Description

West Virginia University's Early Learning Institute (formerly the WVU Nursery School) invites applications for the Early Childhood Classroom Assistant Teacher (ECCAT) role in its Pre-Kindergarten (PreK) classroom, beginning in August 2026. This is a 10-month, Benefits-eligible position.

About the Opportunity

Located in Krepps Park in Morgantown, the WVU Early Learning Institute is affiliated with WVU's School of Education and Counseling and provides early childhood learning experiences for 3- and 4-year-olds while also serving as an experiential learning site for future educators and students in other related fields at WVU. The WVU Early Learning Institute is transitioning to a full-day programming model starting in August 2026, with a 3-year-old class of 10 students and a 4-year-old/PreK class of 20 students. The PreK classroom serves as a collaborative PreK site with Monongalia County Schools.

The ECCAT for the PreK classroom will support the Lead PreK Teacher to plan and implement developmentally appropriate early education practices, and to collaborate with the Director and other educators and staff to ensure a safe and effective learning environment for all. The position is a ten-month staff appointment, beginning August 10, 2026. Opportunities with summer camp programming at the facility may be available based on need and demand.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• Paid holidays
• Annual leave (vacation)
• Sick days per year
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match
• Wellness programs

What You'll Do

We are seeking a qualified and effective educator who will contribute to the mission of the WVU Early Learning Institute by working with staff, children, families, and university faculty and students in a dynamic, caring, and collaborative environment. As the ECCAT in the PreK classroom, the successful candidate will:

• Support the lead teacher for the PreK classroom in creating lesson plans, providing instruction, and ensuring that children are always appropriately supervised.
• Model and implement developmentally appropriate (early childhood) teaching and learning practices, particularly in small group and one-on-one settings with students.
• Ensure that equipment and facility is clean, well maintained, and safe at all times.
• Maintain supplies and materials and requesting supply orders as needed.
• Provide support for the supervision of WVU student workers on site and WVU students who are on site for practicum or related experiences.
• Abide by all procedures related to distribution of snacks and meals to children.
• Assisting with hygiene of children enrolled.
• Support the maintenance of child academic, health, and parent information files.
• Participate in open house, afterschool, and parent meetings as necessary.
• Participate in community and campus outreach activities as needed.
• Conduct required state and county educational screenings as needed.
• Complete and/or support state and county documentation as needed.
• Support the WVU Early Learning Institute Director to ensure compliance with all essential standards and regulations for State Pre-K classrooms.
• Attend faculty meetings when requested by the School, College, or University leadership.
• Perform other tasks and duties as needed to ensure smooth functioning of the WVU Early Learning Institute.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED. Associate's degree or higher in child development, early childhood education, or related field is preferred.
• Previous experience (6-12+ months) teaching/working in a daycare, early childhood, pre-kindergarten, and/or early elementary setting is preferred.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices for educating young children and ability to apply that knowledge in pre-school settings or within settings that serve children and families.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Organization and data-keeping skills.

Requirements

Licenses/Certifications

• Per West Virginia Board of Education policy, the candidate must hold or be able to obtain a valid West Virginia ECCAT Authorization (Permanent or Temporary).

Once hired, the following are required prior to start date:

• WV CARES Background Check
• TB test

Once hired, the following are required within the first three (3) months:

• STARS Registry
• First Aide Training/CPR/AED and Fire Extinguisher Training
• Food Handler Card
• Title XI Training in child abuse and neglect and harassment training
• CCRC - Child Abuse and Neglect Training

Physical Demands & Physical Coordination

• Ability to lift, carry and/or hold children ranging in size and weight (50 pounds).