Child Development Associate

Posting Category:

About UIS: Located in the state capital, the University of Illinois Springfield is one of three members of the University of Illinois system. The University serves more than 4,000 students in 44 graduate and 56 undergraduate programs. You are encouraged to visit the university web page at http://www.uis.edu .

Application deadline: 4/8/2025

Minimum Starting Salary: $17.94 per hour/7.5 hour day

Summary:

Looking for an early childhood educator to work with our team of professionals. This person will create and implement curriculum, work with children, families, and other staff, and be fully responsible for a small group of children.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Plan and participate in appropriate activities that promotes the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development of the children.
• Use the center’s assessment plan to compile accurate and valid written assessments of all children, document children’s growth & development and the learning in the classroom.
• Design and maintain a classroom environment that is child focused and encompasses all aspects of developmentally appropriate practice.
• Care for classroom equipment and materials, and perform necessary housekeeping tasks. Assist with the physical responsibilities of the center. Perform other duties as assigned.
• Provide for the physical needs of the children (including, but not limited to feeding, dispensing medicine, dressing/undressing, assisting with toileting needs, naps, and other activities). Supervise and be aware of individual health concerns. Communicate any and all concerns to the supervisor and/or Director.
• Maintain daily communication (both verbal and written) and cooperation with families of children (including, but not limited to discussing a child's mental and physical condition, changes in daily schedule, or a child's participation in daily activities). Greet families and children on a daily basis, upon arrival and departure.
• Work cooperatively with other staff members. Substitute for higher level personnel when and if needed, and if qualified.
• Mentor and be a positive role model to student employees.
• Remain sensitive to the needs of both children and families, and to respect the diversity represented in families, included the use of ethical guidelines of both the University and NAEYC.
• Complete daily paperwork required, including but not limited to meal participation records, attendance records, incident/accident reports, and other documents necessary for the care of young children.
• Participate in staff meetings, team building exercises, and center related group activities. Complete required annual training hours as required by DCFS and NAEYC.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications:

Possession of credentials required by Illinois Department of Children and Family Services for employment as a Child Care Worker in a licensed child care facility. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services required credentials can be reviewed at: http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/089/089004070D01400R.html

Health related requirements per DCFS, including but limited to TB shot, other vaccines specific for child care employees.

CPR and 1st Aid certification, to be scheduled after employment begins and covered by the department.

Specialty Factors:

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in child development or early childhood preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Requires the ability to reach, stoop, lift children, kneel, bend and sit with children both in chairs and on the floor.

Physical Demands:

• Standing : Frequently
• Walking : Frequently
• Sitting : Frequently
• Lifting : Occasionally
• Carrying : Occasionally
• Pushing : Rarely
• Pulling : Rarely
• Climbing : Rarely
• Balancing : Occasionally
• Stooping : Occasionally
• Kneeling : Occasionally
• Crouching : Occasionally
• Crawling : Rarely
• Reaching : Occasionally
• Handling : Frequently
• Grasping : Occasionally
• Feeling : Occasionally
• Talking : Constantly
• Hearing : Constantly
• Repetitive Motions : Occasionally
• Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination : Frequently
• Taste/Smell : Occasionally
• Performing Manual Tasks : Frequently
  
  

Working Conditions:

• Extreme cold : Rarely
• Extreme heat : Rarely
• Humid : Occasionally
• Wet : Occasionally
• Noise : Frequently
• Hazards : Rarely
• Temperature Change : Rarely
• Atmospheric Conditions : Rarely
• Vibration : Rarely
  
  

Travel Requirements:

5% Occasional field trips

Employment Policies and other information:

Failure to accurately describe work experience, or failure to submit college transcripts may result in an applicant not being admitted to the exam.

UIS an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer with strong institutional commitment to recruitment and retention of a diverse and inclusive community. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility .

The University of Illinois may conduct background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with state and federal law.

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current or former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit Policy on Consideration of Sexual Misconduct in Prior Employment .

Benefits eligible positions include a comprehensive benefits package which offers: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability & AD&D insurance; a defined benefit pension plan; paid leaves such as Vacation, Holiday and Sick; tuition waivers for employees and dependents. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits .

UIS employment in this role is not covered by Social Security, and instead, is covered by the State University Retirement System.

• You will not pay Social Security taxes and your earning will not be on your Social Security Record. (Your record will, however, show your Medicare wages.
• Your pension from the State Universities Retirement System may affect the amount of your:
• Social Security benefit and
• Social Security benefit as a spouse
  
  

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. Requests may be submitted by contacting UIS HR at hremployment@uis.edu or call 217-206-6652.