

Ability to communicate with children &

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Only students with federal work-study are eligible for this position. If you are unsure if you have federal work-study, email [e-mail].

Position Summary

The Neighborhood Preschool (NPS) seeks Wesleyan students to work as Classroom Assistants. NPS has two preschool classrooms with children ages 3 to 5 years old and two infant/toddler classrooms with children ages 4 months to 3 years old. The NPS philosophy focuses on child-directed learning, using play and empirically evidenced practice to promote curiosity, confidence, and cognitive development. Our new facility is located on Long Lane on Wesleyan's campus.

Background Check

This position will have unsupervised interactions with individuals under 18 years old. Applicants must undergo a background check as part of their onboarding. Hiring offers are contingent on passing a background check.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Classroom Responsibilities

• Assist as needed under the direction of the staff.
• Participate in school activities as requested (e.g., newsletter, snack planning, and
  preparation, classroom decoration, etc.)
• Allow the professional staff to take lead and deal with problem situations.
• Help in general housekeeping tasks.
• Be prepared to assist with diapering, toileting children in a friendly and relaxed manner while maintaining proper hygiene.
• Volunteer a skill or a talent (e.g., playing a musical instrument, speaking another
  language, leading a dance/movement class).
• Be a good role model; monitor your language and behavior.
• Supervise children with concern for their emotional and physical safety.
• Report problems, illness, or injury to the Lead Teacher in your program.
• Share your energy, intelligence, sensitivity, and enthusiasm.
• Be prepared to go outside with the children every day.

General Responsibilities

• Treat all children with dignity and respect.
• Maintain prompt hours and notify the Lead Teacher in the event of illness, with as much notice as possible.
• Maintain up-to-date physical examination and health records, authorize state police
  background check for criminal arrest records.
• Maintain a neat and clean appearance, suitable for playing on the floor with children.
• Work with all other staff members and parent volunteers in a cooperative manner.
• Attend staff meetings and training sessions as requested.
• Observe and follow the policies as set forth in the handbook for student employees.
• Maintain a welcoming and friendly attitude toward parents and children.

Desired Skills & Qualifications

Required

• Current Wesleyan University student eligible for Federal Work-Study.
  • Education: High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Sensitivity to the needs of and a strong liking for children.
• Classroom Assistants must be at least 18 years old.
• Dependability, evidence of emotional stability and maturity, warm and friendly personality.
• Evidence of sufficient security and judgment to handle crisis situations.
• Ability to accept directions, guidance, and instructions from permanent staff members gracefully.
• Ability to work respectfully and effectively with young children.
• Dependable and punctual.
• Willingness to learn and accept direction from experienced teaching staff.
• Ability to communicate appropriately with children and adults.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Preferred

• Previous experience working with children.
• Interest in early childhood education, psychology, education, human development, or a related field.

Physical Requirements

The employee must be able to:

• Sit, kneel, squat, bend, reach, and sit on the floor while interacting with children.
• Participate actively in indoor and outdoor activities.
• Move throughout the classroom and playground.
• Respond appropriately and quickly to safety concerns or emergencies.

What Success Looks Like

A successful Classroom Assistant brings enthusiasm, curiosity, dependability, and kindness into the classroom each day. They become a trusted and positive presence for children, willingly jump in to help the teaching team, and are genuinely interested in children's ideas, questions, and discoveries.

Most importantly, children know them as someone who is happy to be there—someone who will get down on the floor, read the story one more time, build the tower, join the dance, listen to the story, and make them feel seen and valued.

Every employee at Neighborhood Preschool shares the responsibility of creating a place where children feel safe, valued, respected, and inspired to learn.

Schedule & Availability

• 2026-2027 Academic Year
• As established when hired, generally between 4-12 hours per week.
• Must have availability Monday-Friday between 9am-5pm
• Work during winter break is available.

Job Classification

• Entry-Level -The state minimum wage will increase to $17.48/hour starting on January 1st, 2027. If you begin work in December, you can begin at the $17.48 wage.
• Returning Student Employees - Additional $0.50 per year

Primary Supervisor & Contact

• Karen Yorker, Director, [e-mail]
• The Classroom Assistant will also work under the direction of the Lead Teacher and classroom teaching team.

Performance Evaluation

The Lead Teacher will check in with the Classroom Assistant each shift.