What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Director, Child Development Lab position at Heartland Community College?
Description
We seek applicants for a full-time position supporting the Executive Director in the management of the Child Development Lab (CDL) and serving as a substitute Child Development Specialist as needed. This role is responsible for the oversight and operation of the Center in the Executive Director’s absence.
The CDL is a nationally accredited program providing care and education for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years while also serving as a laboratory school that supports college students pursuing careers in early childhood education.
General Responsibilities Include But Are Not Limited To
Applications received by March 23, 2026 will receive priority consideration, with review of applications continuing as needed.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.
THIS POSITION IS BASED IN CENTRAL ILLINOIS AND ABILITY TO BE PRESENT ON-CAMPUS/IN-PERSON IS REQUIRED.
Heartland Community College is an equal opportunity institution.
HCC values equity, diversity and inclusion. We create a collegial and welcoming culture by taking collective responsibility in the creation, protection, and enhancement of an equitable, diverse, and inclusive campus community.
We seek applicants for a full-time position supporting the Executive Director in the management of the Child Development Lab (CDL) and serving as a substitute Child Development Specialist as needed. This role is responsible for the oversight and operation of the Center in the Executive Director’s absence.
The CDL is a nationally accredited program providing care and education for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years while also serving as a laboratory school that supports college students pursuing careers in early childhood education.
General Responsibilities Include But Are Not Limited To
- Provide leadership, oversight, supervision, and evaluation of the Nutrition Specialist and Program Assistant.
- Hire and supervise students and other part-time staff. Schedule and determine work assignments for part-time employees, practicum and observation students, and substitutes to ensure sufficient staffing coverage for classrooms.
- Plan and deliver student employee orientation.
- Confer with families regarding CDL policies, billing information, and their child’s care, health, and well-being and other matters to ensure effective communications between the CDL and families.
- Provide tours of the CDL for prospective families and students. Serve as an ambassador by communicating the mission of the CDL.
- Manage the CDL application process and assist families with application submission.
- Work with the Executive Director to recruit new families for the CDL and assist with maintaining a waitlist for interested families.
- Prepare and maintain a variety of records, including parental billing statements, meal reimbursements, immunization records, student evaluations, and Child Care Subsidy and DCFS attendance records and reimbursements.
- Approve snack menu plans; coordinate the delivery and purchase of groceries. Administer monthly food program counts and state reimbursement claims.
- Coordinate Family Nights and campus involvement opportunities.
- Identify families in need of additional support and connect them to services and resources at the College and within the community as appropriate.
- Minimum of an associate degree in child development or early childhood education OR equivalent (defined as 64 semester hours in any discipline with a minimum of 21 semester hours of college credit in child development, early childhood education, or early childhood special education) PLUS ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
- Gateways to Opportunity Level I Illinois Director credential
- 3 semester hours of college credit in childcare administration, leadership, or management
- 3 points of credential-approved training in childcare administration, leadership, or management
- Minimum of four years early childhood experience
- Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, child development, or a related field
- Gateways to Opportunity Level I Illinois Director credential
- Management experience in the operations of a child care center
- Demonstrated experience with family involvement activities
- Experience preparing and maintaining records related to Child Care Subsidy and Federal Food Program Reimbursements
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
Applications received by March 23, 2026 will receive priority consideration, with review of applications continuing as needed.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.
THIS POSITION IS BASED IN CENTRAL ILLINOIS AND ABILITY TO BE PRESENT ON-CAMPUS/IN-PERSON IS REQUIRED.
Heartland Community College is an equal opportunity institution.
HCC values equity, diversity and inclusion. We create a collegial and welcoming culture by taking collective responsibility in the creation, protection, and enhancement of an equitable, diverse, and inclusive campus community.