Early Childhood Education (ECE) Learning Laboratory Instructor

Part-time position (20-25 hours per week) located at the RVC-West (Downtown Campus) within the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Division of Arts & Social Sciences.

About the Role

The Part-Time Early Childhood Education (ECE) Learning Laboratory Instructor provides day-to-day direct supervision of children ages 3-8 in the Rock Valley College (RVC) Early Childhood Learning Laboratory. This dual-role position combines hands-on teaching with administrative support to ensure a safe, engaging, and inclusive learning environment while supporting ECE student observation and practicum experiences. The role involves collaboration with faculty, staff, students, families, and community partners to maintain high-quality programming and compliance with Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) requirements.

The ECE Learning Laboratory serves as a practicum and observation site for RVC Early Childhood Education and Instructor Education students. The successful candidate will support both children's learning and student professional development, working closely with the ECE Program Coordinator, who is Director Qualified and experienced in early childhood program administration.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and DCFS requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality of student and family information.
• Provide active supervision and direct care for children ages 3-8 during ECE Learning Lab operating hours.
• Plan and facilitate developmentally appropriate, play-based learning experiences.
• Adapt learning experiences to meet individual and group needs.
• Design activities that support children's social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and language development.
• Foster a safe, nurturing, responsive, and inclusive environment that promotes children's development and well-being.
• Model and implement positive behavior guidance practices and effective classroom management.
• Maintain accurate attendance records, incident reports, facility checklists, and related documentation.
• Assist with maintaining materials, supplies, and classroom readiness.
• Collaborate with the ECE Program Coordinator, faculty, and staff to support program improvement and alignment with institutional goals.
• Support student worker scheduling and practicum experiences for ECE students.
• Support students completing observation and field experiences within the ECE Learning Lab.
• Assist in the development and implementation of community-based programming, including story times, parenting workshops, and educational seminars.
• Attend required or recommended trainings.
• Regular attendance is expected.

Requirements

• Associate degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or a closely related field from an accredited college/university.
• Director Qualified status under Illinois DCFS regulations or ability to obtain it within 3 months from offer of employment.
• Minimum of 1 year experience working with children ages 3-8 in an early childhood or school-age setting consistent with Illinois DCFS Requirements.
• Schedule flexibility to accommodate the needs of the ECE Learning Laboratory.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong classroom management, organizational, administrative, and communication skills.
• Ability to pass all DCFS and RVC medical/physical examinations (TB screening, etc.) and background checks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two to three years of experience working with children ages 3-8 in an early childhood or school-age setting consistent with Illinois DCFS Requirements.
• Experience in lab-school, college-based, or university-affiliated early learning programs.
• Experience mentoring or supervising Early Childhood Education students.
• Current CPR, AED, and First Aid certification.
• Experience developing and facilitating family engagement or community-based educational programming.

Physical Demands

• Ability to actively supervise and engage with young children throughout the workday.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, and move frequently during classroom activities.
• Ability to lift and carry classroom materials and equipment up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to respond quickly to emergency situations involving children.
• Ability to maintain a safe and organized learning environment in accordance with DCFS regulations.

Pay

$24.00 - $26.00 per hour

Schedule

Part-time, 20-25 hours per week. Some schedule flexibility may be required to support drop-in services, practicum activities, workshops, or special events.