Preschool Instructional Assistant

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 include, but are not limited to:

• 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.

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

Invitation to apply:

Interested candidates will be prompted to complete an application and submit a cover letter and resume/cv.  

Submission of all documents listed is required for consideration and all documents should be uploaded where prompted to upload your resume/cv.

General questions related to this application process, please contact humanresources@wpunj.edu  . Please include with your inquiry the Job Requisition number beginning with R as well as the job title and department.

Salary Range:

Please see posting.

Total Rewards and Benefits:

Click here to view the total rewards of working at WP

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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 status, religion, national origin or citizenship, military service status, or any other category protected by law. William Paterson University does not discriminate on the basis of any category stated above or as prohibited by applicable law. Individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

For more information, visit University Facts