Preschool Instructional Assistant

The William Paterson University of New Jersey; Wayne (NJ); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

4-day summer workweek

Tuition support

Internal promotion opportunities

Job summary

William Paterson University invites applications for the part-time position (up to 29.5 hours per week) of Early Childhood Instructional Assistant to serve in the on campus Child Development Center.

The Instructional Assistant will be assigned to toddler, preschool or kindergarten classrooms and will work collaboratively with all members of the CDC team under the guidance of the classroom teacher to provide developmentally appropriate learning experiences for all students, while following

Qualifications

• Associates degree in early childhood or related field, substitute license and/or equivalent college credits, or passing score on PARAPRO assessment.
• Experience working with young children in an early childhood setting.

Responsibilities

• Works as part of a team to provide developmentally appropriate learning experiences in a safe environment.
• Assists with authentic data collection.
• Maintains a clean and safe environment in line with the NJ Manual of Requirements for Childcare.
• Assists with all aspects of early childhood classroom routines.
• Works with children aged 2.5 to 6 years old.
• Participates in professional development workshops and training as required by licensing and the WP CDC leadership team.
• Assists with maintaining classroom records.
• May be provided the opportunity to work additional wrap-around hours within part-time parameters.

Education

Associates degree in early childhood or related field

Substitute license and/or equivalent college credits

Passing score on PARAPRO assessment

Job description

Thank you for your interest in working at William Paterson University.

William Paterson University is a purpose-driven, proudly diverse community-designated as both a public Hispanic-Serving Institution and Minority-Serving Institution-committed to creating transformative academic, professional, and personal experiences as a powerhouse of progress. We foster a workplace that values growth, flexibility, and community, and we are recognized as a 2024 and 2025 Forbes' Best Employers by State, 2025 Great College to Work For, and honored with the NJBIZ Empowering Women Award.

Our 1,000 dedicated staff members enjoy competitive benefits, a four-day summer workweek, tuition support, and strong opportunities for internal promotion. Situated on a scenic suburban campus just 20 miles from New York City, WP offers a diverse, inclusive environment where your contributions fuel student success, economic and social mobility, and community engagement. Together, we empower our students through intentional, holistic support within flexible, innovative, and inclusive settings-preparing graduates to thrive professionally and personally, and to lead with a commitment to progress in New Jersey and beyond.

William Paterson University invites applications for the part‑time position (up to 29.5 hours per week) of Early Childhood Instructional Assistant to serve in the newly opened on campus Child Development Center.

The Early Childhood Instructional Assistant will be assigned to either a toddler, preschool or kindergarten classroom and will work collaboratively with all members of the CDC team. Under the guidance of the classroom teacher will bring developmentally appropriate learning experiences to all students. The Instructional Assistant will follow regulations outlined in the New Jersey Manual of Requirements for Child Care Center and the National Association for the Education of Young Children Accreditation Standards.

For more information visit https://www.wpunj.edu/coe/child-development-center/.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Works as part of a team to provide children with developmentally appropriate learning experiences in a physically and psychologically safe environment in which all students are valued and supported.
• Assists with authentic data collection.
• Maintains with assistance a clean and safe environment in line with the Manual of Requirements for Childcare.
• Assists with all aspects of early childhood classroom routines and procedures.
• Works with children aged 2.5 to 6 years old.
• Participates in professional development workshops and training as required by licensing and the WP Child Development Center leadership team.
• Assists with maintaining classroom records.
• May be provided with the opportunity to work additional wrap‑around hours within parameters for part‑time employment.

Education and Experience

• Associates degree in early childhood or related field, substitute license and/or equivalent college credits, or passing score on PARAPRO assessment.
• Experience working with young children in an early childhood setting.

Personal attributes and traits

• Warm and friendly with a high level of patience, compassion, and enthusiasm.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Reflective and open to coaching and feedback.

Note: This is an ongoing posting to maintain a pool of qualified applicants for potential future openings. Should a position become available, candidates selected for an interview will be contacted by the Hiring Manager.

Part‑time Project Employee hourly rate: $25.00/hour

NOTE : This is an ongoing posting designed to create a pool of qualified candidates for anticipated and future vacancies. An immediate opening may not be available at the time of application. Applicants who meet the qualifications may be contacted by the Hiring Manager if a position becomes available and they are selected to move forward in the interview process.

William Paterson University is committed to protecting your privacy and will not sell your personal information.

EEO Statement

William Paterson University is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race or ethnicity, sex/gender (including pregnancy), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, civil union status, familial sta