Assistant Professor of Early Childhood, Youth, and Family Studies
About The Position
The Department of Early Childhood, Youth, and Family Studies seeks a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Early Childhood Education, beginning August 16, 2027. The department offers programs in Early Childhood Education, Early Care, Early Intervention, Child Life, and Family Studies, as well as a laboratory school for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in partnership with the YMCA. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses, maintain a research agenda complementary to departmental interests and involving students, contribute to departmental and professional service, and maintain an on-campus presence. Applicants from any area of early childhood education or related fields are welcome; particular consideration will be given to candidates specializing in integrated early childhood pedagogy, policy/advocacy/social justice, and community engagement. The standard teaching assignment is three courses in each of the fall and spring semesters, with possible summer teaching. Courses may be face-to-face, online, or blended. The role also includes publishing and presenting research, seeking scholarship funding, creating student research opportunities, and contributing to the missions and strategic initiatives of the department, Teachers College, and Ball State University. The position is open until filled, with full-consideration applications due by December 7, 2026. The employer will consider sponsorship.
Requirements
- Doctorate in Early Childhood Education or a related field by the date of appointment.
- Eligible for, holds, or has held a teaching license.
- At least 3 years / 6 academic semesters (approximately 24 months) of teaching experience in an early learning environment.
- Background, knowledge, and skills primarily in early childhood education.
- Ability to work cooperatively with faculty and staff to foster curriculum implementation, assessment, and improvement.
Nice To Haves
- Specialization in integrated early childhood pedagogy, policy/advocacy/social justice, and/or community engagement.
- Track record of peer-reviewed publications and professional conference presentations in the applicant’s area of specialization.
- Demonstrated commitment to collaborating with learners, families, colleagues, and communities.
- At least one academic semester (approximately 4 months) of experience teaching undergraduate or graduate courses in multiple modalities, such as face-to-face, online, or blended.
- At least one academic semester (approximately 4 months) of experience coordinating clinical experiences, developing site partnerships, and supervising and mentoring students within regulatory and policy frameworks shaping early learning environments.
- Demonstrated ability to teach and mentor students by using their varied backgrounds, experiences, identities, and perspectives as assets for collective learning.
Responsibilities
- Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in areas such as early childhood curriculum, prosocial development, culture and language in teaching and learning, family relationships, wellness, health and safety, leadership and administration, kindergarten education, teaching in kindergarten/primary grades, Transition to Teaching, and related content areas.
- Work cooperatively with faculty and staff to support curriculum implementation, assessment, and improvement.
- Develop or maintain an active research agenda, including publishing in peer-reviewed journals, presenting at professional conferences, and seeking funding to support scholarship.
- Create opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in the research process.
- Contribute to the missions and strategic initiatives of the department, Teachers College, and Ball State University through professional associations and local, regional, and national activities.
- Maintain an on-campus presence and contribute to departmental and disciplinary service.
Benefits
- 12 paid sick days per year
- 10 holidays per year
- Six weeks of paid parental leave
- Affordable health and dental insurance
- Long-term disability insurance
- Life insurance
- Retirement benefits
- Coverage of 90 percent of the employee’s child’s or children’s undergraduate tuition at Ball State University, beginning on the first day of employment
- Potential relocation incentives for eligible participants through the City of Muncie’s MakeMyMove program, including up to $5,000 cash for relocation, co-working space, access to the Ball State University Library, a one-semester Rec Fit pass, discounted Ball State Athletics tickets, help connecting to local resources, potential board participation, and a six-month YMCA membership
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
