Position Overview
The Lead Teacher at the Child Development Center (CDC) is responsible for the daily operations of a classroom serving young children, including those with developmental delays or disabilities. This role includes overseeing health and safety, implementing individualized educational programming, mentoring staff and practicum students, and maintaining regulatory compliance. The Lead Teacher collaborates closely with CDC faculty, staff, families, and university partners to ensure high-quality learning experiences.
Job Description
40% Staff Supervision and Development

• Supervise, train and support classroom staff and practicum students
• Provide daily feedback and conduct performance observations
• Ensure accurate implementation of individualized child programming and data collection
• Facilitate daily team planning and "feed-forward" sessions
• Support new staff and students during orientation periods.

30% Health and Safety

• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all children in the classroom.
• Follow CDC and KDHE guidelines on hygiene, diapering, sanitation, and medication.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized learning environment

20% Classroom Compliance and Management

• Complete and maintain classroom paperwork and documentation
• Coordinate classroom set-up and program changes between semesters
• Ensure compliance with KDHE licensing standards and CDC policies.
• Communicate facility or maintenance needs to CDC administration

10% Communication & Collaboration

• Maintain classroom schedule and coordinate coverage with other supervisors.
• Attend weekly team and supervisor meeting.
• Communicate regularly with families about child progress and classroom activities
• Participate in family engagement events such as parent open house

Position Requirements
On Site
Required Qualifications

1. High school diploma.
2. Meet and maintain KDHE lead teacher qualifications.
3. Six months experience working in a licensed childcare center or preschool or supervised practicum in a licensed program;
4. At least six months teaching experience in a licensed early childhood setting
5. At least seven semester hours of academic study or equivalent training in child development, early childhood education, curriculum resources, nutrition, child guidance, parent education, supervised practicum, and/or administration of early childhood programs.
6. Effective communication skills as evidenced by application materials.
7. Experience working collaboratively in early childhood education settings.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, human development, special education, applied behavioral science, applied behavior analysis, or related field.
2. One or more years of teaching experience in a licensed early childhood program.
3. Experience supporting children with and without development disability for ages 2 1/2 to 7.
4. Experience training, mentoring or supervising classroom staff or practicum students.
5. Knowledge of behavioral principles and data-informed teaching practices.
6. Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Contact Information to Applicants
Send inquiries to:
cdcinfo@ku.edu

Advertised Salary Range
$17.50 per hour
Application Review Begins
23-Oct-2025
Anticipated Start Date
10-Nov-2025
Primary Campus
University of Kansas Lawrence Campus
FTE
up to 1.0
Reg/Temp
Temporary
FLSA Status
Nonexempt
Employee Class
U-Unclassified Professional Staff
Work Location Assignment
On-Site
Disclaimer
The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.