Assistant Program Chair of CHS & ECE Field Ex in Waterbury, Connecticut at Post University

Job Title: Assistant Program Chair of ECE/CHS Field Experience

Position Type: Full-Time Faculty (Main Campus/ Hybrid )

Overview:

The Assistant Program Chair of Early Childhood Education/Child Studies Field Experience plays a critical role in overseeing field experience courses, ensuring alignment with NAEYC accreditation standards, and supporting student success. This individual will collaborate closely with program chairs, faculty, community partners, and school leadership to maintain program quality and enhance practicum experiences.

This position provides a unique opportunity to shape the future of early childhood education by ensuring high-quality field experiences while actively contributing to the university’s academic community.

Primary Responsibilities:

1.  Field Experience Oversight:

• Collaborate withProgram Chairand Associate Program Chairto design, implement, and evaluate practicum courses for the Associate (AS) in Early Childhood Education and Bachelor (BS) in Child Studies programs.
• Provide leadership and support to faculty teaching practicum-based courses, ensuring instructional consistency and alignment with program outcomes.
• Establish andmaintainstrong partnerships with schools, community organizations, early childhood centers, and PreK-3 programs tofacilitatemeaningful student field placements.
• Collaborate with the Practicum Coordinator and the Assistant Program Chair of CHS/ECE Field Experience Lead to ensure practicum site approvals and placement logistics align with program needs, maintaining clear distinctions between roles while fostering effective collaboration.

1. Assessment & Accreditation Compliance:

• Ensure that key assessments in practicum-related courses align with NAEYC accreditation standards.
• Collaborate with program leadership to analyze assessment data and refine key assignments to support student competency development.
• Monitor student performance outcomes and provide reports to support continuous program improvement and accreditation.

1. Faculty & Student Support:

• Serve as a mentor and resource for Cooperating Teachers, providing training and ongoing support in their role as student mentors.
• Assiststudents in navigating practicum expectations, site requirements, and professional competencies for career readiness.
• Support Program Chairs in designing and refining practicum course content to enhance student learning experiences.

• Other duties as assigned.

1. University Engagement & Governance:

• Engage fully in faculty responsibilities, including participation in the John P. Burke School of Public Service and Education, the Faculty Senate, and program-level meetings.
• Serve on institutional committees to contribute to program governance and faculty development.
• Participate in monthly Academic Affairs meetings, commencement ceremonies, and other key university events.

Teaching Load:

• Teach eight online or campus-based courses per year. 

Reporting Structure:

• Reports directly to the AssociateProgram Chair.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Studies, Human Services, or a related field( with12 ECE credits).
• Preferred one or more of the following licensures/certifications (depending onexpertiseand professional background):

• Teacher Licensure in Early Childhood Education (PreK-3 or Birth to Grade 3), Elementary Education (PreK-6 or K-6) with an Early Childhood Endorsement.

• Experience working with young children (birth to age 8) in diverse early childhood and family-centered settings.
• Preferred experience in practicum coordination, field placement management, or related academic program oversight.
• Experience in course development and curriculum alignment with accreditation standards.
• Familiarity with assessment design, accreditation processes, and data-driven program evaluation.
• Experience teaching in online and/or campus-based higher education settings.

Preferred Skills & Attributes:

• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and project management skills.

• Excellent communication and mentorship abilities to support faculty, students, and community partners.
• Experience in building community partnerships and collaborating with field placement sites.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in early childhood education.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with remote teams and campus leadership.