CHILDRENS LEARNING CENTER - Assistant Teacher - 2025-2026
Job Classification
Student-Regular
Position summary
We are hiring Andrews University students to work as assistants in our Early Childhood Education Center for the 2025–2026 school year. This position offers hands-on experience working with young children in a supportive environment. We provide all required trainings, including background check, fingerprinting, and CPR/First Aid certification. Applicants must be dependable, caring, and committed to working consistently at least 15 hours per week, including during finals week. This is a great opportunity to gain valuable experience while supporting children’s growth and development. Join our team and make a difference in young lives!
Qualifications summary
Must be a current Andrews University student, at least 18 years old, with a high school diploma. Applicants must be dependable, caring, and committed to working consistently at least 15 hours per week, including during finals week. The role requires high energy, physical stamina, and a genuine love for children. A warm personality, patience, and sensitivity to the needs of children and families are essential, along with accuracy, efficiency, and alignment with the center’s mission.
Duties and responsibilities
Responsibilities:
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Provide for children’s basic needs in a safe, caring environment
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Offer engaging tools and resources for learning and play
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Use stories, games, and art to encourage intellectual growth
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Adapt activities to different learning styles and interests
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Build positive relationships with children and families
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Teach colors, numbers, letters, shapes, social skills, and hygiene
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Guide imaginative play, bathroom breaks, meals, and rest times
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Introduce children to new age-appropriate hobbies
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Clean and sanitize toys and learning areas
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Monitor, guide, and gently correct behavior as needed
Supervisory responsibilities
This position does not include formal supervisory responsibilities over other staff. However, employees in this role are expected to:
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Supervise and ensure the safety of children at all times, both indoors and outdoors
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Monitor small groups of children during play, learning activities, meals, rest time, and bathroom breaks
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Redirect and guide children’s behavior using positive discipline methods
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Report concerns, incidents, or developmental observations to lead teachers or administrators
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Support lead teachers by assisting with classroom management and maintaining a safe and orderly environment
Qualifications
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Must be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma
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Must be a current student of Andrews University
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Commitment to the job and its responsibilities
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Ability to be highly punctual and effectively manage time
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Must love children and have a genuine desire to support their growth
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Warm, friendly personality with sensitivity to the needs of children and adults
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Willingness to fulfill responsibilities in line with the center’s philosophy and mission
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High energy level and ability to meet the physical demands of the job
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Accuracy, efficiency, and attention to detail in all tasks
Technical competencies
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Confident using classroom tools such as CD players, iPads, and digital cameras
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Able to capture photos and videos for learning portfolios and parent communication while respecting privacy
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Uses age-appropriate educational media (digital storybooks, songs, Bible stories, worship or movement videos) to support learning
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Assists with electronic attendance, incident reports, nap charts, and allergy lists
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Performs simple troubleshooting (e.g., recharging tablets, reconnecting Wi-Fi, restarting devices)
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Sets up and uses projectors or sound systems for classroom events
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Helps organize digital resources for easy classroom use
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Maintains confidentiality and follows privacy guidelines when using technology
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Willing to learn and adapt to new technology introduced by the center
Interpersonal interactions
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Positive Role Model: Demonstrates Christ-like behavior, showing kindness, patience, and respect to children, families, and co-workers.
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Team Collaboration: Works cooperatively with teachers, assistants, student workers, and administrators to create a supportive environment.
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Respectful Communication: Speaks and listens with warmth and professionalism, even in challenging situations.
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Engaging with Children: Builds nurturing relationships through encouragement, active listening, eye contact, and supportive presence.
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Partnership with Parents: Maintains professional, confidential, and positive communication with families about their child’s day.
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Conflict Resolution: Handles differences with patience, discretion, and problem-solving, seeking leadership guidance when needed.
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Encouragement and Support: Uses positive reinforcement to foster joy, cooperation, and teamwork in the classroom.
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Professional Boundaries: Maintains confidentiality and appropriate boundaries in all interactions.
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Sensitivity and Inclusion: Respects and supports diverse backgrounds, cultures, and individual needs with empathy.
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Christ-Centered Commitment: Creates and maintains a faith-filled, supportive environment aligned with the center’s mission.
Physical demands
The usual and customary methods of performing this position require the following
physical demands:
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Frequent physical activity, including significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling
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Regular stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing, and balancing
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Fine motor skills and finger dexterity for tasks such as assisting with children’s activities and handling materials
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Ability to safely lift and carry young children as needed
General physical expectations for this role include:
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5% sitting
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25% walking
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70% standing
The work is performed in an
early childhood classroom environment which may involve:
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Exposure to temperature fluctuations during indoor/outdoor transitions and playground supervision
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Potential exposure to childhood illnesses and minor injuries typical of working with young children
Staff members are expected to maintain physical stamina, flexibility, and awareness to ensure a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment for all children in their care.
Work environment
The Assistant Teacher position is performed primarily in an
early childhood classroom and outdoor play environment. The role requires frequent physical activity and active engagement with young children throughout the day.
The work environment may include
exposure to cleaning products, bodily fluids, and common childhood illnesses. Staff are responsible for helping maintain clean, organized, and safe classroom and playground areas, which may include light housekeeping duties such as sanitizing toys, cleaning common-use areas, and supporting hygiene routines.
All duties are performed in accordance with the
health, safety, and supervision guidelines established by The Crayon Box and the
State of Michigan LARA licensing regulations.