Child Development Specialist at University of Northern Iowa in Main Campus

Job description

If you are a current University of Northern Iowa employee and would like to apply for this position, login to UNI Works and type “Find Jobs” in the search bar to view and apply for open positions. Full Consideration Date: 09/30/2026 Job Description: Join the UNI Child Development Center, where you'll make a lasting impact on young learners in a nurturing, nationally accredited early childhood environment. Plus, UNI offers eligible employees an excellent benefits package and free professional development opportunities specific to these positions. 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 credits completed in 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; and current 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 Scie