Child Development Specialist

University of Northern Iowa Alumni and Foundation; Lexington (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Northern Iowa's Child Development Center seeks qualified professionals at two levels: Assistant Child Development Specialist and Child Development Specialist. The role rotates classrooms and supports play‑based learning and family engagement.

Responsibilities include planning developmentally appropriate curriculums, conducting conferences, supervising student assistants, and documenting field experiences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and related credentials as listed in the qualifications.
• Teaching license or 36 credits completed in ECE or related field; progress toward 36 credits may be considered.
• Certifications: CPR, First Aid, Mandatory Reporter, OSHA Universal Precautions, and Essential Child Care Training.

Responsibilities

• Plans and implements a developmentally appropriate curriculum for individuals and groups.
• Engages with parents daily and conducts parent‑teacher conferences each semester.
• Responsible for supervision of college student assistants and field experience documentation.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education

Teaching license or 36 hours of higher education credits completed in early childhood education, child development, elementary education, or early childhood special education

Master’s degree in early childhood education (preferred)

CPR

First Aid

Mandatory Reporter

Universal Precautions (OSHA)

Essential Child Care Training certifications

Job description

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Full Consideration Date:

09/30/2026

Job Description:

UNI’s Child Development Center (CDC) is adding to its team! Based on qualifications, the successful candidate will be hired at one of two professional levels: Assistant Child Development Specialist or Child Development Specialist. This position will rotate classrooms as needed and support early care and education activities. Skills are taught and learned through small- and large-group time using play-based learning strategies. The curriculum matches the developmental level of the children in each classroom and includes group experiences, short-term projects, fine- and gross-motor activities, and both child- and teacher-directed experiences.

Primary Function:

Assistant Child Development Specialist : Plans and implements a developmentally appropriate curriculum focused on meeting the needs of the individual child, and of small and large groups of children of varying ages and interests; ensures curriculum meets the needs of all learners and various subgroups of students, such as students with dual languages and students with disabilities; engages with parents daily, initiating written and/or face-to-face communication; conducts parent-teacher conferences each semester and is available to meet with families as needed; and responsible for training and supervision of college student assistants.

Child Development Specialist : Plans and implements a developmentally appropriate curriculum focused on meeting the needs of the individual child, and of small and large groups of children of varying ages and interests; ensures curriculum meets the needs of all learners and various subgroups of students, such as students with dual languages and students with disabilities; writes developmental summaries of children based on assessment information; engages with parents daily, initiating written and/or face-to-face communication; conducts parent-teacher conferences each semester and is available to meet with families as needed; responsible for supervision and documentation of field experience student activities in the Child Development Center; consults with faculty in regard to college students’ performance; and responsible for training and supervision of college student assistants.

Qualifications:

Assistant Child Development Specialist: Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree plus current CPR, First Aid, Mandatory Reporter, Universal Precautions (OSHA), and Essential Child Care Training certifications or ability to acquire certification within 90 days of hire. Occasional work outside of normal hours will be necessary. Preferred Qualifications: Childcare experience. Student experience will be considered.

Child Development Specialist: Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in early childhood, elementary education or related field; teaching license or 36 hours of higher education creditscompletedin early childhood education, child development, elementary education, or early childhood special education,or progress toward 36 credit hour started upon hire and completed within four years of hire;andcurrent CPR/First Aid, Mandatory Reporter, Universal Precautions (OSHA), and Essentials Child Care Training certifications or ability to obtain certifications within 90 days of hire. Occasional work outside of normal hours will be necessary. Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree in early childhood education or related field and childcare experience. Student experience will be considered.

Position Details:

Job Category: Professional and Scientific

Type of Position: Term

Service Schedule: Calendar Year

Compensation:

The pay grade and salary will be determined by the position level into which the individual is hired. Below are the pay grades and starting salary range for each level:

Assistant Child Development Specialist; pay grade 116; $33,800 to Commensurate

Child Development Specialist; pay grade 117; $40,000 to Commensurate

Iowa’s cost of living is among the lowest in the nation and the Common Sense Institute ranks Iowa #1 for paycheck stretch. UNI enhances this advantage with an excellent benefits package for eligible non-temporary positions. Visit our Compensation Tools page to explore your estimated total compensation, compare Waterloo-Cedar Falls cost of living to other major cities or review the paycheck stretch ranking details. Learn more about the Cedar Valley at https://livethevalley.com/.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case‑by‑case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

UNI is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any status protected by federal and/or state law.

Campus Security & Crime Statistics, in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, information on crime statistics for recent years, Public Safety personnel and programs, building access, reporting crimes, safety suggestions, and policies, programs, and services regarding alcohol, drugs, and sexual abuse, is available in the UNI Annual Security and Fire Report. A paper copy is available from the Department of Public Safety, 030 Gilchrist Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614. Department of Public Safety, 030 Gilchrist Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614.