Child Development Specialist

The College’s Child Development Lab (CDL) is seeking a full-time Child Development Specialist to join our nationally accredited program. The CDL provides care and education for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years while also serving as a laboratory school that supports college students pursuing careers in early childhood education. This is a year-round position that offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on children’s development and help prepare the next generation of early childhood professionals.

Responsibilities

• Assess and document children's development to inform curricular decisions aligned with NAEYC accreditation standards and the Illinois Early Learning Standards.
• Create and maintain a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment in both indoors and outdoors classroom spaces.
• Conduct annual screenings, communicate results, and collaborate with families and service providers to support individual needs of children.
• Maintain daily communication to inform families of routines, upcoming events, and family involvement opportunities.
• Mentor and train college students completing field experiences in the laboratory school.
• Collaborate with co-teachers and staff to ensure high-quality programming and accreditation compliance.

Requirements

• Associate degree in child development, early childhood education, or a related field (submission of transcript copy required).
• Eligibility for Gateways ECE Credential Level 4 (or commitment to a professional development plan to achieve the ECE Credential Level 4 within 12 months of employment at CDL).
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 lbs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in child development, early childhood education, or related field.
• Eligibility for Gateways ECE credential Level 5.
• 2 or more years’ early childhood classroom experience.
• Experience working with Project Approach.
• Direct experience developing and implementing curriculum for young children.
• Experience supervising student or volunteer assistants.
• Demonstrated experience in family involvement activities.

This position is based in Central Illinois and ability to be present on-campus/in-person is required. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.