Job Description
Head Teacher, CDLHead Teacher, CDL
Child Development Laboratory at the University of Illinois
Department of Human Development and Family Studies
College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
WE TRANSFORM LIVES
Everything we do is designed to improve the quality of life of the people in the state of Illinois, across the nation, and around the world. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminate knowledge to address societal concerns and train the next generation of experts and leaders in a way that empowers them to expand the boundaries of science to higher levels of understanding and influence.
Be a part of our story.
Job Summary
Provide leadership to daily functioning of one classroom within the Child Development Laboratory (CDL) program, by coordinating, planning and implementing programming for a preschool or childcare classroom at the facility.
Provide leadership to dailyfunctioning of one classroom within the Child Development Laboratory (CDL)program, by coordinating, planning and implementing programming for a preschoolor childcare classroom at the facility.
CurriculumDevelopment & Assessment:
-Collaborate with CDL administrators and other staff members in the developmentand implementation of a coherent school philosophy and program for youngchildren.
-Provide leadership in planning for classroom programming by designing trainingand leading discussion at bi-weekly developmental meetings with assistantteachers, with a focus on child development, informal assessments, observationand documentation methods, and how this informs planning and implementation.
-Plan and develop curricula based on developmental assessments, and direct theimplementation of programming in an early childhood classroom. Program mustinclude appropriate activities promoting the intellectual, socio-emotional, andphysical development of enrolled children.
-Conduct developmental assessments, both formal and informal, of each child inan early childhood classroom.
-Communicate developmental progress and problems of individual children and theclass as a whole to the Associate Director on a regular basis.
-Develop objectives and goals for individual children and communicate these toother staff members, student interns, volunteers and parents.
-Ensure daily communication and cooperation with parents of enrolled children;counsel parents on an as needed basis regarding progress and problems.
-Report developmental progress and concerns to children's parents twice per year through parent-teacher conferences and written documentation.
-Prepare and publish weekly lesson plans specifying activities for childrenbased on developmental needs and established goals.
-Maintain records of children's developmental progress and problems, based onclassroom observations, formal and informal assessments, and interactions.
Lab School Mission:
-Work collaboratively with the Associate Director and Director to facilitateresearch, demonstration and training projects within the classroom.
-Monitor interactions between researchers and children to support childparticipation in activities and ensure opportunities for collection of validresearch data.
-Ensure adherence to proscribed research protocols to safeguard well-being ofchildren.
-Participate in all teacher-focused research projects.
-Provide information and insight to researchers developing protocols andprocedures during the development of research proposals.
-Facilitate undergraduate and graduate student intern placements.
-Work with instructors to provide classroom experiences for student internsthat are appropriate for course requirements and in keeping with programphilosophy and implementation practices.
-Via daily training and weekly group meetings, communicate to student internsa) program goals and objectives, b) operational and planning procedures, c)appropriate expectations and guidance techniques, d) classroom schedules andemergency procedures, e) their classroom responsibilities; and provide a forumfor them to discuss concerns/issues related to classroom programming and childguidance.
-Provide students with written evaluative feedback and in-person communication regarding personal and professional competence in the classroom.
-Review, evaluate and oversee implementation of student planned activities on aweekly basis.
-Review, evaluate and provide feedback on written developmental anecdotes.
-Conduct formal mid-term and final evaluations for each student intern assignedto the classroom.
-Coordinate and oversee non-traditional class projects and volunteeropportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.
-Report progress and concerns to course instructors and administrators asneeded regarding performance of student interns.
-Participate in outreach activities within the local, state, and national earlychildhood communities.
Adult Supervision:
-Provide direct supervision, training and feedback to assistant teachers,student staff and volunteers on a daily basis.
-Report progress and concerns regarding assistant teacher and student staffperformance to the Associate Director.
-Evaluate performance of and provide written performance reviews for assistantteachers on no less than an annual basis.
-Implement, supervise, or delegate health and safety procedures, and maintainstandards outlined in DCFS licensing and accreditation criteria.
-Ensure that classroom staff understand and follow guidelines regarding theappropriate use and care of classroom equipment and materials.
Daily Caregiving Routines:
-Ensure the physical needs of enrolled children (such as supervising feeding,naps, and other related activities) are met.
Program Wide Activities:
-Participate in staff meetings with other CDL head teachers and administratorsto identify issues and concerns and evaluate classroom status relating toprogram philosophy, program implementation, licensing standards andaccreditation criteria; ensure the implementation of changes as needed tomaintain such standards.
-Participate in professional development as specified in DCFS licensingregulations and accreditation standards.
Minimum Qualifications
B.S. in Child Development, Early Childhood Education or closely related field. Experience in preschool and/or day care teaching.
Preferred Qualifications
M.S. in Child Development, Early Childhood Education or closely related field.
Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, for a full-day classroom (floater position) appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 3/31/2026. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position. The Child Development Lab has recently restructured the pay scale for the Head Teacher positions. The budgeted salary range for the position is $46,203 to $48,000. Work for this position will be expected to work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus on a full-time basis per the University's Workplace Flexibility policy.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on March 31, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting including a cover letter, resume, and name and contact information of three references. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Dr. Hannah Kye at 217-XXXXXX. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-XXXXXX.
Record of a current medical examination on a form prescribed by the Department is required.
At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what's next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence - where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.
Champaign-Urbana
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, ****** harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-XXXXXX, option #1, or [email protected].
Requisition ID: 1034738
Job Category: Education & Student Services
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu
Child Development Laboratory at the University of Illinois
Department of Human Development and Family Studies
College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
WE TRANSFORM LIVES
Everything we do is designed to improve the quality of life of the people in the state of Illinois, across the nation, and around the world. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminate knowledge to address societal concerns and train the next generation of experts and leaders in a way that empowers them to expand the boundaries of science to higher levels of understanding and influence.
Be a part of our story.
Job Summary
Provide leadership to daily functioning of one classroom within the Child Development Laboratory (CDL) program, by coordinating, planning and implementing programming for a preschool or childcare classroom at the facility.
Provide leadership to dailyfunctioning of one classroom within the Child Development Laboratory (CDL)program, by coordinating, planning and implementing programming for a preschoolor childcare classroom at the facility.
CurriculumDevelopment & Assessment:
-Collaborate with CDL administrators and other staff members in the developmentand implementation of a coherent school philosophy and program for youngchildren.
-Provide leadership in planning for classroom programming by designing trainingand leading discussion at bi-weekly developmental meetings with assistantteachers, with a focus on child development, informal assessments, observationand documentation methods, and how this informs planning and implementation.
-Plan and develop curricula based on developmental assessments, and direct theimplementation of programming in an early childhood classroom. Program mustinclude appropriate activities promoting the intellectual, socio-emotional, andphysical development of enrolled children.
-Conduct developmental assessments, both formal and informal, of each child inan early childhood classroom.
-Communicate developmental progress and problems of individual children and theclass as a whole to the Associate Director on a regular basis.
-Develop objectives and goals for individual children and communicate these toother staff members, student interns, volunteers and parents.
-Ensure daily communication and cooperation with parents of enrolled children;counsel parents on an as needed basis regarding progress and problems.
-Report developmental progress and concerns to children's parents twice per year through parent-teacher conferences and written documentation.
-Prepare and publish weekly lesson plans specifying activities for childrenbased on developmental needs and established goals.
-Maintain records of children's developmental progress and problems, based onclassroom observations, formal and informal assessments, and interactions.
Lab School Mission:
-Work collaboratively with the Associate Director and Director to facilitateresearch, demonstration and training projects within the classroom.
-Monitor interactions between researchers and children to support childparticipation in activities and ensure opportunities for collection of validresearch data.
-Ensure adherence to proscribed research protocols to safeguard well-being ofchildren.
-Participate in all teacher-focused research projects.
-Provide information and insight to researchers developing protocols andprocedures during the development of research proposals.
-Facilitate undergraduate and graduate student intern placements.
-Work with instructors to provide classroom experiences for student internsthat are appropriate for course requirements and in keeping with programphilosophy and implementation practices.
-Via daily training and weekly group meetings, communicate to student internsa) program goals and objectives, b) operational and planning procedures, c)appropriate expectations and guidance techniques, d) classroom schedules andemergency procedures, e) their classroom responsibilities; and provide a forumfor them to discuss concerns/issues related to classroom programming and childguidance.
-Provide students with written evaluative feedback and in-person communication regarding personal and professional competence in the classroom.
-Review, evaluate and oversee implementation of student planned activities on aweekly basis.
-Review, evaluate and provide feedback on written developmental anecdotes.
-Conduct formal mid-term and final evaluations for each student intern assignedto the classroom.
-Coordinate and oversee non-traditional class projects and volunteeropportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.
-Report progress and concerns to course instructors and administrators asneeded regarding performance of student interns.
-Participate in outreach activities within the local, state, and national earlychildhood communities.
Adult Supervision:
-Provide direct supervision, training and feedback to assistant teachers,student staff and volunteers on a daily basis.
-Report progress and concerns regarding assistant teacher and student staffperformance to the Associate Director.
-Evaluate performance of and provide written performance reviews for assistantteachers on no less than an annual basis.
-Implement, supervise, or delegate health and safety procedures, and maintainstandards outlined in DCFS licensing and accreditation criteria.
-Ensure that classroom staff understand and follow guidelines regarding theappropriate use and care of classroom equipment and materials.
Daily Caregiving Routines:
-Ensure the physical needs of enrolled children (such as supervising feeding,naps, and other related activities) are met.
Program Wide Activities:
-Participate in staff meetings with other CDL head teachers and administratorsto identify issues and concerns and evaluate classroom status relating toprogram philosophy, program implementation, licensing standards andaccreditation criteria; ensure the implementation of changes as needed tomaintain such standards.
-Participate in professional development as specified in DCFS licensingregulations and accreditation standards.
Minimum Qualifications
B.S. in Child Development, Early Childhood Education or closely related field. Experience in preschool and/or day care teaching.
Preferred Qualifications
M.S. in Child Development, Early Childhood Education or closely related field.
Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, for a full-day classroom (floater position) appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 3/31/2026. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position. The Child Development Lab has recently restructured the pay scale for the Head Teacher positions. The budgeted salary range for the position is $46,203 to $48,000. Work for this position will be expected to work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus on a full-time basis per the University's Workplace Flexibility policy.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on March 31, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting including a cover letter, resume, and name and contact information of three references. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Dr. Hannah Kye at 217-XXXXXX. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-XXXXXX.
Record of a current medical examination on a form prescribed by the Department is required.
At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what's next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence - where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.
Champaign-Urbana
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, ****** harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-XXXXXX, option #1, or [email protected].
Requisition ID: 1034738
Job Category: Education & Student Services
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Head Teacher, CDL position is now open for candidates interested in the Teacher Jobs sector. This role in Chicago offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Teacher Jobs is a plus.
