Early Childhood Assistant – University of Oregon | Eugene, OR

About this job

This is a substitute Early Childhood Assistant position supporting children of University of Oregon students, ages 3 months to 5 years. The role partners with lead teachers to create a warm, engaging classroom environment and provides coverage when needed. Responsibilities include working with children in groups and one-on-one, leading activities, supporting play and routines, and helping maintain a safe, organized space indoors and outdoors, along with basic record-keeping.

The position also offers opportunities to support classroom aides and collaborate with families and staff from diverse backgrounds through clear, consistent communication. This is a flexible, on-call role based on the Center’s needs, averaging approximately 0.25 FTE. Candidates should be available to accept at least half of the shifts offered.

Department: Erb Memorial Union
Classification: Early Childhood Assistant
Appointment Type and Duration: Intermittent (Classified), Ongoing
Salary: $18.06 - $22.84 per hour
FTE: 0.25

Review of Applications Begins

April 29, 2026; position open until filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please provide a resume with dates of employment.

Multiple positions available

Department Summary

The Division of Student Life supports the university’s academic mission and strategic plan through comprehensive programs and services that promote and advance student learning and success while fostering an inclusive and vibrant campus community. Student Life includes four major portfolios, the Office of the Dean of Students, Experiential Learning & Engagement, Health & Wellbeing, and Division Administration.

Key programs and departments within the division include but are not limited to University Health Services, Erb Memorial Union, Physical Education & Recreation, Parent and Family Programs, Major Student Events (Commencement, Homecoming, University Day), Fraternity and Sorority Life, Counseling, Health Promotion, Multicultural and Identity Based Support Services, Student Government Engagement & Success, Student Conduct and Community Standards, and Support for Students in Crisis and Students of Concern.

The Erb Memorial Union (EMU) is a department of the Division of Student Life. The EMU is a multifaceted auxiliary service that employs over 90 professional staff and 200 student staff, and serves over 15 thousand daily users during the academic year. The EMU welcomes students, faculty, staff, the community and visitors to campus, and its mission is to provide learning experiences and opportunities for personal growth in an open, inclusive, and resource-rich community where students and staff collaborate to inspire and sustain extraordinary programs and services that promote diversity and social interaction.

The EMU is student-centered and is operated in collaboration with a student Board, who are actively involved in determining the character and scope of the department and approve the budget recommendations of all EMU services and programs.

Moss Street Children’s Center (MSCC) provides high-quality early learning and care for children aged 3 months through 5 years of the UO community. The center is located on east campus and is open Monday through Friday 8:15-4:30. MSCC’s mission is to remove childcare barriers for students, faculty, and staff while offering meaningful learning opportunities for UO students through employment, internships, practicum placements, and volunteering.

MSCC’s philosophy integrates multiple approaches to support holistic child development, including play-based learning, emergent curriculum, Reggio Emilia, RIE, Circle of Security, and complementary curriculum frameworks. Teachers are expected to implement these philosophies intentionally in daily practice.

Position Summary

This position is for a substitute early childhood assistant primarily working with children of UO students, aged 3 months to 5 years. This position assists lead teachers in the childcare program and provides classroom coverage in the absence of a Lead Teacher. The early childhood assistant will interact with children in small groups, large groups, and one-on-one, leading activities, guiding free play, and assisting children with self-help skills.

The role will also help prepare and maintain a safe, attractive, neat, and usable environment, both indoors and out, and assist with maintaining records and files, including children’s files, sign-in/out forms, USDA meal/snack forms, menus, and food order forms.

This position is also responsible for providing direction and oversight for classroom aides, and will communicate consistently and effectively with parents, teachers, and staff from diverse backgrounds and cultures, including providing updates on current needs and concerns of the program, staff, parents, and children.

Substitutes work a varied schedule based on operational needs of the Center, and therefore .25FTE is an average for this position. We seek substitutes available to work at least half of the time they are asked.

Minimum Requirements

A minimum of twenty semester hours (thirty quarter hours) of college courses in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or Special Education;

A Child Development Association (CDA) credential;

One year of full-time experience in a certified day care center or comparable child care program.

Professional Competencies

Ability to communicate effectively with children, parents, and staff from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Preferred Qualifications

Associate or Bachelor's degree in Child Development, Early Childhood or related field.
Three years' experience supervising or leading the work of other staff members.
Experience using child development assessment tools and reporting results.

FLSA Exempt

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

This is a classified position represented by the SEIU Local 503, Oregon Public Employees Union.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit our website .

The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please email us or call 541-346-5112.

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies.

Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed here .

In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online .