Assistant Professor, Early Childhood Education

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT (CEHD)

DEPARTMENT :  HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND FAMILY SCIENCES

POSITION: ASSISTANT PROFESSOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION - CONTINUING TRACK

LOCATION: NEWARK, DE

POSITION DESCRIPTION: Human Development and Family Sciences in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Delaware invites applications for a Continuing-Track Faculty position in Early Childhood Education (ECE) to begin September 1, 2027. We seek an energetic, highly motivated, and experienced professional who will serve as a role model and mentor for undergraduate and graduate Early Childhood Education students. As a 9-month faculty member, the successful candidate will primarily teach undergraduate early childhood courses in our Associate of Arts (AA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) in Early Childhood Education programs.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The successful applicant will have expertise in disability, early intervention, and/or infant and toddler education. Other areas that may be considered include inclusive ECE curriculum and instruction (e.g., math, social studies, literacy), assessment, and/or familiarity with supporting students’ field experiences in birth-to-five and early elementary settings. The candidate will be primarily responsible for teaching undergraduate AA and BS courses in ECE in the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences. The successful candidate will be able to teach in person and online, using both synchronous and asynchronous formats. The candidate will contribute to the department and the ECE curriculum committee and engage in teaching and service duties that support the department’s ECE mission.

QUALIFICATIONS:  A doctorate in early childhood education, early childhood special education, or a related field is required by the start date. Teaching certification in early childhood education or early childhood special education, and a minimum of three years of successful teaching or professional experience at the early childhood level (birth through age 8) in community or school settings are preferred. Teaching experience in higher education, knowledge of early childhood educator development, engagement with diverse communities, and experience using culturally relevant teaching practices is preferred. Knowledge of teacher education program accreditation desired. The ability to work with diverse populations and excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential. This position requires in-person engagement in Newark, Delaware. The successful candidate will need to complete all necessary background checks.

About the College of Education and Human Development and the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences. The College of Education and Human Development is dedicated to addressing the problems that confront our communities, schools, and organizations, and to developing solutions to the challenges faced by children, youth, families, and employees around the world. The College supports numerous research-practice-policy partnerships and collaborations with human service organizations, early care providers, schools, and school districts. The HDFS department has 23 full-time faculty members and houses nearly 450 undergraduate students across three majors (Human Relations Administration, Human Services, and Early Childhood Education) and two minors (Human Development & Family Sciences and Medical Social Services). The Department also supports graduate programs at both the master’s and doctoral levels. HDFS is an interdisciplinary department that focuses on the study of critical social issues affecting individuals, families, and communities, along with disabilities, teacher education, and professional development. Departmental faculty are engaged in research activities that span child and youth development, early childhood and early intervention, family services and policy, and social determinants of health.

About the University of Delaware. With roots tracing back to 1743, the University of Delaware combines tradition and innovation, offering students a rich heritage along with the latest in instructional and research technology. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with diversity as one of its core values and, in that spirit, seeks a broad spectrum of candidates including women, minorities, and people with disabilities. Located in scenic Newark, Delaware, within 2 hours of New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., the University is a Land Grant, Sea Grant, Space Grant, and Carnegie Research University (with very high research activity, a designation accorded to fewer than 3% of degree-granting institutions in the U.S.), and with external funding exceeding $326 million. A state-assisted, privately governed institution, the University enrolls approximately 18,000 undergraduates and 4,500 graduate students.

APPLICATIONS. Review of applications begins December 15, 2026, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Applicants should include: (1) a 2-3-page cover letter describing qualifications for the position, including academic preparation, a description of the candidate’s teaching experiences, evidence of effective teaching and mentoring, relevant work experience, and commitment to promoting equity and inclusion; (2) 2-page teaching statement along with sample syllabi and teaching evaluations, if available; (3) a curriculum vitae; and (4) names and contact information of three references. Please do not send recommendation letters at this time; we will request letters from semi-finalists. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Tia Barnes, tnbarnes@udel.edu.         

The University of Delaware is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or status as a protected veteran, as well as any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. For the University’s complete non-discrimination statement, please visit www.udel.edu/aboutus/legalnotices.html

Notice of Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity
The University of Delaware does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, disability, religion, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its employment, educational programs and activities, admissions policies, and scholarship and loan programs as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and University policies. The University of Delaware also prohibits unlawful harassment including sexual harassment and sexual violence.

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