Position Overview

The Institute of Child Development seeks a Director for the Child Development Laboratory School (CDLS) within the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Minnesota.  The Director will establish the vision, and oversee implementation, in the areas of CDLS programmatic offerings, teacher and staff engagement and development, academic and research integration, and family engagement. The candidate should be a leader in the field of early education, have a proven track record in leading a successful academically-based laboratory school or early care center, experience securing external funding, and have a familiarity with NAEYC expectations. In addition to possessing an undeniable passion for young children, the ideal candidate will be motivated to continue, and build upon, the rich history of offering high-quality early education for campus and community families.

A key responsibility of this position is to actively support and advance the University’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. This position will play a central role in fulfilling the Institute of Child Development’s commitment to anti-racism.   

This position is based on campus. Per UMN policy, work may be done remotely when appropriate and approved by your manager. All UMN employees are expected to follow
applicable public health and safety procedures.

Job Responsibilities

Programmatic Vision and Leadership (25%)

• Create efficiencies through the evaluation of current programming and implement improvements to staffing models, classroom offerings, programmatic policies, teacher development, etc.
• Refine the integration of the CDLS schedule and calendar into a cohesive program that aligns with the University of Minnesota calendar
• Design and implement a clear career path for teachers, involving a systematic process for job reclassification opportunities and career growth
• Develop new offerings to complement and expand the existing CDLS program, such as summer and winter camps, after school programs, etc.
• Implement best practices for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility principles to enhance experiences for all staff, students, and families
• Establish clear communication practices to create a transparent environment where staff are well-informed and able to provide input
• Cultivate the family experience by providing frequent communication, opportunities for engagement, and leadership to the CDLS parent committee, etc.

Professional Leadership (20%)

• Foster relationships with the greater University community, national, state and local early childhood professional associations, Department of Human Services, Minnesota Department of Education, and other community agencies
• Ensure a high quality program that meets state and federal regulations and standards of NAEYC accreditation criteria and Parent Aware
• Maintain a scholarly presence in the field of early childhood education by presenting at conferences, serving on association and/or agency boards or committees, contributing to scholarly media inquiries, etc.
• Provide leadership to appropriate advisory committees and boards within the College and University
• Further establish the CDLS as a model laboratory school in the field of early education

Oversight of Operations and Personnel (40%)

• Develop a leadership team staff model with clear job duties and responsibilities that are transparent and communicated to all teachers and staff
• Development and implement a staffing schedule matrix for school day and after school care offerings
• Oversee the planning and delivery of regularly scheduled teacher meetings and professional development days for teachers and staff
• Implement initiatives to increase staff engagement and satisfaction through team-building activities, opportunities for dialog, and equitable work environment
• Act as mentor and coach for teachers and staff
• Oversee fiscal management of the CDLS by monitoring revenue and expenses, establishing tuition increases as necessary, identifying cost savings opportunities, etc.
• Oversee the enrollment management process including admissions policies, emphasizing commitment to the diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility of all children in classrooms
• Collaborate with the CEHD External Relations office on philanthropic and charitable efforts for scholarships for CDLS families and Early Childhood Education students
• Oversee the maintenance of the CDLS facilities including implementation of a safety emergency plan for the building
• Create and monitor a timeline and budget for capital improvements, such as remodeling projects, equipment and furniture needs, playground enhancements, etc.

Academic and Research Collaboration (15%)

• Actively participate in the academic, research and outreach efforts of the Institute of Child Development
• Engage with the Early Childhood Education academic program to meet the needs of student teachers and practicum students and provide guidance and oversight as needed
• Develop and implement ways to incorporate undergraduate and graduate academic program activities into all CDLS classrooms, formally or informally
• Ensure the CDLS offers a culturally sensitive curriculum
• Eliminate barriers for researchers by promoting CDLS as a place to conduct behavioral data collection, facilitating connections between researchers and teachers, collaborating with ICD faculty to maintain Internal Review Board approval at the CDLS, and increasing accessibility to research at the CDLS
• Elevate the visibility of research studies at the CDLS by keeping teachers, staff, and families informed
• Collaborate with the ICD Chief of Staff to maintain testing spaces and equipment, and classroom observation booths
• Seek out grant opportunities for the CDLS and act as Principal Investigator when appropriate

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree in child development, early childhood education, special education, family science, or a related field
• 10 years experience working in the field of early childhood education including a combination of the following: teaching in an early childhood classroom, supervising teaching staff, managing a large budget, directing a childcare center and/or laboratory school, etc.
• Scholarly engagement as a professional in early childhood (research and scholarly activities) 
• Knowledge of current best practices in the field of early childhood education, early intervention, developmentally appropriate practices, or child development
• Demonstrated commitment to advocating for an inclusive environment for all backgrounds and identities.
• Demonstrated ability to translate research to practice
• Experience supervising staff, managing a large budget, directing a childcare center, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience training students in an early childhood education program
• Experience supervising teaching staff and supporting staff professional development
• Understanding of and commitment to research in the field of early childhood
• A strong record of securing external funding, including grants and funding sources
• Program development and leadership experience in early childhood education, curriculum, principles, or policy
• Experience teaching in an early childhood education setting, specifically with infants to preschool-age children 
• Evidence of forming collaborative and supporting partnerships on campus and in the broader community

About University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

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