Assistant Lecturer of Early Childhood, Youth, and Family Studies (Child Life)

Position Title

Assistant Lecturer of Early Childhood, Youth, and Family Studies (Child Life) Compensation: $52,000 - $60,000 Department: Early Chldhd Youth & Fam Studies Start Date: 08/01/2026 About this opportunity: The Department of Early Childhood, Youth, and Family Studies welcomes applications for a full-time, on-campus, 10-month / academic year, Assistant Lecturer position beginning Fall 2026. This is a one-year contract faculty appointment, renewable for up to two additional years following the initial term. Candidates for searches must have current authorization to be employed in the United States without employer sponsorship. What you'll do and what you will bring: Position Function: This position is a campus-based teaching role with responsibilities centered in the Child Life concentration. Primary duties include teaching undergraduate courses related to child life, along with one or more of the following areas: infant and child development; infant and child mental health; prosocial development; parenting; family wellness; family stress and resilience; family systems; family relationships; and other topics related to children and families. Duties / Responsibilities: The standard teaching load is typically four courses in the fall and spring semesters, delivered primarily face-to-face on campus, with the possibility of additional online instruction as needed. In addition to teaching, the Assistant Lecturer will provide academic advising to Child Life students, supervise child life practicum and internship placements, serve on the Ball State Child Life Advisory Board, and engage in service to the department, college, and university.

Minimum Qualifications

A Master's degree in child life or a related program from an accredited institution; active certification as a Certified Child Life Specialist by the Association of Child Life Professionals.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in a clinical setting as a practicing Certified Child Life Specialist; experience teaching undergraduate students in online and face-to-face modalities; a record of successful teaching in the area of child life, child development, or related topics; experience collaborating with hospitals, programs, and departments; membership and or participation in professional child life organizations; effective oral and written communication skills. Required Certifications: Certified Child Life Specialist How to apply: For inquiries about this opportunity, please contact: Dr. Jill Walls, jkwalls2@bsu.edu Please follow upload instructions and attach all required supporting application documents listed below. Only applications submitted through Workday, which include all required documents listed below, will be considered. Required Application Documents: Cover letter Curriculum Vitae *Please do not use the Autofill feature for resume/vitae This position will remain open until filled with a consideration date of May 4, 2026, 12:01 a.m.. Candidates submitting application materials on or before this date will receive full consideration. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

What We Offer

At Ball State University, we understand the importance of balancing professional responsibilities with personal well-being. That's why we offer 12 paid sick days and 10 holidays a year. Plus, our paid parental leave (6 weeks) is there for life's most significant moments. We offer affordable health and dental insurance, robust long-term disability and life insurance plans, as well a range of retirement benefits to provide financial security to you and your family. These benefits ensure that you can focus on your work and personal growth without worrying about the unexpected. When you work for us, you are family. And to show our support of your family, we will cover 90 percent of your child's (or children's) undergraduate college tuition at Ball State. This offer is good from the very first day you start. It's just one way we do our part to uplift you. Let's fly together toward a secure and prosperous tomorrow. Curious about our excellent benefits package? We have developed a calculator that shows you the value of our core benefits. Select the Total Compensation Calculator - Faculty and download our calculator spreadsheet. Goodness requires action to grow. We're dedicated to doing our part to keep goodness growing in Muncie, at our university, and as far beyond as possible. That's where you come in. When you join our team, you become part of goodness in action. Our main priority: uplifting students so they can discover their full potential. This is how we fly. There are about 3,000 full-time faculty and staff in the Ball State University work family. Each brings unique gifts to help us be the kind of institution we want to be. In return, we do our best to take care of them through comprehensive medical and dental plans, a Health Savings Account (which we contribute to), and a whole range of wellness, retirement, and other benefits like covering the cost of tuition at Ball State for you and your family. We can offer you more. Where you live matters just as much as where you work. We get it. That's why we've invested since the very beginning in making our hometown work. On campus, find state-of-the-art facilities and one-of-a-kind arts and cultural events. In Muncie, you'll find a warm and welcoming community with affordable housing and a vibrant downtown arts, food, and music scene. What could be better? You here - for starters. Ball State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, disability, genetic information, ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, age, protected veteran status, or any legally protected status. Ball State provides accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who can perform the essential functions of the position. Contact the Assistant Director of Equal Opportunity and ADA Coordinator, John Bowers, at 765-285-5163 for assistance. People and Culture Services Administration Building (AD), Room G008 2000 University Avenue Muncie, IN 47306 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday Phone: 765-285-1834 Fax: 765-285-8663