Substitute, UD Early Learning Center

Do you enjoy working with children and want meaningful, dependable part-time work?

The Early Learning Center (ELC) is looking for caring, dependable individuals who enjoy spending time with young children and want to be part of a supportive, professional early learning community. If you are patient, attentive, and enjoy helping children feel safe, confident, and engaged, we would love to hear from you.

This position may be a great fit for someone looking for consistent part-time hours and a rewarding role working with children. We offer opportunities for both regular, ongoing schedules and some flexibility depending on your availability. We are happy to talk with you about the type of schedule that works best for you.

About the Early Learning Center

The Early Learning Center (ELC) is a high-quality, nationally accredited program of early care and education and a living laboratory in child development. We serve children from 6 weeks through 8 years of age, with 19 classrooms and a dedicated team of approximately 45 full-time staff members.

The ELC is open year-round, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Our classrooms are warm, welcoming environments where children are encouraged to explore, create, play, and learn through hands-on experiences and supportive guidance.

We place a strong emphasis on building meaningful relationships with children and families and believe deeply in the power of play as a tool for learning, connection, and development.

About the Position

The ELC is seeking nurturing, dependable classroom support staff to work alongside our full-time teachers and support the daily activities and routines of our classrooms.

This is a hands-on position that involves actively engaging with children, supporting classroom routines, and helping maintain a safe and welcoming environment. Prior experience working with children is valued, as is a genuine interest in supporting their growth and development.

We welcome individuals who are looking for a dependable part-time commitment and are interested in establishing a regular schedule.

This is a part-time, non-benefitted position.

Primary Responsibilities

• Work cooperatively with full-time ELC staff to support the implementation of daily educational plans.
• Build positive, respectful relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
• Engage children in play-based learning and meaningful interactions.
• Actively supervise children and help maintain a safe, clean, and organized classroom environment.
• Model positive behavior, communication, and respectful interactions.
• Assist with classroom routines and daily transitions, including group activities, mealtimes, rest, and outdoor play.
• Follow health and safety policies and practice universal precautions and infection-control procedures, including appropriate handwashing, sanitation, diapering, and food-handling procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, staff, and ELC operations.
• Comply with University of Delaware, Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing, and ELC policies and procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Genuine interest in working with and supporting young children.
• Previous experience working with children ages zero to five in a professional, educational, caregiving, community, or family setting.
• Related coursework, training, or experience in education or child care is welcome.
• Dependable attendance and a commitment to maintaining a consistent schedule.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work cooperatively as part of a team.
• Patience, sound judgment, and the ability to respond calmly and positively to the needs of young children.

We value the experience, reliability, and perspective that individuals bring from their previous work and life experiences. Whether you have a background in education and child care or simply enjoy working with children and are looking for steady, meaningful part-time work, we encourage you to apply.

Please note: All University of Delaware employees, including part-time employees, are required to pay for parking.

Questions? Please contact Sarah Carr, Assistant Director, at sarolsen@udel.edu.