Child Development Specialist - Child Development Center

University of Northern Iowa Alumni and Foundation•Lexington, MA

19h•$33,800 - $40,000•Onsite

About The Position

The UNI Child Development Center is hiring at one of two professional levels: Assistant Child Development Specialist or Child Development Specialist. The role rotates among classrooms as needed and supports early care and education activities in a nurturing, nationally accredited early childhood environment. Teaching and learning take place through play-based strategies in small and large groups. Curriculum is matched to children’s developmental levels and includes group experiences, short-term projects, fine- and gross-motor activities, and child- and teacher-directed experiences. At either level, the specialist plans and implements developmentally appropriate curriculum for individual children and groups of children with varied ages and interests, while addressing the needs of all learners, including children with dual languages and children with disabilities. Both levels engage with parents daily, communicate in writing and/or face to face, hold parent-teacher conferences each semester, meet with families as needed, and train and supervise college student assistants. The Child Development Specialist also writes developmental summaries based on assessment information, supervises and documents field experience student activities, and consults with faculty about college students’ performance. The position is a term appointment on a calendar-year service schedule. Occasional work outside normal hours is necessary. Fall 2026 graduates may be considered, but the degree must be conferred before the start date. Compensation depends on the level of hire: Assistant Child Development Specialist has pay grade 116 and a starting salary of $33,800 to commensurate; Child Development Specialist has pay grade 117 and a starting salary of $40,000 to commensurate. Eligible employees receive a benefits package and free professional development opportunities specific to these positions.

Requirements

Assistant Child Development Specialist: Bachelor’s degree.
Child Development Specialist: Bachelor’s degree in early childhood, elementary education, or a related field.
Child Development Specialist: Teaching license, or 36 hours of higher education credits completed in early childhood education, child development, elementary education, or early childhood special education; alternatively, progress toward the 36 credit hours may begin upon hire and be completed within four years of hire.
Current CPR/First Aid, Mandatory Reporter, Universal Precautions (OSHA), and Essential(s) Child Care Training certifications, or ability to obtain them within 90 days of hire.
Occasional work outside normal hours is necessary.
Degree must be conferred before the start date.

Nice To Haves

Childcare experience; student experience will be considered.
For the Child Development Specialist level, a master’s degree in early childhood education or a related field.

Responsibilities

Rotate among classrooms as needed and support early care and education activities.
Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum for individual children and small and large groups with varying ages and interests.
Ensure curriculum addresses the needs of all learners, including children with dual languages and children with disabilities.
Engage with parents daily through written and/or face-to-face communication.
Conduct parent-teacher conferences each semester and meet with families as needed.
Train and supervise college student assistants.
For the Child Development Specialist level, write developmental summaries based on assessment information.
For the Child Development Specialist level, supervise and document field experience student activities in the Child Development Center.
For the Child Development Specialist level, consult with faculty regarding college students’ performance.