Early Childhood Education

Early Childhood Education (ECE) is a major that leads to the Bachelor of Science degree in the College of Education and Human Development. The major is designed for students who plan on working with young children in school, child care, or family and institutional settings. The National Association for the Education of Young Children has endorsed the program as meeting all of its standards for teacher preparation. The certification allows students to pursue careers as teachers or as early interventionists with young exceptional children. The emphasis of the program is developmental, with students learning how to match instructional strategies and materials to children's social, cognitive, and physical characteristics. The program further emphasizes partnerships with families of young children.