Early Childhood Education 2+2 Options
Help shape futures. Starting with your own.
Children’s brains develop faster before the age of ten than during any other phase of their lives. This is when foundations are formed for not just their cognitive abilities, but social skills, self-esteem, and more. Early child educators support young children’s growth and development in settings including preschools, center-based and home-based childcare programs, Head Start, infant and toddler learning environments, and both public and private schools.
In our Early Childhood Education program, you’ll study the stages of a child’s development; understand the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional needs of children through age ten; and recognize the impact that cultural, economic, health, language, and other factors have on a child’s development and learning. But most of all, you’ll prepare for the crucial role you’ll play in helping to shape young children’s futures.
Apply Now Suggested Class Sequence
What you’ll learn
- Understand the developmental characteristics of children from prenatal to age eight.
- Basic understanding of research theories including psychoanalytic, behaviorist, Piagetian, Vygotskyian, and information processing models.
- Familiarity with programs such as the Perry Pre-School Project, Chicago Parent-Child Program, and Head Start.
- Cite current research on the influence of early intervention programs on child outcomes.
- Recognize elements of preliminary early childhood learning environments and opportunities to learn that are healthy, respectful, and supportive.
Possible careers
- Public and private pre-schools
- Public and private schools
- Head Start programs
- Early intervention programs
