Early Childhood Assistant Pool: Spring and Fall 2026

Oregon State University; Corvallis (OR); On-site; USD 24,149 - 30,541; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life

Generous paid leave package

Tuition reduction benefits

Job summary

Oregon State University is seeking an Early Childhood Assistant to support the Child Development Lab. This role focuses on assisting in classroom operations aimed at enhancing the social and emotional development of children. Key responsibilities include preparing materials, guiding children, and maintaining a safe classroom environment.

The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 20 semester hours in Early Childhood Education or comparable experience, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment.

Qualifications

• Completion of Blood Borne Pathogen training and First Aid/CPR certification within 90 days.
• Demonstration of self-initiative.

Responsibilities

• Support classroom operations and promote development of children.
• Gather materials for classroom use and maintain a safe environment.
• Support children’s activities and foster parent involvement.
• Communicate effectively with parents and staff.

Skills

Verbal and written communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Organizational skills

Ability to establish relationships

Sensitivity to individual needs

Teamwork

Culturally appropriate implementation

Computer proficiency (Microsoft Office)

Education

Minimum twenty semester hours in Early Childhood Education or Child Development

Child Development Associate (CDA) credential

One year full-time experience in childcare

Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education (preferred)

Job description

Position Details

Position title: Early Childhood Assistant Pool: Spring and Fall 2026

Department: Child Development Lab (HHS)

Classification Title: Early Childhood Assistant

Job Location: Corvallis

Appointment Type: Classified Staff

Employment Category: Academic Year

Job Summary

As part of the education team, this position will support efficient classroom operations to promote the social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of Head Start children. The role involves providing assistance to the Head Teacher and/or Director in a certified day‑care environment.

Key Responsibilities

Classroom Support (95%)

• Gather and prepare materials for classroom use.
• Follow a consistent schedule which includes small and large group experiences, choice time, music and movement, large and small motor activities, skill development, two meals and effective transitions between activities.
• Maintain a developmentally appropriate and safe environment.
• Support an atmosphere that promotes and reinforces parental involvement in the classroom.
• Work with and guide children in a supportive, positive and consistent manner.
• Provide supervision for small group activities.
• Work with individual or small groups of children.
• Perform classroom and center cleaning tasks as needed and as directed.
• Interact with children and family members to nurture positive relationships and provide support in a professional manner.
• Monitor and assist with meals, nap time, clean‑up, and hygienic care (toileting, handwashing, etc.).
• Create and maintain a safe, healthy culturally appropriate, emotionally secure learning environment.
• Encourage and participate in activities that foster an environment that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and fosters a sense of belonging for students, families and co‑workers.
• Monitor playground activities to ensure compliance with safety.

Other Duties (5%)

• Attend and participate in program meetings as requested by supervisor.
• Complete all areas of responsibility in compliance with program code of conduct and confidentiality policies.
• Be a contributory team member in a positive/productive manner.
• Demonstrate commitment to mission, values and policies in the performance of daily duties.
• May be asked to assist in providing substitute lead teacher coverage throughout the center in alignment with program requirements and children ratios or other tasks as assigned by the lead teacher or director.

Requirements

• Minimum of twenty semester hours (thirty quarter hours) of college courses in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or Special Education; OR a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential; OR one year of full‑time experience in a certified day‑care center or comparable child care program.
• Willingness to participate in on‑the‑job training.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; problem‑solving skills.
• Organizational skills including a demonstrated ability to do detailed work, prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with parents, staff and public.
• Sensitivity to individual and group needs.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a teaching team and follow directions.
• Enrollment in the Child Care Divisions Central Background Registry upon hire.
• OCC approved health and safety training (within 30 days of hire).
• A demonstrable ability to implement a culturally appropriate learning environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word and Excel).
• Demonstrated ability to communicate in a manner that shows respect and inclusivity for all co‑workers and internal customers.
• Must have or obtain Blood Borne Pathogen training and infant/child First Aid/CPR certification within 90 days of hire.
• Demonstration of self-initiative.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with 3–5‑year‑old children and/or in a preschool.
• Knowledge of Head Start.
• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or related field.
• Demonstrated understanding of Oregon licensing requirements and rules regulating childcare centers.
• Teaching experience in early childhood settings.
• Knowledge of community resources in support of families, i.e. health, nutrition, educational, medical, etc.
• Training and experience with multicultural populations.
• Demonstrated ability to design and/or implement trauma‑informed care.

Working Conditions / Work Schedule

The work schedule for this position is Monday – Friday, 8‑4:30. Occasional evening work may be required.

This position requires repetitive bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, climbing and grasping to perform cleaning duties, assist children, and other duties as assigned, and sitting on the floor, small chairs, and/or outdoors as needed. Must be able to respond rapidly to children’s needs to ensure their safety or the safety of other children. Occasionally required to lift up to 50 pounds. Must be able to respond appropriately (both mentally and physically) to an emergency or a crisis.

Pay Method

Hourly

Pay Period

16th – 15th of the following month

Pay Date

Last working day of the month

Salary Range

Min Salary: $17.53   Max Salary: $22.17

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
• Retirement savings paid by the university.
• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.

Security and Background Check

This position is designated as a critical or security‑sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined as position qualified as per University Standard: 05‑010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self‑report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.

Equal Opportunity / Fair Chance Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.

OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system.

Application Process

Applications submitted to this recruitment pool are reviewed on an as needed basis. Qualified candidates will be contacted when positions become available.

Applications will be considered throughout the Fall term for the 2026 academic year.

Resumes are NOT accepted at the application stage for this position. Your profile MUST clearly show how you meet the minimum/required qualifications for the position.

Transcripts must be submitted for all required and/or related courses. All courses must be from accredited colleges, universities, or private vocational schools. The online application system will allow you to attach your transcripts if the PDF file is 9MB or less. Transcripts must be received by the closing date.

Contact

For additional information please contact: Kathleen McDonnell, [e-mail]