Child Development Associate, CDL

Child Development Associate, CDL

Department of Human Development and Family Studies

College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

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.

Be a part of our story. For 75 years, the CDL has been preparing young children for success by offering play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum, designed at the classroom level to meet the needs and interests of the children enrolled. The CDL facilitates student observations of children, allows select research/teaching projects to occur at the school, and serves as a center for teacher training. Since it opened, more than 4,000 children and 84,000 University of Illinois students have benefited from teaching and learning opportunities at the CDL. When you join the CDL team, you are joining a legacy of leadership that has impacted thousands of lives. You will join a collegial atmosphere where teachers are truly supported not only through promotion opportunities, but also in daily operation support. Be part of a three-teacher team that allows you the flexibility and freedom to be creative in your teaching approach.

THERE ARE BENEFITS TO BELONGING TO OUR TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE

Benefits-eligible employees participate in a comprehensive set of State of Illinois and University of Illinois group benefit programs. This position will participate in the State Universities Retirement System (SURS) retirement plan with an employer contribution. State group insurance benefits and extended coverage for eligible dependents is available. The State of Illinois covers much of the cost of health and dental coverage, and all of the cost of vision and basic life insurance equal to your annual salary. Other optional benefits such as additional term life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment, and long-term disability are available.

This position will have paid time off. There are nine designated paid holidays plus two floating holidays yearly. This position may earn up to twelve days of vacation per year. Up to twelve paid sick leave days will be available to care for yourself, a member of your household or other eligible family member. Paid parental leave up to six weeks per academic year, immediately following the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child will be available. Other paid time off includes bereavement, military duty, and jury duty.

This position is eligible for a tuition waiver benefit to continue your education. Release time from work to continue your education may be arranged. Employees with at least seven years of service can apply for a 50% tuition waiver for dependent children.

The Faculty/Staff Assistance services provides personal, professional, and confidential assistance to staff and their household members experiencing problems that interfere with work or well-being.

See go.uillinois.edu/BenefitHighlights for additional details.

Job Summary

Employees in positions assigned to this level participate in the implementation of the total childcare program of the facility, working in cooperation with other Associates and under general supervision from higher-level personnel.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Curriculum • Participate in planning and carry 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 (such as child’s mental and physical condition, changes in daily schedule, or child’s participation in activities). • Under the supervision and with the support of the Head Teacher, prepare reports on the growth and development of assigned children in preparation for parent-teacher conferences. • Care for classroom equipment and materials and performs 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.
• Daily Caregiving • 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).
• Adult Supervision • Participate in training and evaluation of student staff. • Substitute for higher level personnel, if needed and qualified.

Working Conditions

• Work outdoors : Occasionally

Minimum Qualifications:

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.


The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services required credentials can be reviewed at:

Additional information can be found at

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 0497 - Child Development Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The collective bargaining agreement sets a wage of $35,470.50. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position. Out-of-state candidates must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days of the start date for this position. Illinois residency requires proof of a valid Illinois Driver's License or state of Illinois ID card. Failure to produce the required documentation within 180 calendar days will result in immediate termination of employment. 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. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 2/3/2026.


For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on February 3, 2026 . Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. The advertisement will remain live as long as at least one vacancy exists. For further information about this specific position, please contact Meghan Redeker at [email protected] or (217)244-9525. 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.

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 must also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.

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 : 1032691

Job Category : Technical

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