Description

Posting Details

Posting Number

S15522P

Working Title

CDL Lead Teacher

Department

FACS-Child & Family Devel Ctr

About the University of Georgia

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department

College/Unit/Department website

Posting Type

External

Retirement Plan

TRS or ORP

Employment Type

Employee

Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time

Full Time

Work Schedule

Additional Schedule Information

40 hours/week, Monday-Friday between hours of 7:30 am - 5:30 pm

Advertised Salary

Commensurate with qualifications and experience

Posting Date

07/30/2026

Open until filled

No

Closing Date

08/06/2026

Proposed Starting Date

08/12/2026

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please be advised that employment at the Child Development Lab ( CDL ) requires a separate, specialized background screening process managed directly by the Department of Early Care and Learning ( DECAL ), the licensing agency for Georgia. As part of this requirement, you must complete a background investigation through COGENT and receive a Satisfactory Determination letter prior to your official employment. Your employment with the CDL is contingent upon the successful completion of the Cogent background check. If you have any questions or need assistance regarding this specific process, please contact Dr. Amy Kay Powell at akay@uga.edu or by calling (706) 542-4929.

Location of Vacancy

Athens Area

EEO Policy Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Position Information

Classification Title

Child Dev Lab Teacher I

FLSA

Exempt

FTE

1.00

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Preferred Qualifications

Position Summary

Lead Teachers are responsible for classroom management, supervision of the children, planning and implementing activities in their classrooms, as well as supervision of University students and assistant teachers. This position also involves the coordination and implementation of all classroom activities according to the standards of the NAEYC , DECAL , and the Child Development Lab.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Knowledge of child development principles and developmentally appropriate practices in an early childhood education setting.
• Ability to plan, organize, and implement engaging learning experiences that support children's individual developmental needs.
• Skill in maintaining a safe, healthy, and well-managed classroom environment while ensuring appropriate supervision of children.
• Ability to adapt activities, routines, and teaching strategies to meet diverse learning styles, developmental levels, and changing classroom needs.
• Skill in using positive guidance techniques to promote social-emotional development, appropriate behavior, and positive child interactions.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with children, families, colleagues, and other professionals while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.

Physical Demands

• 45% Stooping/Squatting
• 30% Sitting (primarily on the floor)
• 20% Standing/Walking
• 5% Reaching
• Lift minimum of 20-40 lbs

Is driving a responsibility of this position?

No

Is this a Position of Trust?

Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?

No

Does this position require a P-Card?

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?

No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?

Yes

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)

No

Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities

Planning and Organization


Plans daily program activities for the classroom, which includes consideration for the individual needs of the children

• Assess children twice a year using an age appropriate instrument and keep anecdotal notes on each child.
• Develops objectives based on knowledge of children's needs, abilities, and interests and assessments.
• Uses these objectives when planning in order to address children's needs and abilities.
• Plans turned in on time and implemented effectively.
• Plans exhibit variety, creativity, use of various resources to fulfill specific learning objectives and incorporate safe and easily supervised playground activities.
• Plans alternative choices to group activities.
• Plans for uninterrupted blocks of time and limited transitions.
• Materials are prepared in advance and rotated often.
• Manage classroom funds and use procurement card with regards to UGA and the Child Development Lab policies.
• Organizes work and utilizes time and resources effectively to accomplish the tasks assigned.

Percentage of time

50

Duties/Responsibilities

Management


Manages the overall classroom environment while effectively implementing activities and routines

• Varies original plans to meet unexpected circumstances/group needs.
• Ensures safety and supervision of all areas (indoors and outdoors)
• Aware of the group as a whole, even when working with a small group or individual child, or when moving between groups.
• Maintains a clean, healthy and safe environment.
• Modifies planned activities to accommodate varying developmental levels of individual children.
• Maintains consistent yet flexible routines.
• Handles sudden/unexpected situations with calmness and flexibility.

Percentage of time

25

Duties/Responsibilities

Guidance


Uses positive guidance techniques with all children

• Speaks to children using appropriate tone, positive statements, speaks directly to children and is physically on their level.
• Limits the use of "NO", "Don't" and amount of directives when communicating with children.
• Understands the relationship between a child's developmental level and behavior.
• Anticipates situations where guidance issues may arise (through supervision and planning).
• Ability to calmly manage children, regardless of developmental level, temperament or group size.
• Sets developmentally appropriate limits and is consistent when children test those limits.
• Uses a variety of guidance techniques appropriate to the situation, including choices and redirection.
• Teaches children empathy skills through recognizing their feelings and the feelings of others.

Percentage of time

25

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact

Contact Details

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name

Lori Treff

Recruitment Contact Email

ldtreff@uga.edu

Recruitment Contact Phone

706-542-4929

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * How many years of experience do you have in this type of position?
   • 0-1
   • 1-3
   • 3-5
   • 5-7
   • 7+
2. * Describe your practices around discipline and guidance of young children.
   (Open Ended Question)
3. * Tell us about your leadership experience and how you would describe your leadership style.
   (Open Ended Question)

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents