Child Development Specialist

If you are a current University of Northern Iowa employee and would like to apply for this position, login to UNI Works and type “Find Jobs” in the search bar to view and apply for open positions. Full Consideration Date: 06/21/2026

Job Description

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 primarily be assigned to the Cats classroom but may assist or rotate to other classrooms as needed. The Cats Room focuses on promoting play alongside others, as well as social interaction through play, singing, and talking. Skills are taught and learned through small- and large-group time using play-based learning strategies. The two-year-old curriculum 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 diverse 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, taking into consideration the communication needs of those with diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds; 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, taking into consideration the communication needs of those with diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds; 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; consults with faculty in regard to students’ performance; and responsible for hiring, training, scheduling and supervision of student assistants.

Qualifications

Assistant Child Development Specialist position: 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. Student experience will be considered. Child Development Specialist position: Bachelor's degree in early childhood, elementary education, or related field; teaching license; 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. Master’s degree in early childhood education or related field, plus previous childcare experience preferred. Occasional work outside of normal hours will be necessary. Student experience will be considered.

Position Details

Job Category: Professional & Scientific Type of Position: Term Service Schedule: 12-Month Application Instructions: All application materials received by June 21, 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.

Compensation

• The pay grade and salary will be determined by the position level into which the individual is hired.
• Below are the pay grades and starting salary range for each level: Assistant Child Development Specialist; pay grade 116; $33,000 to Commensurate Child Development Specialist; pay grade 117; $40,000 to Commensurate Iowa's cost of living is among the lowest in the nation and the Common Sense Institute ranks Iowa #1 for paycheck stretch. UNI enhances this advantage with an excellent benefits package for eligible non-temporary positions. Visit our Compensation Tools page to explore your estimated total compensation, compare Waterloo-Cedar Falls cost of living to other major cities or review the paycheck stretch ranking details. Learn more about the Cedar Valley at https://livethevalley.com/. If you would like general assistance with the application process or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact Human Resource Services at hrs-employment@uni.edu or call (319) 273-2422. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position. UNI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. The University encourages applications from persons of color, women, individuals living with disabilities, and protected veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, or any other basis protected by federal and/or state law. Campus Security & Crime Statistics, in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, information on crime statistics for recent years, Public Safety personnel and programs, building access, reporting crimes, safety suggestions, and policies, programs, and services regarding alcohol, drugs, and sexual abuse, is available in the UNI Annual Security and Fire Report. A paper copy is available from the Department of Public Safety, 030 Gilchrist Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614. Department of Public Safety, 030 Gilchrist Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614. Privacy Statement | Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Statement | Federal EEO Rights | E-Verify | Policies and Procedures | Tobacco Free Campus The University of Northern Iowa is hiring! Our continued success depends on hiring the most talented people we can. Please explore our current open positions and apply to those you feel best suit you, track your progress in the selection process, and continue to view new postings that may be of interest to you. Thank you for your interest in employment at UNI! The University of Northern Iowa provides a high-quality and diverse educational experience, purposefully guiding students to find and develop their strengths and prepare them for success after college. The university's attractive size, approximately 9,200 students, allows UNI to offer faculty, facilities and academic choices characteristic of a much larger university while retaining a friendly, small-college atmosphere on a park-like campus. UNI has been consistently recognized as one of the "Best Midwest Universities" by U.S. News & World Report. Located in Cedar Falls/Waterloo, the campus is comprised of more than 40 buildings on 940 acres. Designated as a Best Place for Working Parents, UNI supports all individuals through family-friendly policies, practices and benefits. The University provides a comprehensive benefits package, enabling us to be highly competitive within the Cedar Valley and across the state.