Department: Auxiliary and Business Services
Classification: Direct Svc Associate 1
Job Category: Classified Staff
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)
Location: Fairfax, VA
Workplace Type: On Site Required
Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship
Pay Band: 01
Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience
Restricted: Yes
Criminal Background Check: Yes
Works with Minors check: Yes
About the Department:
The George Mason University Child Development Center was established to support University faculty, staff and students by providing early care and education through an emergent, play-based preschool program. The staff of the CDC is committed to prioritizing the healthy development of each individual student within an environment that emphasizes whole food nutrition, social-emotional skills, and nature-based play. Our program celebrates the diverse cultures, languages, ethnicities, and family structures of our community.
About the Position:
The Assistant Teacher (AT) supports the implementation of the overall program of their classroom. The AT adapts to the changing needs of the Lead Teacher and classroom, providing support to each developing child, daily routines, cleaning, planning/set-up, and organization. The AT is responsible for assuming management of the classroom in the absence of the Lead Teacher.
Responsibilities:
- Supports Lead Teacher with social-emotional development of each child based on individual needs;
- Assists the Lead Teacher in planning and implementing developmentally-appropriate and engaging activities consistent with Mason’s CDC mission and philosophy;
- Maintains cleanliness and organization of the classroom; and
- Attends all required staff trainings; completes annual in-service hours/professional development.
Required Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent;
- Demonstrated experience working with young children in a school or childcare setting;
- Knowledge of early childhood development;
- Skill working with young children, preferably in a preschool setting;
- Approach all interactions with curiosity, respect, and openness to diverse perspectives and backgrounds; and
- Child Development Associate Credential issued by Council for Professional Recognition (CDA) or CDA Credential equivalent of at least 12 college credits in related education field required.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Associate’s degree in related field; and
- Training in Mandated Reporter, CPR/1st Aid, Medication Administration (MAT) preferred.
Instructions to Applicants:
For full consideration, applicants must apply for Assistant Teacher at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Cover Letter/Letter of Intent with Resume for review.
Posting Open Date: August 3, 2026
For Full Consideration, Apply by: August 14, 2026
Open Until Filled: Yes
Mason Ad Statement
George Mason University is a nationally ranked R1 research university committed to creating a more just, free, and prosperous world. With 40,000 enrolled students, George Mason is the largest and most diverse public research university in Virginia, offering degree programs at the master's, doctoral, and professional level, along with certificates and credentials.
George Mason fosters an All Together Different environment for students, faculty, and staff, driven by our core beliefs. We believe in inclusivity over exclusivity; we believe in advancing our mission by being willing to take risks, not avoiding them; and we believe our best work is possible when we apply our diversity of origin, identity, circumstance, and thought.
Equity Statement
George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.
Campus Safety Information
Mason’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at http://police.gmu.edu/annual-security-report/
