Head teacher

Head 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.

Curriculum Development and Assessment:

• Collaborate with CDL administrators and other staff members in the development and implementation of a coherent school philosophy and program for young children.
• Provide leadership in planning for classroom programming by designing training and leading discussion at bi-weekly developmental meetings with assistant teachers, with a focus on child development, informal assessments, observation and documentation methods, and how this informs planning and implementation.
• Plan and develop curricula based on developmental assessments,and direct the implementation of programming in an early childhood classroom. Program must include appropriate activities promoting the intellectual, socio-emotional, and physical development of enrolled children.
• Conduct developmental assessments, both formal and informal, of each child in an early childhood classroom.

• Communicate developmental progress and problems of individual children and the class as a whole to the Associate Director on a regular basis.
• Develop objectives and goals for individual children and communicate these to other 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, verbally and in writing, developmental progress and problems to children’s parents via parent teacher conferences twice a year.
• Prepare and publish weekly lesson plans specifying activities for children based on developmental needs and established goals.
• Maintain records of children's developmental progress and problems, based on classroom observations, formal and informal assessments, and interactions.

Lab School Mission:

• Work collaboratively with the Associate Director and Director to facilitate research, demonstration and training projects within the classroom.
• Monitor interactions between researchers and children to support child participation in activities and ensure opportunities for collection of valid research data.
• Ensure adherence to proscribed research protocols to safeguard well-being of children.
• Participate in all teacher-focused research projects.
• Provide information and insight to researchers developing protocols and procedures during the development of research proposals.
• Facilitate undergraduate and graduate student intern placements.
• Work with instructors to provide classroom experiences for student interns that are appropriate for course requirements and in keeping with program philosophy and implementation practices.

• Via daily training and weekly group meetings, communicate to student interns a) program goals and objectives, b) operational and planning procedures, c) appropriate expectations and guidance techniques, d) classroom schedules and emergency procedures, e) their classroom responsibilities; and provide a forum for them to discuss concerns/issues related to classroom programming and child guidance.
• Provide students with written and verbal evaluative feedback regarding personal and professional competence in the classroom.
• Review, evaluate and oversee implementation of student planned activities on a weekly basis.
• Review, evaluate and provide feedback on written developmental anecdotes.
• Conduct formal mid-term and final evaluations for each student intern assigned to the classroom.
• Coordinate and oversee non-traditional class projects and volunteer opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.
• Report progress and concerns to course instructors and administrators as needed regarding performance of student interns.
• Participate in outreach activities within the local, state, and national early childhood 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 staff performance to the Associate Director.
• Evaluate performance of and provide written performance reviews for assistant teachers on no less than an annual basis.
• Implement, supervise, or delegate health and safety procedures, and maintain standards outlined in DCFS licensing and accreditation criteria.
• Ensure that classroom staff understand and follow guidelines regarding the appropriate 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 administrators to identify issues and concerns and evaluate classroom status relating to program philosophy, program implementation, licensing standards and accreditation criteria; ensure the implementation of changes as needed to maintain such standards.
• Participate in professional development as specified in DCFS licensing regulations 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 12/1/2025. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position. The Child Development Laboratory has recently restructured the pay scale for 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 December 1, 2025 . Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting including a cover, letter, resume and contact information of three references. Applications not submitted through will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Dr. Hannah Kye at 217-300-1335. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

Record of a current medical examination on a form prescribed by the Department is required.

The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.

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, sexual 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 accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing [email protected].

Requisition ID : 1033511

Job Category : Education & Student Services

Apply at: