Director of Child Development Lab

Job Description

The Department of Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) is currently seeking applicants for Director of Programs and Project Operations for the MU Child Development Laboratory (CDL). The Director is responsible for the general administrative functions of the CDL including, but not limited to recruiting and hiring teachers and other staff, budget projections and management, payroll, facilities, annual program reports, project management, and maintaining accreditation status as a high-quality, developmentally appropriate childcare and education program. The director supervises and supports laboratory teachers, students, and staff while building a strong, positive, team culture.

The successful candidate...

• Understands the many aspects of directing an early childhood development program successfully.
• Possesses the ability to build strong collaborative relationships with CDL teachers and staff, parents/families of enrolled children, HDFS faculty, other campus faculty and administrators, and the community.
• Adeptly communicates the mission of the CDL to the laboratory teachers, staff, parents and community.
• Understands and implements sound business practices related to the continuing success of the CDL.

The MU Child Development Laboratory ( CDL ) is an educational setting for community children and a teaching and research laboratory for university students, faculty and staff. The CDL operates a full-day, full-year teacher-training lab school affiliated with the Department of Human Development and Family Science within the College of Education and Human Development .

The CDL is licensed, accredited by Missouri Accreditation of Programs for Children and Youth, and currently serves 68 families with children from six weeks of age through age five. We strive to facilitate the teaching and research missions of the University, to promote the professional growth of undergraduate and graduate students, and to secure strong foundations for children and their families.

The Department of Human Development and Family Science

HDFS joined the College of Education and Human Development July 1, 2021, as the sixth and newest department. Faculty in the department conduct research about child, adolescent, and adult development, diversity and multiculturalism, family and relationship science, health and family functioning. HDFS offers both undergraduate degrees (BA and BS) and graduate degrees (MA, MS, and PHD), and has a significant presence on campus and within the state through its Extension outreach and services. HDFS is home to two large centers: Center for Family Policy and Research (CFPR) and Child Development Laboratory (CDL). The CFPR offers faculty and students opportunities to work on grant-funded research and intervention projects that directly serve children, families, and communities. The CDL provides childcare for children under six years and serves as a teaching and research laboratory for faculty and students. The Department currently has over 4- million in externally funded grants and contracts.

The College of Education and Human Development

The College of Education and Human Development serves more than 2,700 students in degree programs spanning the baccalaureate, Master’s, and doctoral levels. In 2021, U.S. News and World Report ranked it in the top 50 colleges of education in the nation. Several of its degree programs are recognized nationally as leaders in their fields. The College boasts an impressive research and outreach footprint, with over $45 million in externally funded grants and contracts, as well as outreach activities in every county throughout Missouri.

Salary

Salary commensurate with education and experience

Salary Range: $70,000 - $90,000

Grade: 11

University Title: Director Program/Project Operations

Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Minimum Qualifications

A Master’s degree in HDFS, Early Childhood Education, Developmental Psychology, or a closely related field and with at least 5 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

PhD in HDFS, Early Childhood Education, Developmental Psychology, or closely related field and experience administrating early education programs.

Application Materials

Cover Letter

Resume

Early Childhood Education and Diversity Philosophy Statement

Other Information

Supervision Received

Supervision is received from HDFS Department Chair

Supervision Exercised

Supervision is exercised over Lead Teachers, Assistant Teachers, Floaters, Substitute Teachers, CDL Chef, CDL Administrative Assistant, practicum students, service-learning students and work-study students.

CDL Mission

The mission of the CDL parallels the service, teaching and research missions of the University of Missouri. We strive to facilitate the teaching and research missions of the University, to promote the professional growth of undergraduate and graduate students, and to secure strong foundations for children and their families.

The intent of our program is to encourage and support the development of each child and to provide opportunities for self-exploration and discovery. An assumption of the program is that children are active and curious; it is our goal to provide learning experiences designed to stimulate the child’s creative learning abilities.

The overall development (cognitive, social-emotional, linguistic, physical, creative) of the child is considered and planned for through a variety of activities. It is our objective to learn the needs of the individuals in our program and to plan for the successful fulfillment of those needs. Positive development of the child’s image of self is of prime importance in the program and is a priority in all aspects of program planning

Columbia Missouri Information

The University of Missouri (MU, Mizzou), with approx. 30,000 students and more than 300 degree programs in 19 colleges and schools, has a reputation for excellence in scholarship, research and student services. MU is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), one of only 65-member universities. The campus is an attractive environment, and the facilities and services available to students are among the best. Mizzou is a member of the Southeastern Conference, competing in a variety of sports at the 1A level. The following link provides more information: https://missouri.edu/visit

Columbia, Missouri ( https://www.visitcolumbiamo.com ) is known as an ideal college town, combining small-town comforts, community spirit and low cost of living with big-city culture, activities and resources. Home to nationally renowned public schools and other colleges and educational centers, Columbia is packed with restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen annual cultural festivals.

With a population of approx. 122,000, Columbia offers a high quality of life with numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, art, music, sports, shopping, and community service. In addition to MU, Columbia College and Stephens College are located in the city and five other colleges and universities are within 30 miles of Columbia. Columbia Public Schools are highly regarded and have a solid reputation for quality: https://www.cpsk12.org/

Liveability.com ranks Columbia as the 6^th best place to live in the U.S. Columbia’s centralized location offers quick access to St. Louis and Kansas City (each within a 2-hour drive), as well as the State Capitol, Jefferson City, and the beautiful vacation getaway, Lake of the Ozarks. Columbia is also minutes away from a host of historic towns and state parks featuring boating, fishing, hiking, biking and more. Columbia Regional Airport offers service via American Airlines and United Airlines with direct flights to Chicago and Dallas-Ft. Worth.

Columbia is also a regional center for medical services (including the MU Medical school and MU Hospitals and Clinics) and a home to several major insurance companies and light industry.

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. The University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, and educational fee discounts. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at http://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits

Diversity Commitment

The University of Missouri is fully committed to achieving the goal of a diverse and inclusive academic community of faculty, staff and students. We seek individuals who are committed to this goal and our core campus values of respect, responsibility, discovery and excellence.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy shall not be interpreted in such a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or the recruiting rights of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces or the Department of Homeland Security of the United States of America. For more information, call the Vice Chancellor of Human Resource Services/Affirmative Action officer at 573-882-4256.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Disability Inclusion and ADA Compliance Manager at 573-884-7278.

EEO IS THE LAW

To read more about Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) please use the following links:

• EEO is the Law English Version
• EEO is the Law Spanish Version
• EEO is the Law Chinese Version

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