The College’s Child Development Lab (CDL) is seeking a full-time Child Development Specialist to join our nationally accredited program. The CDL provides 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.

As a Child Development Specialist, you will work as part of a co-teaching team in a mixed-age infant/toddler or preschool classroom. This is a year-round position that offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on children’s development and help prepare the next generation of early childhood professionals.

• Assess and document children's development to inform curricular decisions aligned with NAEYC accreditation standards and the Illinois Early Learning Standards.
• Create and maintain a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment in both indoors and outdoors classroom spaces
• Conduct annual screenings, communicate results, and collaborate with families and service providers to support individual needs of children
• Maintain daily communication to inform families of routines, upcoming events, and family involvement opportunities
• Mentor and train college students completing field experiences in the laboratory school
• Collaborate with co-teachers and staff to ensure high-quality programming and accreditation compliance

• Associate degree in child development, early childhood education, or a related field (submission of transcript copy required)
• Eligibility for Gateways ECE Credential Level 4 (or commitment to a professional development plan to achieve the ECE Credential Level 4 within 12 months of employment at CDL)

• Bachelor’s degree in child development, early childhood education, or related field
• Eligibility for Gateways ECE credential Level 5
• 2 or more years’ early childhood classroom experience
• Experience working with Project Approach
• Direct experience developing and implementing curriculum for young children
• Experience supervising student or volunteer assistants
• Demonstrated experience in family involvement activities
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 lbs.

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.

EMPLOYEE LEAVE
Vacation: 20 days (160 hours) per year with a maximum annual carry-over of 40 days (320 hours); accrual of 6.16 hours will be granted on the last day of each pay period

Sick Leave: 12 days (96 hours) per year with unlimited annual carry-over;
12 days (96 hours) awarded on start date; monthly accrual on annual Anniversary date

Volunteer Leave: 1 day (8 hours) per year with no annual carry-over;
8 hours awarded on start date, then annually awarded at the start of the calendar year on January 1

Special Leave: Available by approval for bereavement, emergencies, and legal requirements

Parental Leave: 4 weeks (160 hours) for qualifying events, once per 12-month rolling period

Holidays: 12 designated paid holidays plus 3 paid floating days (24 hours);
Floating holidays awarded on start date, then annually awarded on the Anniversary date - HCC is closed from Christmas Eve Day through New Year’s Day generally resulting in additional paid days.

EMPLOYEE INSURANCE COVERAGES
Eligibility begins the first day of the month following or coinciding with the date of employment.

Medical Insurance: Blue Cross Blue Shield, 2 Plan Options
$2,000 Deductible PPO: Employee coverage paid 100%; dependent coverage paid 45%;
$2,000 Deductible QHDHP: Employee coverage paid 100%; dependent coverage paid 45%

Dental Insurance: Delta Dental
Employee coverage paid 100%; dependent coverage paid 45%

Vision Insurance: VSP
Employee coverage paid 100%; dependent coverage paid 45%

Life Insurance: Sun Life
Term life insurance equal to twice the annual base salary

Optional Insurances: Sun Life
Accident; Critical Illness; Long-term Disability; Voluntary Life

RETIREMENT BENEFITS
Retirement System: State Universities Retirement System (SURS)-choice of Traditional, Portable, or Retirement Savings Plan with 8% pre-tax payroll deduction

Retirement Health Insurance Plan: College Insurance Program (CIP)-Health Insurance for SURS retirees with 0.85% pre-tax payroll deduction

Savings Plan: SURS Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP) 457(b) – automatic enrollment with pre-tax payroll deduction (3%). Ability to opt out within 30 days of hire

Tax-sheltered Annuity Plan: 403(b) plan permitting voluntary salary reductions within IRS rules

OTHER BENEFITS
Flexible Spending Plan: Section 125 Plan permitting voluntary salary reductions to pay for eligible healthcare and childcare expenses using tax-free dollars within IRS rules

Tuition Waiver: HCC tuition waiver for employee and dependents and HCC Continuing Education course fee waiver for employee

Tuition Reimbursement: Tuition reimbursement for employee for up to $3,000 per fiscal year

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Counseling and referral service for employee and dependents

Employee Identification Card: Access to HCC Fitness and Recreation Center, HCC Library, and Bloomington- Normal Public Transit System (Connect Transit)

Sick Leave Bank

CDL Tuition Discount: 50% discount

Benefits listed are subject to change. Specific benefits may be dependent upon employment classification, duration of employment, full-time or part-time work status, etc.