Director Child Development Laboratory School
Iowa State University
Position Title:Director Child Development Laboratory School
Job Group:Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience
Preferred Qualifications:Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Human Development and Family Studies, or a related field.
Experience in early childhood program administration.
Knowledge of NAEYC accreditation standards and state childcare licensing requirements
Job Description:
The Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Iowa State University invites applications for the position of Director of the Child Development Laboratory School. We are seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to oversee the administration and operation of our high-quality early childhood education program in a university setting.
About the Child Development Laboratory School
Since 1924, the Lab School has been a leader in early childhood education, research, and training. As part of the College of Health and Human Sciences, we provide exceptional care and education for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in a multicultural, inclusive learning environment. The Lab School is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and holds a Level 5 rating in Iowa’s Quality Rating System (IQ4K). It also serves as a practicum and observation site for undergraduate students in Early Childhood Education.
Position Overview
The Director of the Child Development Laboratory School will be responsible for leading and managing all aspects of the school’s operations, ensuring the continued excellence and accreditation of our program. This role includes:
+ Program Leadership & Administration
+ Oversee the day-to-day operations of the early childhood education program, ensuring compliance with state licensing and NAEYC accreditation standards.
+ Develop and implement policies that foster high-quality care and educational excellence.
+ Ensure an inclusive and diverse learning environment, serving children from birth to age 5, including those with special needs.
+ Fiscal & Facility Management
+ Manage the school’s budget, financial planning, and resource allocation.
+ Prepare annual program reports and oversee accreditation reviews.
+ Maintain and enhance facilities and learning environments.
+ Staff Supervision & Development
+ Lead, support, and mentor a team of experienced teachers and staff.
+ Foster professional development opportunities to maintain best practices in early childhood education.
+ University & Community Engagement
+ Oversee the practicum and observation experiences for undergraduate students.
+ Teach undergraduate courses related to early childhood education.
+ Represent the CDLS on department and college committees.
Why Join Us?
+ Lead a historically recognized and highly rated early childhood program.
+ Work in a supportive academic environment that values education, research, and innovation.
+ Enjoy a collaborative, university-based setting that fosters professional growth.
+ Great Benefits: http://hr.iastate.edu/files/documents/2024-01/Benefit%20Highlights%20Information%20-%202024%20final.pdf
Appointment Type:Regular
Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period
Time Type:Full time
Pay Grade:PS809
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae2) Letter of Application/Cover LetterIf you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.Why Choose ISU?Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)• Life insurance and long-term disability• Flexible Spending Accounts• Various voluntary benefits and discounts• Employee Assistance Program• Wellbeing program
Original Posting Date: February 18, 2025
Posting Close Date:March 9, 2025
Job Requisition Number:R16421
By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State , we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.
Iowa State University is a welcoming, global, and culturally diverse community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/diversity-and-inclusion/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.
All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.
Iowa State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, 515 294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu .
If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485 . Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485 . TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942 .
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
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