Position Title:

Assistant Lecturer of Child Life

Compensation:

$42,000 - $45,000

Department:

Early Chldhd Youth & Fam Studies

Start Date:

08/23/2027

About this opportunity:

The Department of Early Childhood, Youth, and Family Studies seeks a part-time, non-tenure faculty member specializing in Child Life. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate courses in topics related to child life and child development, mentor students pursuing careers in Child Life, support practicum and internship experiences, and contribute to program initiatives that promote student success and professional preparation.

Candidates for searches must have current authorization to be employed in the U.S. without employer sponsorship.

What you'll do and what you will bring:

Duties and Responsibilities:

Teaching

• Teach two courses per semester (fall and spring), including a combination of on-campus and online courses.
• Teach Child Life and other courses depending on qualifications and instructional needs.

Student Mentoring and Field Experience Supervision

• Mentor students pursuing careers in Child Life, including preparation for practicum, internship, certification, and professional practice.
• Coordinate and supervise Child Life practicum experiences, including communication with placement sites and professional partners.

Program Support and Student Success

• Participate in monthly Family and Child program meetings.
• Assist with Child Life student success initiatives, including special events, professional development opportunities, and networking activities.
• Build and maintain relationships with Child Life alumni and professionals to support student learning and career preparation.
• Collaborate with program faculty and leadership on initiatives that strengthen the Child Life program, including new course development.

 

Minimum Qualifications

• • Master's degree in Child Life, Child Development, Human Development and Family Science, or a closely related field.
  • Active certification as a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS).
  • Professional experience working as a CCLS in a hospital, healthcare, or community-based setting.
  • Ability to teach undergraduate courses in both on-campus and online formats.

 

Preferred Qualifications

• • Previous college or university teaching experience, including online instruction.
  • Experience supervising or mentoring Child Life students, practicum students, or interns.
  • Academic preparation or professional expertise that supports teaching courses beyond Child Life within the department.
  • Experience developing or maintaining partnerships with healthcare organizations, community agencies, or alumni.

How to apply:

For inquiries about this opportunity, please contact:

Dr. Jill Walls jkwalls2@bsu.edu

Important:

Please follow upload instructions for attaching all required supporting application documents listed below. Only complete applications submitted through Workday, including the required documents, will be considered.

REQUIRED APPLICATION DOCUMENTS:

• A cover letter addressing qualifications and interest in the position
• A current vita / résumé - Please do not use the Autofill feature for resume

References:

Within the application, please provide contact information for three professional references

Application Deadline: December 13, 2026, 12:01 a.m.

What we offer:

At Ball State University, we understand the importance of balancing professional responsibilities with personal well-being. That's why we offer 12 paid sick days and 10 holidays a year. Plus, our paid parental leave (6 weeks) is there for life's most significant moments. We offer affordable health and dental insurance, robust long-term disability and life insurance plans, as well a range of retirement benefits to provide financial security to you and your family. These benefits ensure that you can focus on your work and personal growth without worrying about the unexpected.

When you work for us, you are family. And to show our support of your family, we will cover 90 percent of your child's (or children's) undergraduate college tuition at Ball State. This offer is good from the very first day you start. It's just one way we do our part to uplift you.

Let's fly together toward a secure and prosperous tomorrow.

Curious about our excellent benefits package?

We have developed a calculator that shows you the value of our core benefits.

Select the Total Compensation Calculator - Faculty and download our calculator spreadsheet.

Relocation Program: MakeMyMove

 

Looking for a place where your career, community, and quality of life can grow together? Muncie and Delaware County offer the advantages of a university community with the accessibility and affordability of a mid-sized city—short commutes, local arts and culture, parks and trails, educational opportunities, healthcare, athletics, and a strong sense of connection.

Through the City of Muncie’s MakeMyMove program, eligible new residents may access relocation incentives, university-related benefits, co-working options, and community-building opportunities designed to help them get settled and connected.

Current benefits for eligible participants may include:

• Up to $5,000 cash for relocation

• Co-working space courtesy of The Innovation Connector
• Access to the Ball State University Library
• One-semester Rec Fit pass at Ball State University
• Discounted Ball State Athletics tickets
• Help desk for connecting to local resources
• Opportunity for board participation
• Six-month YMCA membership

Relocation programs on MakeMyMove have specific eligibility requirements, and benefits may vary by program. Applicants should review the current MakeMyMove page to confirm eligibility, available benefits, and program status.

Ball State’s support for relocation resources and community partnerships aligns with Destination 2040: Our Flight Path, the University’s strategic plan. The plan calls our University to work with community partners to promote talent attraction and retention, foster economic growth in East Central Indiana, and strengthen the economic and social vitality of the communities we serve.

Explore the program and check your eligibility through MakeMyMove.