Program Chair – AS in Early Childhood Education

?Post University is seeking a Program Chair – AS in Early Childhood Education to join our growing team.

WHY POST?

Post University has an immediate opening for an exceptional a Program Chair – Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education. Post University is a legendary, dynamic, growth-oriented organization of passionate, diverse professionals united in pursuit of life-changing service to countless students. Our “Make It Personal” mission is the driving tenet that shapes all aspects of how we treat students and each other. The Post University’s success story is well positioned to be second to none. As our amazing story unfolds, the Program Chair – Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education will help build and sustain a distinct, transformative culture that achieves Post’s imagined future priorities.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Program Chair (PC) manages the Early Childhood Education program and works as part of the team in the John P. Burke School of Public Service & Education. Guided by the mission, vision, and conceptual framework of the Early Childhood Education program, the Program Chair maximizes students’ academic success and our graduates’ career success by performing several essential University functions, including:

1) continuous course improvement and development, 2) available to teach online and on-ground modalities, 3) management of the ongoing NAEYC accreditation requirements for the Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education (ASECE) degree, 4) student retention and persistence, and 5) overall program management as well as other related responsibilities as assigned by the University. This 12-month position requires an on-campus presence at our campus.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Course Development:
  • Develops curricula to achieve expected program goals and outcomes.
  • Ensures curricula are developed, implemented, and revised to reflect the State Office of Early Childhood (OEC) Standards, the NAEYC Higher Education Accreditation Standards, and the Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators.
  • Updates and revises course content and teaching methodology to ensure currency and relevance.
  • Actively seeks ways to improve program quality and the student experience.
  • Maintains familiarity with current texts, electronic course materials, teaching aids, and techniques relative to courses and incorporates updated material as needed.

• Teaching:
  • Teaches 6-8 courses within a calendar year or as otherwise determined by the Assistant Dean/Dean of the John P. Burke School of Public Service & Education.
  • Participates in at least two university committees or as otherwise determined by Assistant Dean/Dean of the John P. Burke School of Public Service & Education.

• NAEYC Accreditation Compliance
  • Manages other ongoing NAEYC accreditation requirements for the Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education (ASECE) degree.
  • Oversees ongoing collection and analysis of key-assessment data.
  • Ensures program and course compliance with current accreditation standards.
  • Collaborates with the Program Chair for Child Studies to prepare comprehensive reports as required for NAEYC accreditation
  • Works with the Accreditation, Assessment, Advising, Registrar and other departments as needed.
  • Oversees the Reaccreditation Self-Study requiring work with faculty, associate faculty, students, alumni, advisory board, and Post University Leadership team.

• Oversight of Practicum:
  • Maintains practicum oversight, ensuring that course content is relevant and suitable for our varied student population.
  • Collaborates with the Practicum Coordinator as needed on placements for students completing internships in early childhood settings.

• Student Retention:
  • Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with all Associate Faculty (AF) and Associate Faculty Leads (AFL).
  • Lead regularly scheduled retention impact team meetings with Operation, Academic Advisors, etc.
  • Reviews ongoing retention data and plans supportive action for students.

• Supervision/Management:
  • Hires, trains and manages programmatic Associate Faculty members.
  • Manages the assessment and evaluation of General Education Learning Outcomes (GELO) data to measure program learning outcomes.
  • Maintains general knowledge of degree requirements and course transfer information.
  • Continuously searches for new and innovative ways to improve the quality of the Early Childhood Education program.
  • Provides program-specific data as needed to support offices and others.
  • Participates in University governance activities.
  • Assists with addressing grade appeals, grievances, or other administrative matters as needed.
  • Participates in at least two university committees and volunteers for ad hoc committees.
  • Maintains an active Advisory Board for the program and holds annual meetings to inform our accreditation, strengthen the program, and build partnerships.

BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS (As referenced on The Post Way of Life – Associates’ Daily Commitments)

We expect our associates to CARE (Connect–Assess–Resolve–Excite) in every stakeholder interaction. CARE is a framework to guide our every decision and action. CARE also resonates with our diverse associate & student populations – as humans, we know what it means to CARE.

We CONNECT. We believe relationships matter. Not only do we believe relationships matter, we know there is a direct correlation between the quality of our relationships and our outcomes. We invest in our relationships with colleagues, students, and ourselves – we make time to tend to our mental, physical, financial, and professional health.

We ASSESS. We take the time to understand why something happened entirely; we remove assumptions and eliminate confusion or ambiguity by asking questions and creating context, certainty, clarity, and mutual understanding. We collaborate with others throughout the university by understanding their strengths and value to the tribe. When we encounter conflict, we first seek to understand and be understood – and always with respect.

We RESOLVE. We generate the trust of our colleagues, students, regulatory bodies, and our more significant communities by doing the right thing all the time—even when nobody is looking. We honor our promises by following up and following through. We help others learn and grow by sharing information and feedback.

We EXCITE. “Making It Personal” is the experience we promise students and associate with every interaction. Excite is the heart of our experience. We find ways to be resourceful and helpful to Wow, Amaze and Delight others. We embrace change, take risks and innovate. We celebrate successes and recognize the accomplishments of others.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skill, and performance required. Reasonable accommodations may enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• A minimum of an earned graduate degree in a relevant field.
• At least five years of experience working at an advanced level in early education (birth to eight years through third grade).
• Experience teaching in the traditional higher education classroom and/or online.
• At least five years of experience managing programs and supervising staff preferred.
• Working knowledge of state regulations related to Early Childhood Education.
• Familiarity with NAEYC standards.
• Passion for education and genuine interest in leading others.
• Experience deploying resources efficiently and effectively.
• Desire and ability to grow a program of study with an innovative curriculum.
• Interest in shaping the growth of a regionally-accredited, career-focused educational institution.
• Must be a team-focused leader with a positive attitude.
• Student-focused approach in and out of the classroom.
• Experience using assessments to improve teaching or programs.
• Ability to perform scholarly activities appropriate for a teaching institution.
• Ability to accept and provide constructive criticism professionally.
• Ability to work both independently with little supervision and collaboratively in teams required.
• Ability to be flexible, adaptable, and well-organized in a fast-paced work environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent analytical and quantitative reasoning skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software programs.
• Skilled in using Blackboard Learning Management System.

As a member of our Post University team, the individual will share in a 134-year tradition of helping people achieve their personal and professional goals. Located in Waterbury, Connecticut, Post University has a vibrant campus and an excellent online program. The University offers a competitive salary and benefits package that includes medical, dental, 401(k) and tuition benefits.

Interested candidates should forward cover letter, resume, and three references to Post University Associate Experience.

Disclaimer: This opportunity may be withdrawn and/or amended.

Post University is an equal opportunity employer.

At Post, we embrace differences. We thrive on diversity. We believe our distinctions make us better educators, leaders, and simply better in every way possible. We gladly comply with all applicable laws. We do not discriminate because of sex, sexual orientation, age, race, color, religious creed, marital status, national origin, ancestry, disability, handicap or other legally protected status.

Post University's team members come from various backgrounds, experiences, and expertise. Each perspective helps us collectively evaluate situations from every angle for the best decision-making process available. This is the heart of our culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and collaboration.