Lab Assistant Jobs in DeKalb, IL (NOW HIRING)

Position Title: Early Childhood Education (ECE) Learning Laboratory Instructor

Department: Early Childhood Education (ECE)

Division: Arts & Social Sciences (ARS)

Location: RVC-West (Downtown Campus)

Employee Status: Part-Time (20-25 hours per week)

Salary: $24.00 - $26.00

Type: NA

Grade: NA

FLSA: Non-Exempt

ICCB Classification: Technical/Professional

Issued: 08/2028

Application Deadline: Thursday, August 20, 2026 

Rock Valley College does not offer sponsorship for employment-based visas for this position now or in the future. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.

Reporting Relationships

Reports To: Dean of Arts & Social Sciences and/or her designee (ECE Program Coordinator)

Supervision Exercised: May offer direction to student workers. 

Job Summary

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. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

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

Minimum Qualifications

• 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. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Two-three 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 students.
• Current CPR, AED and First Aid certification.
• Experience developing and facilitating family engagement or community-based educational programming.
• Frequent interaction with student parents, faculty, staff, and Early Childhood Education students completing observation and practicum experiences.
• Responsible for maintaining confidential student and family information.
• Responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of children in the Learning Lab.
• Some schedule flexibility may be required to support drop-in services, practicum activities, workshops, or special events.

Physical Demands

• Ability to actively supervise and engage with young children throughout the workday.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, and move frequently during classroom activities.
• Ability to lift and carry classroom materials and equipment up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to respond quickly to emergency situations involving children.
• Ability to maintain a safe and organized learning environment in accordance with DCFS regulations.