Major in Early Childhood Education

(Effective Spring Semester 2015, the major in Early Childhood Education replaces the preparation for teacher licensure in Early Childhood Education, Birth through Grade 3. Contact the department for details.)

The Department of Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS), in collaboration with the Center for Educator Preparation within the School of Education (SOE), provides a competitive-entry major in Early Childhood Education. Students aspiring to work with newborns through children eight years of age can apply to the major in Early Childhood Education during their sophomore year. The admission process occurs once a year during the spring semester, with the admitted candidates beginning in the fall. If accepted, students take courses in HDFS and SOE as part of their degree requirements.

Interested students are encouraged to check the program of study and consult with HDFS academic advisers, as some prerequisites are required before entry into the major. The Early Childhood Education major uses a cohort model and admits a limited number of students, typically 25-30, each year. Students in the Early Childhood Education major achieve both Early Childhood Education core learning outcomes, obtained through HDFS and SOE courses, and all learning outcomes required by the Colorado Department of Education for Early Childhood Education licensure.

The degree enables students to apply for Early Childhood teacher licensure and Director Qualification in the state of Colorado. It qualifies students to engage in several early childhood professions supporting the development and education of infants, toddlers, and young children (0 - 8 years). Graduates may work in a range of contexts such as Pre-K to 3rd grade in Colorado public or private schools, Head Start, other preschool or childcare programs, family or center care provider businesses, or serve as directors of childcare centers. An understanding of human development and family studies provides a strong foundation for students desiring a license to teach infants and young children. Knowledge of lifespan developmental processes and family systems prepares future teachers to partner with parents, grandparents, and other caregivers to educate children. 

Students who complete this program will be prepared to pursue licensure in Colorado. Licensure requirements in other states and U.S. territories may differ. Students are encouraged to work with the department and the professional licensure board in the state where they intend to pursue licensing to ensure all requirements are satisfactorily met.

Learning Outcomes

Students will demonstrate:

• Content knowledge and understanding of theory, research, and practice relevant to optimizing the development, health, and well-being of children and families in the context of the larger social environment.
• Effective written and oral communication skills appropriate for early childhood educators interfacing with colleagues, children, and parents/guardians.
• The ability to access, critically evaluate, and apply multiple forms of information related to children and families.
• Professional and leadership skills with individuals and families, including ethical and culturally sensitive conduct.
• Knowledge and skill in teaching and assessing literacy, mathematics, social studies, science, music, art, and physical education in early childhood.

Learn more about the Early Childhood Education major on the Department of Human Development and Family Studies website.

Distinctive Requirements for Degree Program:
Students seeking admission to the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Major with teacher licensure must formally apply and be accepted. The admission process into the program takes place once a year in the spring with the admitted candidates starting the program the following fall. All coursework within the Center for Educator Preparation (CEP) requires a 4 semester (or 2 year) consecutive commitment to complete, therefore EDUC subject code courses must be taken in the semester indicated. Requirements for applying to the ECE major: 1) Must have a 2.75 GPA or better, 2) Suggested to have completed 60 credits (or more) by the end of the semester in which the student is applying (typically students apply their second semester sophomore year), 3) Must have 20 hours of volunteer or work service with children ages 0‐8 years (experience must have been within the last 5 years), 4) Must have 3 references. All HDFS subject code courses and EDUC subject code courses must be completed with a grade of C (2.000) or higher. Students will be required to pass a criminal arrest record background check prior to participating in field placement courses. Students will complete a graduation contract with an HDFS Academic Advisor during the first two weeks of the semester in which they are graduating.