UNI's Child Development Center (CDC) is adding to its team! Based on qualifications, the successful candidate will be hired at one of two professional levels: Assistant Child Development Specialist or Child Development Specialist. The 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 position: 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 hiring, training, scheduling and supervision of student assistants.

Child Development Specialist position:  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; 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; and consults with faculty in regard to students’ performance.

Qualifications:

Assistant Child Development Specialist position: 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 required. Childcare experience preferred. Occasional work outside of normal hours will be necessary. Preferred Qualifications: Childcare experience. Student experience will be considered.

Child Development Specialist position: 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 required. 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.

Application Instructions:

All application materials received by August 12, 2026, will be given full consideration. To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. The following materials must be attached when applying:
1) Resume
2) Cover Letter

You will have the opportunity to attach multiple documents when completing the application. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL required materials listed above have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes. If you have questions regarding this application process, please email careers-support@uni.edu or call 319-273-2422.

UNI is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any status protected by federal and/or state law.

The University offers an excellent benefits package including a vacation plan, employer sponsored retirement plans, health and dental insurance, and life and disability insurance. Benefits package details can be viewed at https://careers.uni.edu/benefits. Application materials received by 08/12/2026 will be given first consideration. For more information or to apply, visit https://careers.uni.edu/. Criminal and other relevant background checks required. UNI is a tobacco free campus.