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Early Childhood Education

Curriculum

The Early Childhood Education program prepares students to teach and care for children from birth through age eight in child care centers, preschools, and early elementary settings. Coursework covers child development, developmentally appropriate curriculum, language and literacy, health and safety, and positive guidance, building the knowledge base every early educator needs.

Students plan and deliver learning activities, practice classroom management strategies grounded in child development research, and learn to recognize and support children with exceptionalities. A supervised practicum places students in a real early childhood classroom under the mentorship of an experienced teacher.

Graduates are prepared for roles as lead teachers, assistants, and directors in child care and preschool settings, and for further study toward licensure in elementary or early childhood education.

Degrees, Diplomas & Certificates

The following credentials are offered under the Early Childhood Education program.

Learning Outcomes

  • Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum for children from birth through age eight.
  • Apply positive guidance strategies that support social-emotional growth.
  • Recognize signs of developmental delay and collaborate on individualized support plans.
  • Create safe, healthy, and inclusive learning environments.

Career Outcomes

Preschool Teachers

Median Salary $37,000/yr
$30,210 $46,980
+4.1% Projected Outlook
65,500 Annual Job Openings
570,100 Currently Employed

Data sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Projections Central, and O*NET.