Helping young children reach their potential

UD’s Early Childhood Education major prepares students to help young children--with and without special need--to reach their full potential. Graduates can teach in public and private schools and child care programs, become early interventionists and advocates, or work for community service agencies. 

Our coursework focuses on child development--teaching students how to identify appropriate instructional strategies and materials that meet each child’s social, cognitive, and physical characteristics. Early childhood education students gain real-world experience, on our children’s campus and in community agencies and schools, working with young children from diverse backgrounds and with special needs.

Our graduates emerge well-prepared professionals, eligible for teaching certification in two areas—Early Childhood Education (birth – 2nd grade) and Early Childhood Special Education. As a nationally recognized blended Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education program (one of very few in the country), graduates are eligible for teaching certification in all 50 states.  

To help further their career, students can enroll in one of our 4+1 programs, leading to a bachelor's/master’s degree in just five years.