"Early Childhood Development and Learning (Tenure-Track, Assistant Professor)"

Early Childhood Development and Learning (Tenure-Track, Assistant Professor)

Posting Number: F-1017

College/Unit: College of Education & Human Services

Home Department: Department of Human Development and Family Studies

Employee Group: Tenure-Track Faculty - Academic Year

Employment Status: Full-Time

Position Type: 10 month

Position Classification: Tenure Track Faculty

Position Begin Date: 08/24/2026

Position Summary

The Department of Human Development and Family Studies invites applications for a 10-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor with a focus in Early Childhood. This position will begin August 24, 2026. We seek a collaborative scholar-teacher committed to relationship-based, joyful, and equitable learning for all children birth-8. Candidates who are grounded in play-based, Constructivist approaches, guided by NAEYC core position statements, and with a strong interest in preparing leaders for early childhood education settings are encouraged to apply.

We welcome applicants who demonstrate a commitment to collaborative leadership, inclusive practice, and advancing the field of early childhood education. Further, candidates from a range of early childhood backgrounds who can contribute to our interdisciplinary programs and complement existing faculty strengths are desired.

Responsibilities include teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses, advising and mentoring students, maintaining a productive scholarly agenda, and contributing to departmental and university service, including program innovation, accreditation, curriculum design, recruitment, and advocacy.

Required Qualifications

• Earned doctorate in child development, early childhood education, human development and family studies, early childhood special education, or a closely related discipline; ABD candidates will be considered, provided the degree is conferred by the start date of the appointment.
• Expertise in early childhood development and learning (birth-8).
• Demonstrated commitment to student-centered support (e.g., undergraduate and/or graduate teaching, research mentorship, or field experience supervision).
• Evidence of potential for successful research and/or scholarly activities.
• Competence in subject matter as evidenced by relevant coursework.
• Record of service or commitment to the field.
• Evidence of strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong pedagogical background in inclusive practices and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
• Demonstrated evidence of commitment to a collegial, inclusive, and supportive work environment.
• Experience in an early childhood leadership role/position.
• Demonstrated success in teaching at the undergraduate or graduate level.
• Experience in online course delivery and/or online course development.
• Ability to teach across multiple areas of early childhood development and learning.
• Professional experience in early childhood settings with children and families, including familiarity with Reggio Emilia–inspired practices.
• Commitment to facilitating and modeling practices to develop reflective practitioners.

Message to Applicants

Central Michigan University is dedicated to fostering an environment that is reflective of the communities we serve. We are especially interested in highly qualified candidates who will advance and promote CMU’s mission, vision, and leadership standards.

You must submit an online application in order to be considered as an applicant for this position.

Cover letters may be addressed to the Hiring Committee.

Priority consideration will be given to applications received by January 31, 2026; however, the position will remain open until filled.

About the Department

The Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) Department includes 14 faculty positions, 11 of which are tenured and tenure-track, serving approximately 700 majors and minors. We offer academic programs in Child Development, Family Studies, and Early Childhood Development and Learning (including teacher certification programs).

The Early Childhood Development and Learning baccalaureate degree programs within HDFS are the first in the state of Michigan to be granted NAEYC accreditation. The HDFS department also includes the NAEYC accredited Child Development and Learning Laboratory (CDLL), a Reggio-inspired early childhood program serving approximately 64 children and their families in a Head Start, Great Start Readiness Program, and tuition-based preschool. The CDLL has 11 full-time staff members and serves as a research and training site for faculty and students. CMU’s HDFS department maintains a Certified Family Life Education (CFLE) approved undergraduate program as designated by the National Council on Family Relations.

Please visit our department website for more information about our curriculum, student and faculty accomplishments, and about Central Michigan University.

Posting Begins: 12/19/2025

Open Until Filled: Yes