Early Childhood Education

The graduate program in early childhood education prepares teachers to meet national standards of excellence in teaching by supporting children’s understandings of the world through inquiry and active learning. The program emphasizes deep knowledge of human development, learning processes, instructional strategies, and subject matter. All courses use technology and focus on how teaching, learning, and assessment connect. Special attention is given to how issues of diversity—of culture, language, family, and learning styles—can best be used to positively impact schools and schooling in urban settings. Both the initial and professional programs are designed to meet the New York State Education Department requirements for certification in early childhood education (birth-grade 2).