Assistant Professor - Child Development and Family Science

October 9, 2026

The Department of Family and Consumer Sciences at Central Washington University, located in Ellensburg, Washington, invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor whose primary teaching responsibilities include the department's child life curriculum. This position involves teaching existing introductory and advanced Child Development and Family Science courses. Faculty are expected to teach undergraduate and graduate courses in child development, child life, therapeutic play, children with disabilities, practicum, and other areas;

to serve as College in the High School liaison; and to contribute to the department/program. This faculty member will serve as Child Life Program coordinator, including advising and mentoring students, supporting students through the internship process, serving on child life students' graduate committees, maintaining and expanding partnerships and endorsements, participating in recruitment efforts, and engaging in research.

The Child Development and Family Science program houses an undergraduate bachelor's degree in Child Development and Family Science with specializations in Child Life, Child Development, and Family Science, as well as undergraduate minors and certificates and a graduate program with specializations in Child Life and Family Science. Both Child Life programs are endorsed by the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP).

Faculty contribute to the program's mission through excellence in teaching, active scholarly engagement, meaningful service, and student advising while supporting learners both in-person and online.

The Department values excellence in teaching, applied scholarship, and service that advance the theory and practice of child development and family science. Faculty are expected to contribute to student success through innovative instruction, maintain an active program of scholarly activity, and engage in collaborative service that strengthens the department, university, profession, and community.

The ideal candidate enjoys contributing to a collaborative department that values teaching excellence, student success, innovative practice and inquiry, continuous improvement, and meaningful service to the department, college, university, profession, and community. The successful candidate will join a faculty committed to preparing the next generation of child development and family science leaders while contributing to the continued growth and innovation of the department and will integrate CWU's vision, mission, and values and create a learning environment that fosters student success and institutional excellence.

Annual Salary: $70,000 - $76,000, based on a full-time nine-month appointment. In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

Appointment:
Full-Time, Tenure-Track, 9-Month Appointment. Additional Summer teaching may be available. Central Washington University is on the quarter system with appointments from mid-September through mid-June.

Benefits: CWU offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, life and disability insurance. CWU Benefits, Perks & Discounts Overview.

Additional Information:
For additional information about the University, visit: http://www.cwu.edu For additional information about Ellensburg, visit:  OR

NOTE:

Sponsorship is not available for this position at this time.

Name:
Dr. Amy Claridge

Title:

Professor, Child Development and Family Science Email:
Amy.

Claridge Phone:  Website: cwu.edu/academics/child-family/

Please contact Human Resources at hr or  if you require technical assistance with the on-line application process.

• PhD or related terminal degree (ABD candidates may be considered; however, the terminal degree must be completed within one year of start date) in Child Development and Family Science or related discipline
• Certified Child Life Specialist (5+ years practicing)
• Experience teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses in child life or related disciplines using student-centered instructional practices.
• Willingness and ability to teach a wide range of courses at the undergraduate and…