Early Childhood Education (ECE) Learning Laboratory Instructor

Early Childhood Education (ECE) Learning Laboratory Instructor

The Part-Time Early Childhood Education (ECE) Learning Laboratory Instructor provides day-to-day direct supervision of children ages 3-8 in the Rock Valley College (RVC) Early Childhood Learning Laboratory, a developmentally appropriate, drop-in program serving parents of children enrolled at the college. This dual-role position combines hands-on teaching with administrative support responsibilities to ensure a safe, engaging, and inclusive learning environment while supporting ECE student observation and practicum experiences.

Working under the functional supervision of the ECE Program Coordinator and the direct supervision of the Dean of Arts & Social Sciences, the Learning Laboratory Instructor will collaborate closely with faculty, staff, students, families, and community partners to maintain high-quality programming and compliance with Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) requirements. The ECE Learning Laboratory also serves as a practicum and observation site for RVC Early Childhood Education and Instructor Education students;

therefore, the successful candidate will play a critical role in supporting both children's learning and student professional development.

The individual hired for this position will work closely with the ECE Program Coordinator, who is Director Qualified and experienced in early childhood program administration. The Learning Laboratory Instructor will also play an essential role in the health, safety, and educational experiences of children.

• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and DCFS requirements.
• Ensure confidentiality of student and family information.
• Provide active supervision and direct care for children ages 3-8 during the ECE Learning Lab operating hours.
• Plan and facilitate developmentally appropriate, play-based learning experiences.
• Adapt learning experiences to meet individual and group needs.
• Design activities that support children's social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and language development.
• Foster a safe, nurturing, responsive, and inclusive environment that promotes children's development and well-being.
• Model and implement positive behavior guidance practices and effective classroom management practices.
• Maintain accurate attendance records, incident reports, facility checklists, and related documentation.
• Assist with maintaining materials, supplies, and classroom readiness.
• Collaborate with the ECE Program Coordinator, faculty, and staff to support program improvement and alignment with programmatic, divisional and institutional goals and objectives.
• Support student worker scheduling and practicum experiences for ECE students.
• Support students completing observation and field experiences within the ECE Learning Lab.
• Assist in the development and implementation of community-based programming, including story times, parenting workshops, and educational seminars.
• Attend required or recommended trainings. Regular attendance is expected.

• Associate degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or a closely related field from an accredited college/university.
• Director Qualified status under Illinois DCFS regulations or ability to obtain Director Qualified status within 3 months from offer of employment.
• Minimum of 1 year experience working with children ages 3-8 in an early childhood or school-age setting consistent with Illinois DCFS Requirements.
• Schedule flexibility to accommodate the needs of the ECE Learning Laboratory.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong classroom management, organizational, administrative and communication skills.
• Ability to pass all DCFS and RVC medical/physical examinations (TB screening, etc.) and background checks.

• Two-three years or more of experience working with children ages 3-8 in an early childhood or school-age setting consistent with Illinois DCFS Requirements.
• Experience in lab-school, college-based, or university-affiliated early learning programs.
• Experience mentoring or supervising Early Childhood Education…