Adjunct Faculty, Child Development

Job Description

Adjunct faculty are hired in a part-time capacity on an as needed basis. These positions are filled prior to or during the start of each semester and are contingent upon the needs of the College.

Adjunct faculty must complete the Lee Training Online Certification course or provide documentation of training in distance education.

Lee College accepts application materials for adjunct employment on a continuing basis throughout the year from qualified applicants willing to teach on a part-time basis. Academic departments will contact potential applicants when there are available openings.

The Child Development faculty member plays a crucial role in preparing future early childhood professionals through direct instruction and comprehensive educational experiences.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a commitment to student-centered teaching and learning, showing flexibility in meeting diverse student needs while maintaining high academic and professional standards. They will be expected to contribute to department and college-wide efforts to improve student persistence and completion rates through innovative teaching strategies and active participation in student success initiatives.

Faculty schedules vary by semester. Candidate may be required to teach evening, weekend, summer, online, hybrid, and/or distance education courses including those at the main campus, additional college centers, and/or dual credit courses at high schools within the college's service area.

This position requires working closely with academic and student support services, local child care centers, and community partners to create a comprehensive network of support for students. The successful candidate will serve as a bridge between academic instruction and professional development, helping students develop the skills needed for success in early childhood education while connecting them to appropriate professional resources.

The ideal faculty member will contribute to a community of care by:

• Participating in the college's student support systems
• Collaborating with academic advisors and career services
• Supporting student internship and practicum placements
• Engaging in student recruitment efforts
• Supporting retention initiatives in the Child Development program
• Participating in professional development focused on early childhood education and faculty development

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Teach Child Development courses across various formats and levels
• Develop and deliver comprehensive curriculum in early childhood education
• Maintain accurate student records in compliance with college requirements
• Submit required student reports to the Admissions & Records Office according to schedule
• Direct, evaluate, and assess student learning experiences in accordance with adopted curricula and professional standards
• Provide guidance to students pursuing careers in child development
• Demonstrate a commitment to student success through proactive mentoring and support
• Create a welcoming classroom environment that supports a variety of learning needs
• Maintain regular student office hours and be readily available to meet with students
• Actively participate in student success initiatives and professional development programs
• Monitor student progress and provide timely intervention and career guidance
• Faculty members may be required to teach evening, summer, online, hybrid, dual enrollment, and/or weekend classes.
• Provide at least one scheduled office hour per week for each three-credit course in a regular 16-week semester or two scheduled office hours per week in an 8-week term. Office hours can be in-person, by telephone, or via Blackboard Collaborate. You must be available for a live conversation during scheduled office hours.

Additional Duties & Responsibilities

Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Master's (or higher) degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or closely related discipline
• Two (2) years of professional experience as a licensed Child Care Center Director in Texas
• Strong understanding of Texas state childcare regulations and licensing requirements
• Strong understanding of Child Development Associate (CDA) requirements
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to connect with students from a variety of backgrounds
• Excellent communication skills with an emphasis on providing constructive feedback
• Demonstrated ability to create supportive learning environments
• Understanding of barriers facing community college students and strategies to address them
• Ability to recognize and respond to students' academic and professional needs
• Skills in building rapport and maintaining professional relationships with student

Preferred:

• Doctorate in Early Childhood Education or related field
• Five (5) or more years professional experience as a licensed Child Care Center Director in Texas
• Previous community college teaching experience
• Active professional certifications such as Child Development Associate (CDA) and/or Texas Child Care Licensing Directors License
• Experience with curriculum development in early childhood education
• Strong technology skills, including online teaching platforms
• Demonstrated experience in student mentoring or professional coaching
• Track record of utilizing student-centered teaching approaches
• Experience working with a variety of student populations
• Evidence of participating in professional development programs
• Background in implementing retention strategies in the classroom
• History of fostering student engagement through professional activities
• Experience with early intervention strategies for struggling students
• Current research or publications in early childhood education
• Prior online teaching experience and certification
• Blackboard Learning Management System experience