Position Information
Posting Detail Information
Working Position Title Assistant Teacher (32627) Classification Child Development Associate Position Number 00032627 Open Date 07/27/2026 Close Date 07/31/2026 Priority Review Date Employee Class Staff Full-Time/Part Time Full-Time FTE 1.0 Position Status Regular FLSA Non-Exempt Job code 0497 Union Representation Union Union Code AFC - AFSCME C, Local #1890 Unit/Department Child Development & Family Ct College/Unit College-Hlth & Human Sci Dean Division Academic Division Location CC 084 Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page https://www.chhs.niu.edu/child-center/index.shtml
Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications
Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications
Overview
Welcome to the Child Development and Family Center (CDFC), Operated by the School of Family and Consumer Sciences.
The center is a lab school providing high-quality care to the children of NIU students, NIU faculty and staff, and community members. The CDFC is also home to the NIU Child Care Access Means Parents In School Program (CCAMPIS) and the NIU Preschool for All Expansion Program (PFAE).
The center's excellence is reflected in its accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and its inclusion in the Gold Circle of Quality by ExceleRate Illinois. We are looking for energetic teachers to join us in training the next generation of strong early childhood educators.
Position Summary
The primary responsibilities include: providing assistance and supervision to a classroom of children; support the planning and implementation of a developmentally appropriate and emergent curriculum; support the assessment of young children; work with a diverse population of children and families.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Early Childhood Education and Family Engagement Support
- Assist in the planning and implementation of the classroom curriculum, following the Center's philosophy, and NAEYC's Developmentally Appropriate Practices
- Contribute to the observation and evaluation of children's developmental progress, assist in the documentation of relevant information, share information with parents and administration, and make appropriate referrals
- Provide daily communication with parents ensuring they are adequately informed of their child's educational experiences, overall growth and development. Address parental concerns and issues as they arise. Serve as a resource for parents, providing them with support, education and information as needed
- Continue professional development by attending appropriate workshops and conferences. A minimum of 20 hours is required each year. Membership in NAEYC is strongly recommended. Must remain current with CPR and First Aid Certification and Gateways membership and Credential
Program Operations, Professional Responsibilities, and Regulatory Compliance
- Maintains classroom records
- Attend staff meetings and committee meetings as assigned. Contributes in dialogue and discussion and presents solutions to problems
- Exhibits discretion in dealing with parents, children, and the academic progress of practicum students
- Cooperates with students doing observations and faculty conducting research
- Documents own performance and classroom supervision abilities to CDFC Director and CDFC
- Participates in evening workshops and CDFC events with practicum students, student employees, and/or parents
- Continues professional development through classes and conferences
- Assists with NAEYC accreditation process and maintenance of DCFS license renewal
- Supports collegial relationships by engaging in reflection with colleagues and works to resolve conflicts with colleagues in a direct and respectful way
- Follows and uses NAEYC Code of Ethics as a guide to making decisions involving ethical dilemma
Classroom Operations, Staff Supervision, and Student Mentorship
- Responsible for assisting in the management and day-to-day operations of the classroom
- Maintain good communication with the classroom staff in an effort to provide a quality child care program
- Provide daily communication, support and training of student staff. Model positive and respectful interactions with children, parents, and staff. Assist in the overall supervision of classroom activities. Support and provide a quality teaching experience for undergraduate student interns, as assigned
Program Leadership, Child Safety, and Regulatory Compliance
- Actively participate in the overall planning, development, and implementation of the mission, philosophy, and goals of the Center
- Contribute to the Center's licensing, accreditation, assessment, and evaluation processes
- Set appropriate rules and limits, and supervise activities to ensure the safety and well-being of the children at all times
- Practice positive guidance techniques adhering to the Center's philosophy and policies, licensing regulations, and accreditation criteria
- Maintain cooperative and professional relationships with outside professionals and agencies that interact with the Center
- Maintain a clean and attractive classroom, performing and delegating housekeeping tasks
Nutrition and Wellness
- Ensures cooking, nutrition, and wellness activities are integrated into curriculum on a regular basis
- Oversees and helps prepare current and pre-practicum students for these activities.
- Assists in kitchen duties as needed
- Maintains Safe Food Handler certification and follows USDA food program rules and regulations at all times
Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service)
Possession of credentials required by Illinois Department of Children and Family Services for employment as a Child Care Worker in a licensed child care facility.
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services required credentials can be reviewed at: http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/089/089004070D01400R.html
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service)
- physical examination as required by Illinois Child Care Act for employees in child care facilities
- personal attributes required by Illinois Department of Children and Family Services for all child care personnel
Specialty Factors (Civil Service)
None
Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service)
- Bachelor's degree in child and family related field
Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS)
n/a
Additional Requirements (SPS)
n/a
Preferred Qualifications (SPS)
n/a
Physical demands/requirements
Must be physically and emotionally able to work with young children and supervise their activities.
Physically- Able to lift 30 lbs, sit on the floor, stand, lifting objects and children at various ages and abilities. Move quickly to supervise and stay with active children.
Emotionally: Able to put a child's needs above your own, able to support growth and development of emotional skills and a deep level of patience and maturity.
Appointment and Compensation Details
Appointment and Compensation Details
Anticipated Appointment Start Date TBD Anticipated Appointment End Date Percent of Staff Year 1.00 Standard Hours Per Week 37.50 Working Hours Working hours need to be flexible to support center operations. Typical work can be between 7:30 am-4:00 pm, or 9:00 am-5:30 pm Salary $35,100.00 - $39,000.00/Annually; NIU offers a robust benefits package. Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range $18.00 - $20.00/Hourly Earn Type Salary
Application Procedure
Application Procedure
Application Procedure
Application Procedures:
- Fully complete the Education and Work History sections of the application. Be specific on your entire work history, including employment dates and duties for all positions held. Applicable part-time work experience will be considered toward qualifying for this position; however, it will be converted to a full-time equivalency to determine combined length of experience. Important: Please upload any unofficial transcript(s) and/or documentation that verifies any education, experience, and/or training you have received.
o If eligible for Veteran's Preference Points, DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256 paperwork reflecting an Honorable Discharge MUST be uploaded to this application to receive the maximum eligible points on the Civil Service examination.
After the posting has closed, your submission will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the classification, including any specialty factors associated with this position. If you meet the minimum required qualifications for this position, you will receive a score based on your education and experience, and your name will be placed on the active employment register.
Please monitor your e-mail for further information regarding your application. Emails will be generated from jobs@niu.edu and CivilServiceTesting@niu.edu. Please add these emails to your address book to ensure timely delivery of any future communication.
Applicants must be a current citizen or resident of the State of Illinois to move forward in the hiring process.
Credentials Assessment Examination:
- The examination for this position is a Credentials Assessment and is based on your application materials as submitted for this posting. A Credential Assessment is a rating by the Human Resources Office of an applicant's/employee's education, experience, and special credentials/qualifications (licenses, etc.). Applicants are required to upload documentation to verify the minimum qualifications for this position has been met.
- Required documentation noted in the posting, such as a driver's license, licensures, or certifications MUST be uploaded with your application materials.
- After assessment of all qualified applicants has been completed for this position, the names with the top three (3) scores will be referred to the hiring department for interview.
Additional Details:
- Click on Child Development Associate for more information including salary ranges, typical duties, minimum acceptable qualifications, and testing requirements.
- Please click on Human Resource Services - Benefits for detailed information about Northern Illinois University's benefits package.
- Employment is contingent upon your passing a criminal background investigation. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.
Special Instructions Quick Link to Applicant https://employment.niu.edu/postings/94227 Is Background Check Required? Yes EEO Statement Summary
In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.
The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:
Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator
Health Services Building Room 230
TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu
815-753-5560
Visa Policy
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
ADA Accommodation
NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person's disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form. For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity (AAEO) at ada@niu.edu.
Safety Information
NIU provides annual reports on campus security and fire safety.
Read the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.
Contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at 815-753-9364 for a hard copy.
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae
- Cover Letter
- List of at least 3 Professional References
Optional Documents
- Military Discharge Documents ONLY (DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256)
- Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)
- Other
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- What is the highest level of education attained?
GED
High School Diploma
Associates Degree
Bachelors Degree
Masters Degree
PHD
- Have you attached all transcripts to support the degrees you are submitting for consideration?
Yes
No
- If applicable, have you attached a copy of your DD214, DD215, NGB22, or DD256 for consideration of Veterans Preference Points? The copy submitted should reflect the status of discharge in order to be considered.
Yes
No
Not Applicable
- Select the answer that best describes your work experience providing for the physical needs of children such as feeding, dressing i.e. putting on outer garments, changing diapers, sleeping, washing (hands before meals and after toileting, rinsing out soiled clothes), toileting; preparing cots for napping; preparing and/or serving food i.e. snack, lunch, etc.
No work experience directly related to the job function described.
My work experience relevant to the job function as described was performed under guidance.
My work experience relevant to the job function as described was performed independently.
- Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or résumé. ("See Résumé" is not an acceptable response.)
(Open Ended Question)
- Select the answer that best describes your work experience implementing learning experiences such as planning curriculum activities for children; preparing materials; following prescribed instructions and/or activities; presenting activities; supervising activities and/or children; setting classroom and individual goals and evaluating them regularly.
No work experience directly related to the job function described.
My work experience relevant to the job function as described was performed under guidance.
My work experience relevant to the job function as described was performed independently.
- Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or résumé. ("See Résumé" is not an acceptable response)
(Open Ended Question)
- Select the answer that best describes your work experience participating in activities such as setting up large motor equipment; playing with children; participating in large motor activities; providing and maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment at school/center/facility; working with related equipment and/or supplies.
No work experience directly related to the job function described.
My work experience relevant to the job function as described was performed under guidance.
My work experience relevant to the job function as described was performed independently.
- Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or résumé. ("See Résumé" is not an acceptable response)
(Open Ended Question)
- Select the answer that best describes your work experience working cooperatively with others in fulfilling the goals of child care programs; carrying out responsibilities of supervisor, if needed and qualified; providing information in cooperation with research programs or activities; experience analyzing and solving problems related to children, parents and/or staff.
No work experience directly related to the job function described.
My work experience relevant to the job function as described was performed under guidance.
My work experience relevant to the job function as described was performed independently.
- Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or résumé. ("See Résumé" is not an acceptable response.)
(Open Ended Question)
- Select the answer that best describes your work experience communicating with others in a child care/development setting such as child care/development staff; parents; practicum students (college/university); ill/injured or distressed children; children with special needs (hearing, visual, or physically handicapped); child care supervisor; researchers; training college/university student staff.
No work experience directly related to the job function described.
My work experience relevant to the job function as described was performed under guidance.
My work experience relevant to the job function as described was performed independently.
- Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or résumé. ("See Résumé" is not an acceptable response)
(Open Ended Question)
- Select the answer that best describes your work experience helping children to meet their developmental and emotional needs by encouraging children to: think and solve problems, express their feelings and handle them appropriately, develop positive self esteem and/or confidence, fostering development of independent skills and responsibilities, prompting children to get along cooperatively with others; preparing and implementing age and developmentally appropriate activities such as fine arts, gross motor, fine motor, health and safety, nutrition, science, social studies, self-awareness, language, group time; preparing developmental progress reports of children; reviewing the developmental stage of each child with appropriate expectations.
No work experience directly related to the job function described.
My work experience relevant to the job function as described was performed under guidance.
My work experience relevant to the job function as described was performed independently.
- Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or résumé. ("See Résumé" is not an acceptable response)
(Open Ended Question)