Early Childhood Education Instructor

The UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies Department of Teacher and Community Education (TCE) offers two professional certificate programs in early childhood education, both delivered fully online:

Early Childhood Education Certificate (ECE)

A 12-month, 24-semester-unit program that equips students with foundational knowledge and skills to support inclusive environments for diverse young learners. Coursework spans child growth and development, developmentally appropriate practices, family and community collaboration, language and literacy for young learners, positive behavior support, child observation and assessment, and intentional teaching practices. This program is designed for individuals preparing for teaching roles in early childhood settings, educators meeting California Transitional Kindergarten (TK) requirements, and care providers seeking deeper knowledge of child development.

Early Childhood Education Administration Certificate (ECEA)

A 12-month program that prepares current and aspiring early childhood administrators to lead with confidence and purpose. Aligned with NAEYC standards, coursework focuses on leadership practices, supervision and staff development, principles of play-based learning, and program administration and fiscal management. This program serves educators preparing for Site Supervisor or Director roles, school principals expanding their ECE knowledge, and professionals seeking to establish or advance into program leadership.

Instructors for these programs bring both subject-matter expertise and a commitment to the adult learner. Both programs operate fully online through Canvas. For more information about these programs, please visit:

· Early Childhood Education Certificate

· Early Childhood Education Administration Certificate

We are seeking skilled, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic instructors to teach in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) and/or Early Childhood Education Administration (ECEA) Certificate Programs. Instructors provide online instruction to adult learners who are early childhood professionals, aspiring educators, and current practitioners seeking to advance their careers. Teaching assignments are course-specific and made on a section-by-section basis.


A reasonable estimate of compensation for teaching one section of this course is $500-$3,300. The amount determined within the compensation range is dependent upon course modality, units of instruction, and number of enrollments. Instructional agreements are made on a section-by-section basis at the discretion of the University with no guarantee to teach future sections of this course or any other courses.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; are currently being investigated for misconduct; left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct; or have filed an appeal with a previous employer. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.

· UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

· UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties

· APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

 

SPECIFIC DUTIES

Instructors should have extensive knowledge and skills in early childhood education and/or early childhood program administration. Specific duties include:

• Deliver engaging, high-quality online instruction in assigned ECE or ECEA courses to adult learners who are current or aspiring early childhood professionals
• Facilitate meaningful dialogue and build learning community within an online course environment (Canvas)
• Assess and evaluate student work; provide timely, constructive feedback on assignments and assessments
• Maintain course content and curriculum in alignment with program standards, NAEYC guidelines, and CDE Foundations, in consultation with the Program Director and Advisory Committee
• Participate in course evaluation processes and incorporate feedback to continuously strengthen instruction
• Respond to student inquiries in a timely manner and support student success throughout the course
• Collaborate with the Program Director to ensure curriculum relevance and alignment with field standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or a closely related field
• Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience working in early childhood education, child development, or early learning program administration
• Demonstrated expertise in at least one of the following areas: child development, developmentally appropriate practice, early childhood curriculum, language and literacy for young learners, positive behavior support, family engagement, early learning program administration, leadership and supervision in ECE settings, or play-based learning
• Experience teaching or facilitating professional learning for adult learners

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Online teaching experience required; familiarity with Canvas preferred
• Previous college-level or professional development teaching experience in an ECE-related field
• Knowledge of NAEYC accreditation standards and/or California Department of Education (CDE) Early Learning Foundations
• Experience as a Site Supervisor, Program Director, or in an ECE administrative leadership role (particularly relevant for ECEA courses)
• Familiarity with California Transitional Kindergarten (TK) requirements and policy context
• Highly effective written communication skills with demonstrated ability to engage students in an online environment
• Commitment to culturally responsive, equity-centered pedagogy and teaching diverse adult learner populations
• Experience with child observation and assessment tools and practices
• Bilingual or multilingual skills a plus

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

As an academic department within UC San Diego, all Division of Extended Studies Program instructors and courses must be formally approved according to the regulations of the Academic Senate of the University of California. Eligibility to teach a course is contingent upon this formal academic approval. Once approved, teaching assignments are “by agreement”. The instructor’s Letter of Agreement outlines the deliverables for the course, the course schedule, and compensation terms, and is subject to department policies and procedures.  UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies makes no commitment to hire an instructor until it has sent and received a signed instructor Letter of Agreement. Should the course section an instructor plans to teach be cancelled for any reason, the instructor agreement, including rights to compensation for future section meetings, is voided.  Remuneration is for classroom hours only and does not include time spent for course preparation or other events.

 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Please complete all relevant fields in the application, and (optionally) include a resume and cover letter to provide further information relating to your professional and teaching backgrounds. Even if you upload a resume, you MUST answer ALL of the questions in the application, when applicable. Failure to do so may result in the rejection of your application.


UC San Diego is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values a diverse workforce.