Undergraduate candidates in an early childhood minor are urged to major in Human Development.
A minor in early childhood education prepares candidates to teach in programs that require a bachelor’s degree with an early childhood professional credential rather than a state teaching license; for example, some private elementary schools, some public preschool programs and many daycare facilities. In addition, it prepares candidates to work in early childhood social services. The minor is also suggested for those who intend to work in special education with an emphasis on children birth through age eight, and candidates who choose to pursue graduate studies in special education, psychology, social work, or other related fields that emphasize the development, care, and education of young children.
Director qualification of a large childcare center requires three credit hours of field experience. Therefore, an additional practicum will be required in addition to the two credits embedded in the minor.
Additional coursework, formal admission to the Teacher Education program, and student teaching are required to meet licensure requirements for those students interested in becoming licensed by the state to teach in early childhood education.
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