skip to content

Early Childhood Development and Education

The Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) concentration is designed for students who are interested in working with children from birth to five years of age in early care and education settings. Training at the Child Development Labs includes child development theory, curriculum development, fieldwork/observation, and a student teaching practicum. Students who successfully complete the course sequence may apply to be a Head Teacher in a child care center in Connecticut; new options for teaching credentials are also being developed. For more information, visit the Human Development & Family Studies Student Services Center located in room 120 in the Family Studies Building.

Applications for the Early Childhood Development and Education Teacher Preparation program are available at the Family Studies Student Services Office and from Janice Boltseridge at the Child Development Labs for submission in late April or early November. Please address questions about eligibility or the application process to Profs. JoAnn Robinson , Jane Goldman, Anne Bladen, or Meg Galante-Deangelis.

Recommended Courses

  • Introduction to Programs for Young Children and Laboratory
  • Infancy and Toddler Development
  • Integrated Methods and Materials for Infants and Toddlers
  • Early and Middle Childhood Development
  • Integrated Methods and Materials for Early Childhood
  • Observing Infants and Toddlers or Observing Early Childhood
  • Child Development Laboratory: Fieldwork Practicum
  • Child Development Laboratory: Supervised Teaching Practicum

Career Opportunities

  • Infant & Toddler Child Care Specialist
  • Child Development Specialist
  • Preschool Early Childhood Teacher
  • Head Start Program Coordinator

For individuals with a Bachelor of Arts Degree:

  • Infant & Toddler Specialist in child care settings
  • Early Childhood Teacher in preschool settings
  • Program Coordinator for Salvation Army Youth Emergency Shelter
  • Community Educator
  • Activities Director in treatment facilities
  • Student Assistance Counselor
  • Counselor for relief shelters
  • Human Services Case Manager
  • Child Advocate:  for child survivors of sexual assault
  • Behavior Manager:  one on one with troubled children
  • Foster Care Case Worker
  • Fundraising/Volunteer Coordinator
  • Program Coordinator for Child Enrichment Programs
  • Research Assistant
  • Rehabilitation Counselor
  • Child Development Specialist

For individuals seeking to obtain an advanced degree:

  • Speech/language pathologist
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Special Education Teacher
  • Elementary School Teacher
  • Child Psychologist
  • Family Therapist
  • Guidance Counselor
  • Social Worker
  • Reading Specialist