CDL Lead Teacher

The University of Georgia (UGA), chartered in 1785, is the birthplace of public higher education in America and Georgia’s flagship university. Ranked among the top 20 public universities by U.S. News & World Report, UGA’s main campus is in Athens, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. The university employs approximately 3,100 faculty and over 7,700 full-time staff, serving more than 41,000 students across 19 schools and colleges.

About the Role

This position is within the Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL)-licensed Child Development Lab (CDL), part of the College of Family and Consumer Sciences. Employment requires a specialized background screening through COGENT, managed by DECAL, including receipt of a Satisfactory Determination letter prior to official employment. For questions about this process, contact Dr. Amy Kay Powell at akay@uga.edu or (706) 542-4929.

Responsibilities

• Planning and Organization (50% of time):
  • Plan daily classroom activities considering individual children’s needs.
  • Assess children twice yearly using age-appropriate instruments and maintain anecdotal notes.
  • Develop objectives based on children’s needs, abilities, and interests; incorporate these into planning.
  • Submit and implement plans on time, ensuring variety, creativity, and alignment with learning objectives.
  • Plan safe, supervised playground activities, alternative choices, uninterrupted time blocks, and limited transitions.
  • Prepare and rotate materials in advance; manage classroom funds and procurement card per UGA/CDL policies.
  • Organize work efficiently to accomplish assigned tasks.
• Management (25% of time):
  • Manage the classroom environment, adapting plans to meet unexpected circumstances or group needs.
  • Ensure safety and supervision indoors and outdoors; maintain awareness of the entire group.
  • Maintain a clean, healthy, and safe environment; modify activities for varying developmental levels.
  • Uphold consistent yet flexible routines; handle unexpected situations calmly.
• Guidance (25% of time):
  • Use positive guidance techniques with all children, speaking at their level with appropriate tone and positive statements.
  • Limit directives and negative language (e.g., “no,” “don’t”); anticipate and manage potential guidance issues.
  • Set developmentally appropriate limits and enforce them consistently.
  • Employ a variety of techniques (e.g., choices, redirection) tailored to situations.
  • Teach empathy by helping children recognize their own and others’ feelings.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Knowledge of child development principles and developmentally appropriate practices in early childhood education.
• Ability to plan, organize, and implement engaging learning experiences supporting individual developmental needs.
• Skill in maintaining a safe, healthy, and well-managed classroom environment with appropriate supervision.
• Ability to adapt activities, routines, and strategies for diverse learning styles and developmental levels.
• Proficiency in positive guidance techniques to promote social-emotional development and behavior.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with children, families, colleagues, and professionals while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.

Physical Demands

• 45% stooping/squatting.
• 30% sitting (primarily on the floor).
• 20% standing/walking.
• 5% reaching.
• Lifting a minimum of 20–40 lbs.

Schedule

Full-time, 40 hours/week, Monday–Friday between 7:30 AM–5:30 PM.

Additional Information

• This is a Position of Trust with direct interaction and care of children under 18.
• Offers of employment are contingent upon a background check, including criminal history, credentials verification, and (if applicable) a credit check for positions with financial responsibilities.
• Pre-employment drug testing may apply for high-risk positions.