Associate Director, Child Development Lab
Heartland Community College
Description
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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.
Requirements
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- 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
- 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:
Desired Qualifications
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- 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
*** PLEASE UPLOAD TRANSCRIPT COPIES AND COPIES OF ANY APPLICABLE CREDENTIALS WHEN COMPLETING THE APPLICATION PROCESS ***
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.
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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
$3,000 Deductible PPO (copay plan): Employee coverage paid 100%; dependent coverage paid 45%;
$4,000 Deductible QHDHP (copay plan): 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
Health Savings Account: Tax-advantaged account available to QHDHP participants only to pay for qualified healthcare expenses. The College provides monthly contributions for eligible employee: $50 for single coverage; $100 for employee +1 coverage, $200 for family coverage
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 $3,500 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
Summer Service Hours: Most College operations close on Fridays at noon, typically beginning the Friday following June 1st and concluding on August 1st; Full-time employees will work a 36-hour work week while receiving pay for 40 hours
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.