About the role#
This internship provides a supervised, work-based learning experience for students interested in early childhood education. You will be embedded with a mentor teacher at The Acorn School to connect your academic coursework with hands-on practice. This role is designed as a learning experience, so you will work under the direction of qualified staff and will not have independent responsibility for the supervision or care of children.
What you'll do#
- Assist teachers with daily routines, learning experiences, and classroom activities.
- Help prepare educational supplies, materials, and learning centers.
- Support children during transitions, outdoor play, and meal times.
- Observe experienced educators to learn strategies for classroom management, positive guidance, and child engagement.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for students.
- Learn to recognize developmental milestones and how educators support social, emotional, and cognitive growth.
- Practice workplace skills like time management, teamwork, and professional communication.
- Attend required coaching, training, and orientation sessions.
- Follow all health, safety, and confidentiality policies while maintaining professional boundaries.
What you'll need#
- Enrollment in and eligibility for the Career-Based Learning program.
- An interest in teaching, child care, early childhood development, or related service professions.
- Reliability, patience, maturity, and a willingness to learn from feedback.
- The ability to communicate respectfully with children, families, and staff.
- Completion of all required background checks, health documentation, and orientation requirements.
Location & details#
- Location: Nashville, Tennessee.
- Schedule: Part-time, less than 30 hours per week, coordinated to complement your academic schedule.
- Modality: On-site.
- Compensation: This is a paid position.
About Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University is a teaching and research institution founded in 1873. It is based in Nashville, Tennessee. The university employs between 1,001 and 5,000 people. It operates across various sectors including information technology, athletics, dining, and development.
How to get in at Vanderbilt University
Applying early for an internship at Vanderbilt University gives you a distinct advantage because recruiters review applications before the pile grows. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, so you can submit your materials among the first. Being visible early in the process is often the difference between a review and a missed opportunity. You can use Intern Insider to surface the recruiters behind these roles, allowing you to reach out directly to ask about the position or a potential referral. Connecting with the right person materially improves your response rates compared to submitting into a general queue. It is a practical way to navigate the hiring process at a large institution.
