Assistant Professor in Early Childhood Studies

Department Of Early Childhood Studies

Starting August 2027

Assistant Professor in Early Childhood Studies

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 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:

• Early Childhood Studies Major (BA degree)
• Early Childhood Studies Minor
• Education Minor
• Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education
• PK-3 Early Childhood Specialist Credential program(starting Fall 2027)

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

• 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…