Early Childhood Development & Learning

Major

Why This Program & What You'll Learn

The early childhood development and learning program helps you prepare children for lifelong success. This hands-on major is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The development and learning strategies you'll gain will help you adapt to almost any classroom situation.

The curriculum uses training guidelines set by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and covers the touchstones of early life. Classes cover topics such as:

• Learning processes.
• Infant and child development.
• Trends and applications.

By the time you graduate, you'll have put your learning to work in the field. Our Child Development and Learning Laboratory, for example, gives you the chance to work with 3- and 4-year-olds. You'll help children develop socially, emotionally, and physically at this on-campus, Reggio-inspired center.

In addition to your campus studies, you'll complete multiple field placements before graduation. Students have interned at child care centers, preschools, and family child care homes.

(This track prepares you to work in Head Start programs, pre-schools, and child care centers. If you're interested in teaching in an elementary school, see our major that offers a B.S. in Education.)

Program Highlights

As a major in early childhood development and learning, you will:

• Have the chance to study abroad. Programs in Mexico and Italy improve your language skills and show how social differences influence child development.
• Put yourself in somebody else's shoes through the Poverty Simulation. Learn what it's like to live as a family in need, or to be a service provider with limited resources.
• Build your network and polish your skills through groups such as the Child Life Student Association and Reimagining Early Childhood (REaCh).