The Child Development Specialist is primarily responsible for planning and supervising play and learning activities. The Specialist assists in the supervision of college students assigned to the Center for coursework in addition to assisting with daily operations of the Center. In order to have a complete application, please attach your cover letter, resume, and college transcripts.

This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. Some incumbents may not perform all the duties listed while in other cases related duties may also be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Supervise children in the Children’s Center during play, meals and rest periods.
2. Plan and carry out daily Developmentally Appropriate Activities (lessons) to include physical, mental and social growth activities in respect to age, individual ability, and cultural background
3. Orient, supervise and mentor College program students in our lab school environment as well as student employees.
4. Work collaboratively with professors and department leads including the Early Childhood Education Program concerning students in the lab school environment.
5. Work with the Children’s Center Manager and others regarding special concerns of and trainings for those working with individual children, including those with exceptional needs.
6. Assist in maintaining classrooms and records required by DCFS licensing standards, USDA food program, quality assurance agencies (state and national), and by the College.
7. Attend and report required annual trainings and in service to your Illinois Gateways Registry. These may include workshops, meetings, conferences, and webinars.
8. Monitor and participate in the general upkeep and cleanliness of the Center.
9. Work with co-teachers, supervisors, parents, and others to create a warm and inviting environment for all children.
10. Promote appropriate parent-school-public relationships by meeting with prospective families.
11. Perform related duties as required.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

1. Shall be at least 19 years of age.
2. Educational/Experiential Experience for Early Childhood Teachers as outlined in Illinois Licensing Standards for Day Care Centers:
   • Sixty semester hours (or 90 quarter hours) of credits from an accredited college or university with six semester or nine quarter hours in courses related directly to child care and/or child development, from birth to age six; OR
   • One year (1560 clock hours) of child development experience in a nursery school, kindergarten, or licensed day care center and 30 semester hours (or 45 quarter hours) of credits from an accredited college or university with six semester or nine quarter hours in courses related directly to child care and/or child development, from birth to age six; OR
   • Completion of credentialing programs approved by the Department of Children and Family Services. The approved credentialing options are: Child Development Associate Credential Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition 2460 16th Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20009 1-800-424-4310 or Certified Childcare Professional National Child Care Association 1029 Railroad Street, N.W. Conyers, Georgia 30207 1-800-543-7161
3. Entry level experience in Microsoft Office Suite.
4. Strong leadership skills, especially as it relates to child development.
5. Strong Knowledge of principles and practices of childcare including health, safety, nutrition and DCFS regulations.
6. Strong problem-solving skills.
7. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
8. Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to establish and maintain cooperative and professional working relationships with others.

1. Director qualified as outlined in Illinois Licensing Standards for Day Care Centers.
2. 3 years of experience in a pre-school, kindergarten, or licensed day care center.
3. Experience in National Accreditation and Early Childhood Special Education.
4. Experience working in higher education.
5. Illinois ECE credential level 4.
6. Illinois IT credential level 4