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 July 13, 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.