Associate Director

Associate Director of Early Childhood Transition We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome Reasonable Accommodation Statement The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application. Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation. Sponsorship for Employment The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Disclosure of Salary Information In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials . Job Requisition ID: 58045 Opening Date: 08/10/2026 Closing Date: 08/24/2026 Agency: Department of Early Childhood Class Title: SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMIN (40070) Skill Option: General Administration/Business Marketing/Labor/Personnel Bilingual Option: None Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $9,500 - $11,000 per month ($114,000 - $132,000 per year) Job Type: Salaried Category: Full Time County: Cook Number of Vacancies: 1 Bargaining Unit Code: None Merit Comp Code: Term Appointment/ Agency A resume is highly encouraged to evaluate your qualifications and skills as part of your application. Please attach a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application if you decide to provide one. Position Overview: The Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) is seeking an Associate Director of Early Childhood Transition. This position will be responsible for establishing and revising Early Childhood Transition program priorities, work plans, and policies and procedures to meet operating standards consistent with state and federal requirements. The employee in this position will serve as a full-line supervisor and will oversee the development of IDEC guidance and best practices for early learning settings serving children with disabilities and developmental delays. If you are interested in this unique opportunity to join a dedicated team of early childhood professionals, we invite you to apply for the Associate Director of Early Childhood Transition with IDEC! Illinois Department of Early Childhood offers a robust benefit package including: Health, life, vision, and dental insurance Paid Parental leave Pension Plan Deferred Compensation, and other pre-tax benefit programs Employees earn (12) paid sick days annually (10-25) paid vacation days (based on years of service) Employees earn (3) paid personal days (pro-rated based on start date) (13-14) paid state holidays annually Work hours and schedule will be mutually agreed upon by supervisor during the onboarding process. Why Work for Illinois? Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home. No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois. Essential Functions Subject to management approval, serves as the Associate Director of Early Childhood Transition for the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC). Serves as primary program liaison to the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) on ECSE policy, practice, and coordination. Serves as full-line supervisor for Early Childhood Transition Unit staff. Supervises the development of IDEC guidance and best practices for early learning settings serving children with disabilities and developmental delays, in coordination with ISBE. Performs other duties as required or assigned, which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above. Minimum Qualifications Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to the completion of four (4) years of college, with coursework in education, special education, early childhood education, public administration, or a related field. Requires four (4) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a public or business organization with an emphasis on special education, early childhood education, disability services, or a related field. Preferred Qualifications Four (4) years of professional experience working for a school district, including experience with IEP development and implementation and evidence-based practices for ECSE, or at the state or regional level in education or early childhood systems. Three (3) years of professional experience with IDEA Part B requirements and IEP processes. Two (2) years of professional experience supporting children with disabilities and their families through transitions between community-based early education and public-school systems. Two (2) years of professional experience coordinating across agencies or systems in a large public or private organization. Two (2) years of professional experience as a supervisor or manager, including staff oversight and performance management. Two (2) years of professional experience developing guidance or policy materials related to special education, early childhood education, or other related topics, including developing or implementing standardized procedures across multiple school districts or regions. Master’s degree in special education, educational leadership, early childhood education, public policy, public administration, or a closely related field. Conditions of Employment Requires the ability to successfully pass an agency criminal history check through the Illinois State Police. Requires the ability to successfully pass a Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System (CANTS) background check. Requires the ability to use and maintain state-issued equipment, such as a cell phone, laptop, and other necessary equipment as required. Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This may require the ability to work evenings and weekends Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine. This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings. The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in thejob description. About the Agency: The Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) is the state’s first standalone agency dedicated exclusively to advancing equitable access to high-quality early childhood programs and services for young children, their families, and the professionals who support them. Established in 2024 and operational as of July 1, 2026, IDEC brings together early childhood programs and services previously administered by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) into one unified agency. IDEC works to make Illinois’ early childhood system simpler, fairer, and more accessible by improving access to services, strengthening program quality, supporting the early childhood workforce, and streamlining the experience for families, providers, and communities. Through collaboration, innovation, and operational excellence, IDEC is building a stronger early childhood system that helps every child thrive and every family succeed. Revolving Door: Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during State employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (“OEIG”) or may be subject to a fine. Term Appointment: Candidates hired into a term position shall be appointed for a term of 4 years and are subject to a probationary period. The term may be renewed for successive four-year terms at the Director of the Department of Early Childhood’s discretion. #J-18808-Ljbffr