Child Development Associate, CDL

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign•Urbana, IL

12d•$36,543•Onsite

About The Position

The Child Development Laboratory (CDL) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, within the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, is seeking a Child Development Associate. For 75 years, the CDL has been dedicated to preparing young children for success through play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum. The CDL serves as a center for student observations, research, teaching projects, and teacher training. This role offers a collegial atmosphere with support for teachers, including promotion opportunities and daily operational assistance. You will be part of a three-teacher team, providing flexibility and creative freedom in your teaching approach.

Requirements

Possession of credentials required by Illinois Department of Children and Family Services for employment as a Child Care Worker in a licensed child care facility.
Staff shall be able to demonstrate the skill and competence necessary to contribute to each child's physical, intellectual, personal, emotional, and social development.
Emotional maturity when working with children.
Cooperation with the purposes and services of the program.
Respect for children and adults.
Flexibility, understanding and patience.
Physical and mental health that do not interfere with child care responsibilities.
Good personal hygiene.
Frequent interaction with children.
Listening skills, availability and responsiveness to children.
Sensitivity to children's socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds, and individual needs and capabilities.
Use of positive discipline and guidance techniques.
Ability to provide an environment in which children can feel comfortable, relaxed, happy and involved in play, recreation and other activities.
Skills to help children meet their developmental and emotional needs.
Skills in planning, directing, and conducting programs that meet the children's basic needs.
Ability to communicate effectively to respond appropriately to others’ needs and concerns, including communicating with parents about each child’s growth and development.
Ability to supervise persons assigned to assist their group who are not similarly qualified.
Ability to participate in activities leading to professional growth in child development and education, and in training related to the specific needs of the children served.
Establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days of the start date for this position (for out-of-state candidates).

Responsibilities

Participate in planning and carrying out appropriate activities promoting the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development of the children in accordance with licensing requirements and NAEYC standards.
Maintain daily communication and cooperation with parents of children regarding their child’s mental and physical condition, changes in daily schedule, or participation in activities.
Prepare reports on the growth and development of assigned children in preparation for parent-teacher conferences, under the supervision and with the support of the Head Teacher.
Care for classroom equipment and materials and perform necessary housekeeping tasks.
Cooperate with research activities by providing information or directing the children to participate in a requested activity.
Participate in staff meetings with higher-level personnel and work cooperatively with other staff members.
Supervise children to safeguard their health and safety.
Provide for the physical needs of the children, such as supervising feeding, dressing, naps, and other activities.
Participate in training and evaluation of student staff.
Substitute for higher-level personnel, if needed and qualified.

Benefits

State Universities Retirement System (SURS) retirement plan with an employer contribution.
State group insurance benefits and extended coverage for eligible dependents.
Health and dental coverage (partially covered by the State of Illinois).
Vision and basic life insurance (equal to annual salary, covered by the State of Illinois).
Optional benefits such as additional term life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment, and long-term disability.
Paid time off.
Nine designated paid holidays plus two floating holidays yearly.
Up to twelve days of vacation per year.
Up to twelve paid sick leave days.
Paid parental leave up to six weeks per academic year.
Bereavement leave.
Military duty leave.
Jury duty leave.
Tuition waiver benefit for employees.
Release time from work to continue education may be arranged.
50% tuition waiver for dependent children (for employees with at least seven years of service).
Faculty/Staff Assistance services.