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Undergraduate Programs

Early Childhood Studies

Bachelor of Arts – B.A. |
Undergraduate

A male teacher sitting at a table surrounded by young students

About the Program

Through a social justice, anti-racist lens and experiences in service learning, internships, and fieldwork, you'll gain the skills to support young children's cognitive, emotional, and physical development. With options in early childhood teaching, integrated teacher education, multilingual teaching, pre-K to grade 3, and non-teaching, follow your interests to your dream career in early childhood education, care or advocacy.

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Early Childhood Studies

The Polytechnic Approach

With a mind toward diversity and equity, you will evaluate developmental assessment and observation strategies, identify theories of language acquisition, realize the implications of childhood play, and more. Then, you will directly apply your knowledge in a practicum set in our vibrant community. Become a champion for children’s growth as you help them develop essential skills, foster a love for learning, and create supportive environments that nurture their potential for success and make a lasting difference in their lives.

Courses

The Early Childhood Studies (ECS) program will supply you with knowledge and skills demonstrating quality, equity, anti-racism, and fairness in your work. Our primary focus is on work with children from prenatal to age eight and their families. You will study processes important for early childhood development and identify implications of theory by examining and applying principles and practices in diverse family, program and community contexts. Our program highlights CPP’s commitment to the value of diversity in preparing future practitioners to be integrative thinkers and model leaders. We emphasize the importance of “experiential” learning. Here, there is a reciprocal relationship between theory and application so that knowledge informs practice, and practice continues to inform knowledge. In addition, the sociocultural strengths of our students and the community you will serve are foundational in the ECS BA Program.

For the most up-to-date information on courses for this program, visit the course catalog or contact an advisor.

Associate Professor Eden E. Haywood-Bird

Featured Faculty

Eden Haywood-Bird’s research is concentrated on the development of self-identity in young children and their teachers, exploring the many layers of power and privilege that intersect in the classroom with policy and within cultural norms.
Eden E. Haywood-Bird Associate Professor, Early Childhood Studies

Get Involved!

Early Childhood Studies Activities

An excellent college education can include more than classes, and extracurricular activities can greatly enrich your college experience.

student teachers with young kids wearing Halloween costumes