Child Development Associate

Illinois Residency Requirement: This position requires Illinois residency within 180 calendar days of the start date.

The SIUE Early Childhood Center is currently seeking a Child Deveopment Associate to assist the Child Development Supervisor in implementing the curriculum, preparing developmentally appropriate lesson plans, individualization, and implementing family style dining. In addition, individuals in this position assist with observation of children in the classroom, writing anecdotal records, and maintaining classroom records. The Child Development Associate may be assigned other related tasks in support of the program's mission and goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Interact frequently with children, individually and in small groups. Seek meaningful conversations with children acknowledging their work, talking about events of importance, etc. Facilitate learning, social interaction and involvement activities. Treat children with respect and consideration, regardless of their sex/gender, age, race, religion, ancestry or national origin, physical or mental ability.

Assist Child Development Supervisor (CDS) in developing curriculum goals in accordance with Center Philosophy, National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) best practices, and the Illinois Early Learning Standards. Assist in preparation and implementation of learning activities that meet program curriculum goals and individual assessments of the children enrolled.

Fulfill all State of IL licensing requirements. Follow all established emergency procedures. Know the signs of child abuse and the reporting procedure. Be aware of the signs and symptoms of childhood illness and disease. Implement Child & Adult Care Food Program regulations including daily documentation as required. Move quickly to intervene in dangerous situations.

Establish positive, collaborative relationships with family members. Strong communication skills used on a daily basis to keep parents informed of child's accomplishments or concerns. Parents greeted daily and treated with respect & dignity. Participate in center family events or university events and also be available for weekend, evening as required. Maintain confidentiality

Assist in creating an environment that promotes discovery, divergent thinking, continual growth in abilities, and positive self-image among teachers and children. Maintain quality standards of cleanliness and organization of the physical environment.

Assist CDS with documenting the progress of each child using Teaching Strategies GOLD Assessment Checklist, collecting work samples, and summary report.

In accordance with DCFS licensing standards, staff are responsible for meeting 20 hours of staff training each year. Participate in professional development by attending conferences and meetings and by maintaining membership in early childhood professional organizations in an effort to keep abreast of changing child care needs and improved methods of instruction.

Maintain work areas both inside and outside at all times, share in housekeeping and cleaning duties including laundry, dishwashing, toy and equipment sanitation, watering plants/gardens and care of classroom pets.

Substitute for CDS as needed.

To Apply for this Vacancy:

This position is a Civil Service vacancy. It closes to applicants at 11:59 p.m. CST on the posting end date. When applying through the HireTouch system, please be sure to complete ALL the 2023 forms that are attached to the job located under your Applicant Profile box (refresh browser if needed).

Applicants must submit an updated and complete Civil Service Application, which must include complete employment history. The application is the last form in the document package. Your application should reflect a thorough list of relevant duties and experience related to the minimum qualifications listed for this position. Please be detailed in current and past job duties, as this is what is used in the credential assessments. Vague notations such as “clerical duties” or “admin duties” do not allow testing to give an accurate and complete assessment, please detail duties completed while working. While a resume may be submitted with the application, data for each employer must be listed on this application form. ("See Resume" may only be used as a substitute in the section entitled "Specific Duties Performed"). If the Civil Service application is incomplete you will not be considered for the position as our office will be unable to evaluate your submission to determine if you possess the required minimum qualifications.

If qualifying by education or to qualify for a required educational prerequisite, you must submit your transcripts, including those for SIUE, at the time of application. Applicants qualifying for veteran’s preference must submit a copy of form DD214 at the time of application. For additional information, please visit: Eligibility Criteria and Point Allocation and Proof of Eligibility. Please submit any other licenses or certifications related to the position at the time of application.

Applicants will be subject to a background check prior to an offer of employment. Some positions are represented by a union and may incur union dues. For more information, please visit the Office of Human Resources website at www.siue.edu/human-resources or call Civil Service Testing at 618-650-2190.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville nurtures an open, respectful, and welcoming climate that facilitates learning and work. SIUE is committed to education that explores the historic significance of diversity in order to understand the present and to better enable our community to engage the future. Integral to this commitment, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville strives for a student body and a workforce that is both diverse and inclusive. We strongly encourage candidates from historically underrepresented groups, including women, members of racially minoritized groups, and individuals with disabilities, to apply. For more on our Statement of Diversity, visit SIUE Mission, Goals and Plans

Associates Degree from an accredited college or university, with a minimum of six (6) semester hours or equivalent quarter hours in early child development or related courses.

OR

Enrolled in a program leading to an associate or baccalaureate degree, with at least two (2) years of credits completed: six (6) semester hours of which are in early child development or related courses.

OR

Minimum one (1) year of full-time early childhood experience in a licensed early childhood program and one (1) year of credits from an accredited college or university with six (6) semester or equivalent quarter hours in early child development or related courses; and enrolled in a program leading to an associate or baccalaureate degree, or enrolled in a child development associate program to be completed within two (2) years.

OR

Current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.