Early Childhood Education: Foundations
The undergraduate program in Early Childhood Education: Foundations prepares upper division students to work with typically and atypically developing young children and their families in a variety of settings that do not require a teaching license. The curriculum includes an extensive core of liberal education courses that are central to understanding child development and early childhood teaching. Upon graduation students will be ready to enter the workforce, apply to one of several M.Ed/initial teacher licensure programs or pursue another advanced degree.
Curriculum and requirements, University Catalogs
Program highlights
- Courses in the Institute of Child Development, ranked #1 in developmental psychology by U.S. News and World Report
- Student teaching opportunities at the Shirley G. Moore Laboratory School for preschoolers
- Learning abroad programs in child development and child psychology located in Australia and Denmark
Careers with meaning
Do you like to work with people of all ages; especially children? Are you drawn to helping others? This may be the major for you!
Potential employers include:
- Schools**, child care centers, and preschool programs
- Youth camps and youth programs
- Mental health clinics, respite care, and pediatric units in hospitals
- Social service agencies, homeless shelters, and adoption agencies
- Children's bookstores
- ** Classroom teachers in public schools must have a state teaching license. Non-licensure job opportunities in schools include working as a para-professional, educational assistant or tutor.
Explore careers in early childhood education.
Coursework
Students complete foundations and major content area coursework as well as a student teaching experience in the Shirley G. Moore Laboratory School. In addition, students are able to individualize their program to suit their career preferences: Earn a teaching license OR pursue non-licensure career options.
Interested in getting a teaching license upon graduation? You will have the option to take specific courses that will prepare you to enter one of three post-baccalaureate teacher licensure programs:
- Early Childhood Education (ages Birth – 3rd grade)
- Elementary Education (K-6th grade)
- Early Childhood Special Education (Birth-age 6)
With the help of your advisor you can also plan out your program to make progress towards earning two of the above teaching licenses.
Interested in a career path that does not require a teaching license? You will have the option to take electives that support your career goals.
View all early childhood education courses.
Next Steps