The Department of Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) is currently seeking applicants for the 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 support laboratory teachers, students, and staff while building and maintaining a strong, positive team culture.

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.

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.

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.