Department Of Early Childhood Studies
Faculty Employment Opportunity – Tenure Track
Starting August 2027
Assistant Professor in Early Childhood Studies
The University
Sonoma State University’s beautiful 274-acre campus is located in Sonoma County wine country, an hour north of San Francisco. The campus offers the ideal setting for teaching and learning and access to a community of rich cultural, environmental, and recreational opportunities. Founded in 1960, SSU is one of the 22 campuses of the California State University System. As members of the largest public higher education system in the nation, we provide accessible, high-quality education.
The Department
The Department of Early Childhood Studies (ECS) provides a high-quality curriculum that is committed to improving early childhood services and education and to advocating for social justice and equity for all young children and their communities.
The ECS Department houses the following programs:
The mission and vision of the Department of Early Childhood Studies is to prepare knowledgeable and caring professionals who are committed to contributing to a just society through high-quality education and social service for all children and families.
In particular, the Early Childhood program prepares graduates who:
- Serve as agents of social change;
- Are knowledgeable and thoughtful about the field of early childhood education;
- Promote physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and moral growth and learning in their professional work with young children;
- Respect and support the contributions of families and caregivers in the care and education of children;
- Design and implement inclusive practices that respect human differences and support the participation of all children and families; and
- Continually use inquiry, observation, study, and reflection to improve their professional practices
Early Childhood Studies students at SSU engage with multidisciplinary theories, research, and practices, with an emphasis on diversity and social justice, in particular anti-racist and equity-centered approaches and socio-cultural contexts that shape young children’s development. The program also focuses on preparing professionals to be leaders and advocates who work to improve educational and social outcomes for children, families and communities.
ECS graduates apply their knowledge and skills across a variety of fields, including as teachers (preschool, elementary, and special education), child life specialists, staff in community agencies, therapists, and social workers.
The Department of Early Childhood Studies is one of four primary academic departments in the SSU College of Education, Counseling, and Ethnic Studies (ECES). The mission of the College of Education, Counseling, and Ethnic Studies at Sonoma State University is to advance excellence in the education and counseling professions, and to prepare students to become leaders and advocates for social justice.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to see the department’s web page at:
Early Childhood Studies at Sonoma State University
Duties of the Position
- Teach courses in person and online in the Early Childhood Studies major, minor, graduate, and PK-3 ECE specialist credential program
- Supervise candidates in the PK-3 ECE specialist credential, including at elementary and preschools across Sonoma County
- Engage in scholarly activities related to Early Childhood Education and Child Development, including research, presentations at professional conferences, and publication of scholarly articles
- Advise students in the PK-3 ECE specialist credential; Early Childhood Studies major, minor, credential and graduate programs
- Participate in department, school, and university committees and business
- Participate in and lead program assessment and evaluation
- Participate in the broader Child Development and Early Care and Education community
- Maintain currency in the field
Faculty Responsibilities
In addition to teaching and scholarship, faculty are expected to engage in service to the University, profession, and community. These responsibilities include: advising students, participation in campus and system-wide communities, maintaining office hours, working collaboratively and productively with colleagues, and participating in traditional academic functions.
Sonoma State is committed to the Teacher/Scholar model and places an emphasis on faculty support of undergraduate research and other professional opportunities for students.
Faculty are also expected to foster our commitment to the CSU Graduation Initiative 2025 through excellent teaching, advising, and mentoring. Potential applicants are encouraged to review the Department Reappointment, Tenure, and Promotion Criteria. During the first two years of the probationary period the instructional assignment will be reduced by two courses per academic year for probationary faculty members, in order to assist in establishing their programs of research, scholarship, and/or creative activities, and carrying out other activities that would support them in meeting the requirements for retention, tenure, and promotion. All faculty are required to have the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
Required Qualifications
- An earned Ph.D. or Ed.D. (or ABD*) in Early Childhood Education or Curriculum Studies, Child or Human Development and Families Studies, Developmental Psychology, Elementary Education, or a closely related field -- doctoral education or scholarship must have focused on children and/or their families within the birth to eight age range
- Teaching credential, license or equivalent expertise, such as an advanced degree or other evidence of professional competence and expertise in the field of early childhood education
- Explicit commitment to social justice and educational equity
- Evidence or potential of ability to participate in meaningful scholarly activity
- Demonstrated currency in child development theory and practice
- Direct work experience with children, families, and/or early care and education professionals within the birth to eight range
- Demonstrated leadership experience working collaboratively in diverse and/or inclusive settings with children, families, and/or early care and education professionals within the birth to eight range
- Demonstrated ability to plan and carry out a research agenda in the candidate’s area of expertise
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural higher education environment
- Excellent oral, written, and digital communication skills
- *ABD will be considered with a clear path to degree completion prior to the date of hire
Preferred Qualifications
Additional criteria that will be considered:
- Bilingual (English/Spanish)
- Expertise in one or more of the following areas:
- Early Elementary Curriculum
- Early Childhood Teacher Education
- Play and inquiry-based approaches to early childhood curriculum and pedagogy
- Early Childhood Development
- Experience administering an early care and education program
- Experience teaching at the college or university level
- Experience teaching in an online environment
- Expertise in understanding and/or administering the CalTPA or similar teacher assessment
Rank and Salary
Service credit depends upon academic preparation and professional experience. The anticipated salary range for this full time assistant professor position is: $74,000 to $85,000.
Required Application Materials
- Cover Letter, including research interests, maximum 3 pages
- Curriculum Vitae
- Unofficial transcripts (Official transcripts will be required of the selected candidate)
- Teaching Philosophy, 1-2 pages
- Three (3) Non-Confidential Letters of Recommendation or contact information for three references
How to Apply
To apply for this position, go to jobs.sonoma.edu and click on the Staff & Faculty Career Opportunities link. Find and select the faculty position you are applying for to view the description and select Apply Now. If you have not previously applied, you will be prompted to create an account. You can use this account to apply to multiple positions. Once you have submitted the application, a confirmation email will be automatically sent to you. Please do not send materials to facultysearch@sonoma.edu. If you encounter difficulties during the application process, please email facultysearch@sonoma.edu.
Application Deadline
First consideration will be given to applications received by October 28, 2026. The position will remain open until filled. Early response is encouraged.
Contact Information
Questions concerning the application process may be directed to: facultysearch@sonoma.edu
Questions concerning this position may be directed to:
Search Committee Chair Name: Elita Amini Virmani
Search Committee Chair Email: elita.amini.virmani@sonoma.edu
Please refer to the requisition job number on all correspondence and inquiries regarding this position.
The ADA Coordinator is also available (hraccomodations@sonoma.edu) to assist individuals with disabilities in need of accommodation during the hiring process.
Our Commitment
Sonoma State University is a federally-designated Hispanic Serving Institution, as such we are committed to achieving the goals of equal opportunity and we endeavor to employ faculty and staff reflecting the linguistic, ethnic, and cultural diversity of the region and state.
Guided by our core values as a university: diversity, sustainability, community engagement, and adaptability, Sonoma State University (SSU) offers an education that fosters intellectual, social, and personal growth. SSU is a public liberal arts and sciences university. As the only member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges in the state of California, we are committed to preparing students for a life of active citizenship and public service. We have a vibrant campus life characterized by a lively co-curriculum that fosters broad-based intellectual and artistic opportunities in which the campus as a whole is actively engaged.
Sonoma State University is committed to creating a community in which bias and intolerance have no place. It is our expectation that all students, faculty, and staff work together to honor this commitment and hold each other accountable to create an open and inclusive environment.
We are committed to facilitating spaces in which all can grow by building on our students’ assets as they explore new knowledge. These efforts include fostering creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, experimentation, empathy, and communication. The successful candidate will be one who can collaborate with faculty, staff, administration, and students to achieve these goals. We are especially interested in candidates committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Equal Opportunity & Mandated Reporting
The University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status. Mandated Reporting: This position may be considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
Employment Eligibility & Conditions
CSU Out of State Policy - Sonoma State University, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California. As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current employees who apply for this position.
Sonoma State University hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. Due to a recent change in policy, SSU is unable to sponsor new H-1B employment visas at this time. All offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents demonstrating the appointee’s identity and eligibility to work, in accordance with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act.
Education Code 89521
Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.
Annual Reports & Safety Information
Sonoma State University's Annual Security Report includes summaries of institutional policy relating to campus safety, drug and alcohol use, sexual assault, and other matters. The report is published in compliance with the Clery Act and includes three years of certain crime statistics that occurred in Clery Act defined geography. A paper copy of the report may be requested in person by emailing the Clery Compliance and Safety Office at clery@sonoma.edu.
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