New

CDL Lead Teacher

University of Georgia

retirement plan

United States, Georgia, Athens

Jul 31, 2026

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

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

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

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