Program Chair Child Studies/Early Childhood Education (Hybrid)

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Post University is seeking a Program Chair in Child Studies/Early Childhood Education (Hybrid) to join our growing team.

Who We Are

Post University is a thriving organization with an unfolding, amazing success story centered on one mission - changing the lives of its students and associates. Our approach is simple, authentic, and unique. At Post University, each day begins and ends with a demonstration of distinct behaviors unique to our culture and way of life. Our team of passionate professionals daily embraces a culture that celebrates bold ideas, supports individual growth, and puts our students at the heart of everything we do.

For more than 130 years, Post University has been dedicated to student success, serving thousands of learners across our online, main campus, undergraduate, and graduate programs. We value diverse experiences and perspectives and seek individuals who are passionate about contributing to a collaborative and student‑focused community.

Due to Post-specific operational and administrative considerations, the position is not approved to be performed in Alaska, California, Hawaii, or New York. Candidates must be physically located and perform their work from an approved state.

JOB SUMMARY:

Post University seeks a collaborative, student-centered academic leader to serve as Program Chair for Child Studies and Early Childhood Education. This position provides academic leadership, curriculum oversight, faculty support, accreditation management, and operational coordination for the Bachelor of Science in Child Studies (BSCHS) and the Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education (ASECE) programs.

The Program Chair ensures program quality, regulatory compliance, faculty excellence, and strong student outcomes while advancing continuous improvement aligned with institutional priorities and workforce needs.

The role includes a reduced teaching load of up to six to eight courses per calendar year, with instructional reallocation to support leadership and accreditation responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

Academic Leadership & Program Oversight

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for Child Studies and Early Childhood Education programs.
• Ensure curricula remain rigorous, current, evidence-based, and aligned with professional and workforce standards.
• Represent programs in school-level and university-wide committees, initiatives, and advisory boards.
• Collaborate with academic leadership and campus partners to support program quality and enrollment goals.

Curriculum Development & Assessment

• Oversee curriculum development, implementation, and revision across undergraduate programs.

• Ensure alignment with:

• NAEYC Higher Education Accreditation Standards

• Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC) requirements

• Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators

• Lead assessment activities and data-informed decision-making for continuous improvement.

• Collaborate with instructional design teams to enhance course delivery and learning outcomes.

Accreditation & Compliance

• Serve as the Primary Contact for NAEYC Higher Education Accreditation for BSCHS and ASECE programs.
• Lead self-study development, reaccreditation submissions, and site visit preparation.
• Manage ongoing accreditation compliance, reporting, and documentation.
• Coordinate accreditation-related work with faculty and relevant university departments.

Faculty Leadership & Development

• Recruit, onboard, credential, mentor, and evaluate full-time and associate faculty.
• Support faculty use of best practices in teaching, assessment, attendance tracking, and student engagement.
• Facilitate faculty meetings, professional development activities, and accreditation workshops.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing academic culture.

Field Experience & Practicum Oversight

• Maintain oversight of practicum and field-based experiences.
• Ensure alignment of field placements with program outcomes and accreditation expectations.
• Collaborate with practicum coordinators, assistant program chairs, and external partners.

Student Success & Engagement

• Monitor student progression, persistence, performance, and academic standing.
• Address academic concerns in partnership with advising, student services, and academic leadership.
• Support retention, graduation, and post-completion success.
• Engage students and alumni to inform program improvement.

Data, Evaluation & Continuous Improvement

• Lead program evaluation initiatives.
• Collect, analyze, and report institutional and accreditation data.
• Use assessment results and stakeholder feedback to drive program enhancement.

Community & External Engagement

• Serve as liaison to state and regional organizations (e.g., OEC, ECHEC).
• Coordinate advisory board meetings and external stakeholder engagement.

Teaching Responsibilities

• Teach Child Studies and/or Early Childhood Education courses annually.
• Demonstrate effective integration of instructional technologies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skill, and performance required. Reasonable accommodation may enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Required Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Studies, or a closely related field

• Minimum of five (5) years of advanced professional experience in early childhood education (birth-age 8)

• Minimum of five (5) years of higher education teaching and curriculum development experience, including online instruction

• Demonstrated experience with:

• NAEYC Higher Education Accreditation

• Assessment and data-informed continuous improvement

• Strong leadership, collaboration, communication, and organizational skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Higher education faculty supervisor experience

Work Environment

• Academic and office-based setting
• Hybrid/remote-friendly, with regular on-campus presence required
• Whenever working remotely, the candidate's home network must meet the minimum required speed and follow the hardware connection settings determined by their provisioned equipment and department role. Additionally, candidates must have a reliable Internet connection and a designated and private home office or alternative workspace free from noise or distractions.

Apply Now

As a member of our Post University team, the individual will share in a 135-year tradition of helping people achieve their personal and professional goals. Located in Waterbury, Connecticut, Post University has a vibrant campus and an excellent online program. The University offers a competitive salary and benefits package that includes medical, dental, 401(k) and tuition benefits.

Interested candidates should forward cover letter, resume, and three references to Post University Associate Experience.

Disclaimer: This opportunity may be withdrawn and/or amended.

Post University is an equal opportunity employer.

At Post, we embrace differences. We thrive on diversity. We believe our distinctions make us better educators, leaders, and simply better in every way possible. We gladly comply with all applicable laws. We do not discriminate because of sex, sexual orientation, age, race, color, religious creed, marital status, national origin, ancestry, disability, handicap or other legally protected status.

Post Universitys team members come from various backgrounds, experiences, and expertise. Each perspective helps us collectively evaluate situations from every angle for the best decision-making process available. This is the heart of our culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and collaboration.

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