UD Early Learning Center Substitute, Ongoing

Anticipated Start Date: Ongoing 

Estimated Pay: $15 per hour

Schedule: Flexible within business hours, Monday-Friday, 7:00am-6:00pm

Location: UD Early Learning Center, 489 Wyoming Road, Newark, DE 19716

About the department: The Early Learning Center (ELC) is a high-quality, nationally accredited program of early care and education and a living laboratory in childhood development for ages 6 weeks through 8 years. We have 19 classrooms and a dedicated team of about 45 full-time staff members, serving children from 6 weeks old through 2nd grade. We are open year-round, Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. At the ELC, we place a strong emphasis on building meaningful relationships with children and families, and we believe deeply in the power of play as a tool for learning, connection, and development. Our classrooms are warm, welcoming spaces where children are encouraged to explore, create, and grow through hands-on experiences and supportive guidance.

The ELC is seeking responsible, motivated students with education and/or experience in education and child care to provide support in classrooms. Classroom support shifts are available in consistent or flexible schedules. We understand college students’ need for flexibility, and are happy to work with any availability. We only ask for a commitment to any availability you ultimately provide us with.This is a part-time, non-benefitted position. 

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Work cooperatively with full time ELC staff to aide in the implementation of daily educational plans

• Building positive, respectful relationships with children, families, and staff

• Engaging children in play-based learning and meaningful interactions

• Helping maintain a safe, clean, and organized environment through active supervision 

• Modeling positive behavior and communication

• Assisting with classroom routines and daily transitions such as group times, mealtimes, rest, and outdoor play

• Follow health and safety policies and practice universal precautions and infection control, including appropriate hand washing, sanitation, diapering procedures, and food handling procedures.  

• Practices confidentiality in all matters related to staff and families and propriety information regarding the operations of the ELC

• Complies with University, Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing and ELC departmental policies and procedures

• Performs other related duties as assigned. 

Qualifications:

• Passion for early childhood education and care

• Related coursework and/or training experiences

• Working experience with children 

• Reliable attendance and ability to communicate effectively 

• Please note, all UD Employees, including part time, are required to pay for parking

Hiring Timeline:

This is an ongoing, or evergreen, position that requires continuous hiring throughout the year to backfill vacancies or bring on additional support as needed. Applications will be reviewed, and interviews and offers extended, only when there is an active need for recruitment. Applicants will be contacted based on the timing and availability of open positions.

For undergraduate student applicants:

Eligibility for Undergraduate Student Employment

Applicants must be undergraduate students at the University of Delaware. Work study eligibility can be found here. Applicants who are not enrolled as undergraduate students at the University will not be considered for this position. Employment Limitations and Exceptions

For graduate student applicants:

Eligibility for Graduate Student Employment

Applicants must be enrolled in a graduate program at the University of Delaware and be in good academic standing. To be considered for additional on-campus employment, applicants combined on-campus employment, including teaching, research and graduate assistantship, must not exceed 29.5 hours per week.

Graduate students on contract may hold additional employment, on campus or off, up to 29.5 hours per week total without approval by the student’s program, the student advisor or the Graduate College. However, graduate students on contract are encouraged to discuss additional employment with their advisors to avoid any situations that might hinder timely progress toward the degree.