Early Childhood

In our nationally accredited Early Childhood Development and Learning program you'll examine the growth and development of children birth through 8 years. We will prepare you to become a lead teacher or director in a preschool, elementary, or childcare setting. Students interested in the teaching of young children within the elementary school setting should refer to the Early Childhood certification majors on the B.S. in Education degree. 

Early Childhood Development and Learning Major (B.A., B.A.A., B.S.) - on campus or online

You can work in non-elementary school early childhood settings such as child care centers, preschools, Head Start and Early Head Start programs with this major.

Early Childhood Development and Learning program information

Early Childhood Certification majors (B.S. Ed.)

We are leading the way in implementing the State of Michigan's new guidelines that prepare future educators by specializing in specific grade bands.

Teaching Early Childhood, B-K and Early Childhood Special Education Major - on campus or online

Prepare to teach birth through kindergarten children in childcare, preschool and kindergarten classrooms and home settings. Clinical experiences will be in classrooms/programs with young children with and without disabilities.

TEACHING EARLY CHILDHOOD B-K and SPECIAL EDUCATION program information

Teaching Early Childhood, B-3 and Early Childhood Special Education major

Prepare to teach birth through third-grade children in childcare, preschool, pre-kindergarten through third-grade classrooms and home settings. Clinical experiences will be in classrooms/programs with young children with and without disabilities.

TEACHING EARLY CHILDHOOD B-3 and SPECIAL EDUCATION program information

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The BAA Early Childhood Development and Learning major, BS Early Childhood Development and Learning major,and BS Ed Early Childhood Development and Learning major at Central Michigan University are accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, (800) 424-2460 ext. 8007,  www.naeyc.org. The accreditation term runs March of 2019 through March of 2026.

The courses in this major meet the course work requirements for early childhood education and preschool teaching by the Michigan Department of Education and the training guidelines of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), providing students with education, training, and skills to work with children and families from diverse backgrounds.

Early Childhood Program Outcome Data

Find your career in early childhood

  • Preschool, Head Start, Early Head Start Teacher
  • Early Childhood Special Educator
  • Public School Teacher
  • Early On Coordinator
  • Child and Family Advocate
  • Education Coordinator
  • Licensing Consultant
  • Childcare Facility Owner/Director