U N I V E R S I T Y O F N O R T H E R N I O W A
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
POSITION TITLE: Child Development Specialist
DEPARTMENT: Child Development Center (CDC)
APPOINTMENT TYPE: Term, Pay Grade III
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Provides education and care to CDC children; writes and implements developmentally appropriate curriculum; supervises and evaluates classroom assistants and field experience students; and assists Coordinator with administration of CDC.
CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Oversees the creation and implementation of educational programming for Center children using teaching methods appropriate to the age, developmental level and cultural heritage of the children; prepares associated learning materials that are consistent with Center philosophy; understands, implements, and articulates Iowa licensing standards for young children’s programs; ensures implementation of policies and procedures; strives to create innovative methods for life-long learning for children, parents, and university students; assists Coordinator in scheduling, coordination and evaluation of Center program; develops and maintains a consistent system of home/center communication; plans, facilitates and documents parent conferences; refers families to appropriate agencies for special needs; assists in development of menus according to federal USDA food program guidelines; assists in newsletter production, reporting Center activities to parents and/or local media.
2. Assists in the recruitment, training, and supervision of student assistants; supervises and trains student staff in hygiene strategies, mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect, and OSHA standards for handling bodily fluids; trains staff to maintain safety standards within classrooms, on playground, and on walks or field trips; assists in training staff in record keeping and public relations; and assists in ensuring continued conformance to licensing and national accreditation standards.
3. Assists in the scheduling, supervision and documentation of field experience student activities in the Center; consults with practicum students and/or student teachers, concerning the development and implementation of appropriate curriculum for young children; advises field experience students on federal nutrition guidelines, Iowa state licensing regulations, national accreditation standards, and innovative early childhood curriculum; consults with faculty in regard to students’ performance; and recommends additional training or professional alternatives when necessary.
4. Represents the Child Development Center, the Department of Teaching, the College of Education, and UNI, at local, state, national, and international events; provides outreach through presentations or documents and publishes written materials concerning high quality early care and education and innovative practices; performs research and/or facilitates research efforts carried out by university faculty, staff, and students; provides leadership for local early care and education providers; communicates with colleagues at other higher education institutions; and builds collaborations within the university and with local, state and/or national agencies.
5. Assists Coordinator in planning staff meetings; attends all scheduled teachers’ meetings and in-service activities; provides tours of the Center to potential clients, visitors, or university personnel; assists with recording accurate waiting list information; and responds appropriately to requests for information about the Center program from potential parents, visitors, faculty and administrators, and community representatives.
NECESSARY QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree and certification in Early Childhood Education and at least one year post-baccalaureate experience in a licensed child care facility required. Experience working with children birth through age five required. Student experience will be considered. Current certification in CPR and First Aid, or the ability to acquire certification within three months required. Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred. Experience supervising university students preferred.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Two full-time first shift term positions are available (academic year plus 15 days of scheduled service work) and one full-time second shift position at a 12-month term appointment available. Application materials received by May 5, 2008 will be given first consideration. Additional information provided upon request (319) 273-3424. Send cover letter, resume, and names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references to: Child Development Specialist Search Chair, Human Resources, 121 Commons, UNI, Cedar Falls , Iowa 50614-0034 . Fax (319) 273-2927. Email: HRS-Applications@uni.edu URL: www.uni.edu
THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER WITH A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR AFFIRMATIVE ACTION.