Head Teacher, CDL

Laseagrant; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 46,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign seeks a head teacher for the Child Development Laboratory to lead a single preschool/ Toddlers 2 classroom. The role focuses on planning, implementing, and documenting developmentally appropriate activities, assessments, and parent communication.

The position is 100% full-time Academic Professional, with a salary range of $46,203–$48,000. Sponsorship is not available. Start date as soon as possible after 11/16/2026.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Child Development, Early Childhood Education or closely related field.
• Experience in preschool and/or day care teaching.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to daily functioning of a classroom within the CDL program.
• Coordinate, plan, and implement programming for a preschool or childcare classroom.
• Develop curricula based on developmental assessments and communicate progress to staff and parents.
• Supervise and support assistant teachers, interns, and volunteers.
• Maintain and document children’s developmental progress and plan for individual goals.

Skills

Preschool programming

Curriculum planning

Observation & assessment

Education

B.S. in Child Development/ECE or related field

M.S. in Child Development/ECE or related field

Job description

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 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 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 evaluative feedback and in-person communication 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. Experience:

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, for a full-day classroom (Toddlers 2 classroom position) appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 11/16/2026. 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.

This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on November 13, 2026. Include 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 Key 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.

University of Illinois Overview

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.

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, 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 accommodation portal , or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [e-mail] .

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