Child Development Instructor

Position Title:

Full-Time Child Development Instructor

1

Mission College

The Department of Child Development is seeking a talented individual to fill the position of full-time, tenure-track instructor. Mission College, located in Santa Clara, the heart of the Silicon Valley, is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI). As a designated Caring Campus, we prioritize connection, compassion, and belonging in all that we do.

We are deeply committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti‑racism, not just as values, but as everyday practices. Our greatest strength is our people. At Mission, employees are encouraged to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We lead with heart, honor lived experience, and center students in every decision. With innovative programs, a student‑focused culture, and award‑winning faculty and staff, Mission College has earned recognition for advancing equitable student outcomes, supporting basic needs, and driving workforce development.

This is more than a place to work – it’s a place to belong, grow, and make a real impact. Applicants who possess the knowledge, skills and life experiences to address the cultural and educational needs of a diverse student population are encouraged to apply.

This is a full-time, 10‑month, tenure‑track faculty position that begins in Fall 2026. Instructional assignments may include day and/or evening classes, Monday thru Saturday, as needed and rotate among the Child Development faculty. It is expected that over several years most levels of Child Development offered at the college will be taught. This position is represented by the West Valley‑Mission Federation of Teachers (WVMFT / AFT Local 6554).

Work location:

Mission College, Santa Clara, CA

Anticipated Hiring Range:

• $97,318 – $157,048 annually (10 months), based upon academic achievement, teaching and related experience (26‑27 Academic Salary Schedule, Steps 1‑9).

Benefits include:

• Employer‑contributed medical, dental and vision for employee, spouse and dependents.
• Employer paid long‑term disability for employee.
• Employer‑provided life insurance.
• Sabbatical, Rejuvenation and Retraining Leaves.
• Banked leave provisions.
• Professional Growth and Development activities.
• 10 days sick leave accrued annually; personal necessity and catastrophic leave.
• Conference leaves.
• Opportunity for overload assignments.
• Cal STRS Retirement.
• Position is union affiliated.

1. Education – Possess one of the following:

• Master’s in child development, early childhood education, human development, home economics/ family and consumer studies with a specialization in child development/early childhood education or educational psychology with a specialization in child development/early childhood education; OR
• Bachelor’s in any of the above AND Master’s in social work, educational supervision, elementary education, special education, psychology, bilingual/bicultural education, life management/home economics, family life studies or family and consumer studies; OR
• A valid California Community College Instructor’s Credential in Child Development; OR
• The equivalent of the above.

2. Understanding of, and sensitivity to the diverse academic, socio‑economic, ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds, disability, and sexual orientation of community college students, faculty and staff.

The ideal candidate will also demonstrate the following desired qualifications:

• Active engagement in the field of Early Childhood Education at the local and/or state level.
• Ongoing professional development and ability to stay current in Early Childhood Education research and educational practices.
• Strong understanding of culturally responsive, anti‑bias, and inclusive teaching strategies.
• Experience teaching and supporting diverse adult learners.
• Professional field experience across multiple Early Childhood Education settings (e.g., Title 5, Title 22, lab schools).
• Ability to build supportive, relationship‑based learning environments that promote…