The Department of Human Development and Family Studies invites applications for a 10-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor with a focus in Early Childhood. This position will begin August 24, 2026. We seek a collaborative scholar-teacher committed to relationship-based, joyful, and equitable learning for all children birth-8. Candidates who are grounded in play-based, Constructivist approaches, guided by NAEYC core position statements, and with a strong interest in preparing leaders for early childhood education settings are encouraged to apply.

We welcome applicants who demonstrate a commitment to collaborative leadership, inclusive practice, and advancing the field of early childhood education. Further, candidates from a range of early childhood backgrounds who can contribute to our interdisciplinary programs and complement existing faculty strengths are desired.

Responsibilities include teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses, advising and mentoring students, maintaining a productive scholarly agenda, and contributing to departmental and university service, including program innovation, accreditation, curriculum design, recruitment, and advocacy.

Central Michigan University is dedicated to fostering an environment that is reflective of the communities we serve. We are especially interested in highly qualified candidates who will advance and promote CMUs mission, vision, and leadership standards.

You must submit an online application in order to be considered as an applicant for this position.

Cover letters may be addressed to the Hiring Committee.

Priority consideration will be given to applications received by January 31, 2026; however, the position will remain open until filled.

The Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) Department includes 14 faculty positions, 11 of which are tenured and tenure-track, serving approximately 700 majors and minors. We offer academic programs in Child Development, Family Studies, and Early Childhood Development and Learning (including teacher certification programs).

The Early Childhood Development and Learning baccalaureate degree programs within HDFS are the first in the state of Michigan to be granted NAEYC accreditation. The HDFS department also includes the NAEYC accredited Child Development and Learning Laboratory (CDLL), a Reggio-inspired early childhood program serving approximately 64 children and their families in a Head Start, Great Start Readiness Program, and tuition-based preschool. The CDLL has 11 full-time staff members and serves as a research and training site for faculty and students. CMUs HDFS department maintains a Certified Family Life Education (CFLE) approved undergraduate program as designated by the National Council on Family Relations.

Please visit our department website for more information about our curriculum, student and faculty accomplishments, and about Central Michigan University.

Central Michigan University has a more than 125-year legacy of preparing students to become leaders and changemakers in their communities and in their personal and professional lives.

We serve nearly 15,500 students on our Mount Pleasant campus, in satellite locations around the state and throughout the country, and through flexible online programs. Many of our approximately 300 undergraduate, masters, specialist and doctoral programs in the arts, media, business, education, human services, health professions, liberal arts, social sciences, medicine, science and engineering are nationally ranked for excellence.

CMU leads the nation in leadership development programming through our Sarah R. Opperman Leadership Institute, and we are proud to be among only 5% of U.S. universities in the top two Carnegie research classifications. Our faculty work with graduate and undergraduate students in areas such as Great Lakes research, medical innovation, engineering technology and more.

Central is home to 17 mens and womens Division 1 sports including football, basketball, gymnastics, baseball, wrestling and more. Our student-athletes achieve great success in competition and in the classroom, capturing Mid-American Conference championships and maintaining an average cumulative GPA of 3.17.

CMU is located in Mount Pleasant, a community that blends the best of small-town living with big-city amenities. Its part of the culturally varied and vibrant Great Lakes Bay Region that also includes Saginaw, Bay City, Midland and the states largest Native American community, centered on the Saginaw Chippewa Isabella Reservation in Mount Pleasant.

Area residents enjoy the mix of outdoor activities, cultural events, shopping and dining options, and family attractions. Other major Michigan destinations and attractions - Lansing, Grand Rapids, Detroit, Traverse City, wineries, beaches, golf and ski resorts, and many more - are within easy reach of the citys central location in Michigans Lower Peninsula.

CMU employees enjoy access to a nationally recognized wellness program along with health care and benefits that exceed regional, state and national norms.