Lead Teacher (4905) Multiple Positions

Northern Valley Indian Health; DeKalb (IL); On-site; USD 37,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading institution is seeking a Child Development Supervisor to oversee classroom operations, ensure compliance with regulations, and mentor students. The role involves maintaining a safe and nurturing environment for children's development while collaborating with faculty and staff. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree in child development and relevant experience.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in child development or related field.
• Knowledge of NAEYC accreditation process.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations and ensure compliance with licensing requirements.
• Mentor students and provide feedback on their performance.
• Ensure health and safety of children in the classroom.

Skills

Supervisory ability

Mentoring

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in child development

Job description

Find your Career at Northern Illinois University!

Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

The Child Development and Family Center ( CDFC ) Child Development Supervisor (lead teacher) will be present at the Child Development and Family Center for the majority of each day to ensure that licensing and NAEYC Accreditation requirements are met and oversee daily operations in the classroom. Job responsibilities will be performed in consultation and collaboration with the CDFC Director, CD Faculty, and the Advisory Board. The Child Development Supervisor is responsible for initiating and facilitating duties and tasks described below.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Child Development & Family Center Responsibilities – 30%

• Attends board meetings as designated.
• Contributes to dialogue and discussion and presents insight into solutions to problems.
• Exhibits discretion in dealing with parents, children, staff, and the academic progress of practicum students.
• Cooperates with students doing observations and faculty conducting research.
• Helps recruit and promote faculty research related to the CDFC , networks with staff and faculty in various departments as appropriate or feasible.
• Documents own performance and classroom supervision abilities to CDFC Co-Director, per CDFC guidelines.
• Participates constructively in the evaluation process.
• Participates in occasional evening workshops and CDFC events with practicum students and/or families, as designated.
• Continues own professional development through classes and conferences, and/or workshop presentations.
• Maintains or initiates activities and critical practices necessary for maintenance of DCFS license and accreditation status.
• Supports collegial relationships by engaging in reflection with colleagues and works to resolve conflicts with colleagues in a direct and respectful way.
• Follows and uses NAEYC Code of Ethics as a guide to making decisions involving ethical dilemmas.
• Maintains Illinois Gateways Registry status, and other personal documentation as necessary or required, annually.

Supervision of Students – 30%

• Mentors current and pre-practicum students, undergraduate student employees and graduate assistants who are serving as childcare professionals; Examples of mentoring activities include direct instruction, general and specific guidance, constructive verbal feedback, modeling, positive feedback, and out-of-classroom discussions.
• Provides specific feedback to current and pre-practicum students in difficult child guidance situations; Provides positive feedback to students as indicated.
• Assists Master Teachers in the evaluation of practicum students’ interactions with children, families, staff, and peers.
• Provides assessment for 490 assignments as delegated by Instructor.
• As needed, plans and facilitates 490 orientation activities related to the operations of the classroom in consultation with Master Teacher each semester.
• Engages in ongoing reflective practice, noting situations of concern and/or change.
• Keeps Master Teacher, CDFC Administration, and HDFS Faculty apprised of situations in need of address.
• Provides feedback to course instructors regarding rubrics and assignments, as assigned or as appropriate.
• Assumes leadership role in communicating with families in one’s own room, in consultation with Lead 490 Teacher, Master Teacher, and CDFC administration.
• Assumes responsibility for communication, as necessary, in absence of Master Teacher.
• Includes current 490 students in this process, as feasible, and models discretion, confidentiality, and positive feedback/active listening techniques.

Lead Teaching – 30%

• Upholds the mission of the CDFC by supporting the research, service, and teaching functions of the laboratory, as designated or as assigned.
• Assures and maintains at all times the health, safety, and supervision of all children in the classroom by maintaining a safe environment, implementing healthy practices, and maintaining records per DCFS and accreditation guidelines.
• Uses observation of children’s play to model and implement an emergent curriculum and serves as a model for this practice for current and pre-practicum students.
• Facilitates children’s play and uses scaffolding to promote children’s growth and development.
• Implements activities that reflect, and maintains a classroom environment that supports and values, diversity in the program.
• Uses a variety of documentation methods to show children’s progress and maintains documentation as part of child’s record.
• Arranges safe and effective classroom floor, transition, and outdoor play plans in consultation with Master Teacher.
• Communicates with other staff regularly about these plans.
• Ensures materials and activities provided to children are safe, developmentally and culturally appropriate, and promote independence and hands on exploration.

Nutrition and Wellness – 10%

• Maintains safety of classroom environment by working with the safety plans for allergy and nutrition needs of each child in accordance with the Child and Adult Care Food program ( CACFP ).
• Ensures cooking, nutrition, and wellness activities are integrated into curriculum on a regular basis.
• Oversees and helps prepare current and pre-practicum students for these activities.
• Assists in kitchen duties as needed.

Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service)

• Bachelor’s degree in child development, education, or related fields, including 18 semester hours of credit for course work directly related to child development and/or child care**, of which 6 semester hours must be for the period from birth to age six .
• Two (2) years of experience comparable to that gained at the lower level of this series (Child Development Associate ) and 18 additional semester hours of credit for college course work directly related to child development and/or child care.**

**Note: Courses that cover the social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development of young children and/or courses relating specifically to the group care and education of young children; e.g., curriculum, programming, pre-school teaching methods, discipline and child management, observation of children, working with parents, health, nutrition and safety, and supervised teaching experience for which credit is earned (such as student teaching, clinical experience, or practicum).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service)

• Physical examination as required by Illinois Child Care Act for employees in child care facilities
• Personal attributes required by Illinois Department of Children and Family Services for all child care personnel
• Supervisory ability

Specialty Factors (Civil Service)

n/a

Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service)

• Bachelor’s degree in child development, early childhood education or related field.
• Knowledge of and prior experiences with the National Association for the Education of Young Children accreditation process.
• One year of teaching experience in a mixed age classroom setting.
• Experience with the Environmental Rating Scales.
• Gateways ECE or Infant-Toddler Credential Level 2 and up.

Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS)

n/a

Additional Requirements (SPS)

n/a

Preferred Qualifications (SPS)

n/a

• Physically: Able to lift 30 lbs, sit on the floor, stand, lifting objects and children at various ages and abilities. Move quickly to supervise and stay with active children.
• Emotionally: Able to put a child’s needs above your own, able to support growth and development of emotional skills and a deep level of patience and maturity.

Appointment and Compensation Details

Appointment and Compensation Details

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

Anticipated Appointment Start Date 8/1/25

Anticipated Appointment End Date

Anticipated Appointment End Date 06/30/2026

Percent of Staff Year

Percent of Staff Year 1.00

Standard Hours Per Week 37.50

Working Hours

Working Hours Variable with needs of center, 7:30am - 4:00pm or 9:00am - 5:30pm

Salary $37,537.68/annually

Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range

Earn Type

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

Application Procedures:

• Fully complete the Education and Work History sections of the application. Be specific on your entire work history, including employment dates and duties for all positions held. Applicable part-time work experience will be considered toward qualifying for this position; however, it will be converted to a full-time equivalency to determine combined length of experience. Important: Please upload any unofficial transcript(s) and/or documentation that verifies any education, experience, and/or training you have received.
  • If eligible for Veteran’s Preference Points, DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256 paperwork reflecting an Honorable Discharge MUST be uploaded to this application to receive the maximum eligible points on the Civil Service examination.
• After the posting has closed, your submission will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the classification, including any specialty factors associated with this position. If you meet the minimum required qualifications for this position, you will receive a score based on your education and experience, and your name will be placed on the active employment register.
• Please monitor your e-mail for further information regarding your application. Emails will be generated from [e-mail] and [e-mail] . Please add these emails to your address book to ensure timely delivery of any future communication.
• Illinois residency required within 180 days of the hire date.

Credentials Assessment Examination:

• The examination for this position is a Credentials Assessment and is based on your application materials as submitted for this posting. A Credential Assessment is a rating by the Human Resources Office of an applicant’s/employee’s education, experience, and special credentials/qualifications (licenses, etc.). Applicants are required to upload documentation to verify the minimum qualifications for this position has been met.
• Required documentation noted in the posting, such as a driver’s license, licensures, or certifications MUST be uploaded with your application materials.
• After assessment of all qualified applicants has been completed for this position, the names with the top three (3) scores will be referred to the hiring department for interview.
• Click on Child Development Supervisor for more information including salary ranges, typical duties, minimum acceptable qualifications, and testing requirements.
• Employment is contingent upon your passing a criminal background investigation. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:


Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator
Health Services Building Room 230
[e-mail]
815-753-5560

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation

NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person’s disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form . For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity ( AAEO ) at [e-mail] .

• Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)
• List of References

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Cover Letter

Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)

List of References

• Military Discharge Documents ONLY (DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256)
• Other #2
• Other

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Are you currently a citizen or resident of the State of Illinois?
  • Yes
  • No
• * What is the highest level of education attained?
  • GED
  • High School Diploma
  • Associates Degree
  • Bachelors Degree
  • Masters Degree
  • PHD
• * Have you attached all transcripts to support the degrees you are submitting for consideration?
  • Yes
  • No
• * If applicable, have you attached a copy of your DD214, DD215, NGB22, or DD256 for consideration of Veterans Preference Points? The copy submitted should reflect the status of discharge in order to be considered.
  • Yes
  • No
  • Not Applicable
• * Do you have specific work experience informing the director of the daily programs’ progress and concerns, supplies and equipment needs; being responsible for the operation of the center/facility; assisting in insuring that the center/facility met the licensing and health requirements of the State; planning developing, and/or implementing the basic philosophy and long range goals of the center/facility; developing or recommending the implementing changes in operational procedures and programs; assisting in analyzing program needs and recommended necessary equipment, materials, and supplies; serving as a resource person or explaining policies or objectives to staff, students, and parents; assuming responsibility for supervision of daily programs?
  • No work experience directly related to the job function described
  • My work experience relevant to the job function described was performed under guidance.
  • My work experience relevant to the job function described was performed independently
• * Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or résumé. (“See Résumé” is not an acceptable response.)

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Do you have specific work experience identifying problem situations with the children anddeveloping strategies to solve them; making appropriate referrals to community resources;planning, developing, and implementing through teaching, a child oriented curriculum andactivities based on each child’s development needs; planning and implementing a segment of acenter’s/facility’s; planning and implementing a daily program based upon the knowledge ofchildren’s growth and development patterns?
  • No work experience directly related to the job function described
  • My work experience relevant to the job function described was performed under guidance.
  • My work experience relevant to the job function described was performed independently.
• * Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or résumé. (“See Résumé” is not an acceptable response.)

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Do you have specific work experience assessing the individual child’s needs; observing children toevaluate developmental patterns, establishing positive interaction with children, displayingsensitivity to each child’s confidence; establishing realistic limits?
  • No work experience directly related to the job function described
  • My work experience relevant to the job function described was performed under guidance
  • My work experience relevant to the job function described was performed independently.
• * Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or résumé. (“See Résumé” is not an acceptable response.)

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Do you have specific work experience providing, managing, and maintaining environment conducive to the optimal growth and development of children; responsible for planning learning experiences outside of the center/facility such as filed trips; planning and supervising or preparing (observing, evaluating, and completing) records and reports on the progress and growth of each child (such as parents’ reports, child development reports); keeping abreast of current development and research in child care/development field; planning and/or conducting training activities?
  • No work experience directly related to the job function described
  • My work experience relevant to the job function described was performed under guidance
  • My work experience relevant to the job function described was performed independently
• * Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or résumé. (“See Résumé” is not an acceptable response)

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Do you have specific work experience communicating children’s progress, program participation, and observations; communicating with teacher aides, child care assistants and associates, ad student help; and communicating as a member of a team with parents through parent conferences, home visits, classroom visits, classroom group meetings, daily contacts, and bi-monthly newsletters?
  • No work experience directly related to the job function described
  • My work experience relevant to the job function described was performed under guidance
  • My work experience relevant to the job function described was performed independently.
• * Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or résumé. (“See Résumé” is not an acceptable response)

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Do you have specific work experience interviewing job applicants; estimating staff needed for specific tasks; assigning, monitoring, and evaluating work of employees; motivating performance of employees; correcting or resolving problems that arose among employees; determining priorities and establishing deadlines; assisting the director in training, supervising, and evaluating student support staff and student volunteers; serving as director or supervisor during his/her absence?
  • No work experience directly related to the job function described
  • My work experience relevant to the job function described was performed under guidance
  • My work experience relevant to the job function described was performed independently.
• * Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or résumé. (“See Résumé” is not an acceptable response)

  (Open Ended Question)