CHILDRENS LEARNING CENTER - Student Early Childhood Educator - 2026-2027 School Year

Job Classification

  Student-Regular

Position summary

2026–2027 Academic Year

The Crayon Box Children's Learning Center at Andrews University is looking for dependable, caring student employees to join our team for the 2026–2027 school year!

If you enjoy working with children and want a meaningful on-campus job that works around your class schedule, we'd love to meet you.

Position Details

• Minimum commitment: 15 hours per week


• Multiple shifts available


• Flexible scheduling around your classes!

We are hiring for morning, midday, afternoon, and closing shifts between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday–Thursday and 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday.

 

Qualifications summary

• Current Andrews University student.


• At least 18 years of age.


• Dependable, punctual, and responsible.


• Enjoy working with young children.


• Strong communication and teamwork skills.


• Willing to complete required employment paperwork, background check, fingerprinting, and required trainings before beginning work.

Duties and responsibilities

As a Student Early Childhood Educator, you will play an important role in creating a safe, engaging, and Christ-centered learning environment where children can grow socially, emotionally, physically, cognitively, and spiritually.

Responsibilities include:

• Build positive, caring relationships with children while serving as a positive Christian role model.


• Assist lead teachers in planning and implementing age-appropriate learning experiences, games, art projects, music, outdoor activities, and classroom centers.


• Engage with children throughout the day by encouraging curiosity, creativity, problem-solving, and independence through play and guided learning.


• Actively supervise children at all times to ensure their safety and well-being indoors, outdoors, on walks, and during field trips.


• Help children develop social skills by modeling kindness, respect, cooperation, and positive conflict resolution.


• Support daily classroom routines including arrival, meals, snacks, toileting, handwashing, rest time, transitions, and departure.


• Prepare and organize classroom materials, learning centers, and activity supplies before and after activities.


• Maintain clean, organized, and welcoming classrooms by sanitizing toys and equipment, restocking supplies, and assisting with daily housekeeping tasks.


• Communicate professionally and respectfully with children, families, coworkers, and university staff.


• Follow all Michigan childcare licensing regulations, health and safety procedures, and center policies.


• Observe children's interests and developmental progress and share relevant information with classroom teachers.


• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities as assigned.


• Work collaboratively with teachers and fellow student employees to create a supportive, encouraging, and effective classroom team.


• Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, and center operations.


• Demonstrate flexibility by assisting in different classrooms or age groups as needed to support the needs of the center.


• Perform other duties that contribute to the successful operation of The Crayon Box Children's Learning Center.

This position is much more than supervising children - it is an opportunity to teach, mentor, encourage, and make a lasting difference in the lives of young learners while gaining valuable professional experience.

Supervisory responsibilities

May serve as Staff in Charge when the Director is off-site, ensuring smooth operations and professional communication with families, staff, visitors, and licensing representatives. Independently manage the classroom by maintaining routines, safety, and engagement when support staff are unavailable. Provide guidance to teachers, student workers, and volunteers while modeling strong classroom management and supervision. Uphold The Crayon Box’s mission, policies, and all licensing requirements at all times.

Qualifications

Applicants should be enthusiastic, dependable, and committed to providing high-quality care and education for young children.

Required Qualifications

• Current Andrews University student in good standing.


• At least 18 years of age.


• Available to work a minimum of 15 hours per week during the academic year.


• Reliable, punctual, and able to maintain a consistent work schedule.


• Passion for working with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, or school-age children.


• Positive attitude and willingness to actively engage with children through play, learning, and daily routines.


• Strong communication and interpersonal skills when working with children, families, and coworkers.


• Ability to work independently while also contributing as a member of a collaborative teaching team.


• Professional demeanor, sound judgment, and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality.


• Physically able to actively supervise children indoors and outdoors, including bending, lifting up to 30 pounds, sitting on the floor, and participating in games and activities.


• Willingness to learn and follow all licensing regulations, university policies, and center procedures.


• Ability to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive classroom environment for every child.


• Successful completion of all required employment paperwork, background check, fingerprinting, and mandatory trainings before beginning employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working with children through babysitting, childcare, camp, tutoring, Sabbath School, Vacation Bible School, coaching, or volunteer service.


• Interest in education, psychology, social work, nursing, speech-language pathology, child development, or related fields (all majors are encouraged to apply).


• Desire to grow as an educator and make a lasting impact in the lives of young children.

Technical competencies

N/A

Interpersonal interactions

Demonstrates Christ-like character through kindness, patience, and respect. Works collaboratively with staff and communicates warmly and professionally with children, families, and coworkers. Builds nurturing relationships with children using positive guidance and encouragement. Maintains confidentiality, appropriate boundaries, and sensitivity to diverse backgrounds while supporting a faith-filled, Christ-centered learning environment.

Physical demands

This position requires frequent physical activity, including lifting and carrying children; standing, walking, and sitting for extended periods; and regular bending, kneeling, and movement. Fine motor skills and physical stamina are necessary. Work is performed in an early childhood setting with indoor and outdoor activities, exposure to temperature changes, and common childhood illnesses. Staff must maintain physical awareness and flexibility to ensure a safe learning environment.

Work environment

This role is based in an early childhood classroom and outdoor play areas and involves active engagement with children throughout the day. The environment may include exposure to cleaning products, bodily fluids, and common childhood illnesses. Teachers assist with maintaining clean, safe spaces and follow all Crayon Box health, safety, and licensing policies.