Associate professors: Ya-fang Cheng, Andrea Emerson, Cindy Ryan, Katrina Hovey
Assistant professors: Shari Hopkins

Mission

Prepares skilled and reflective early childhood practitioners who can effectively respond to the unique learning needs of diverse young children and their families. The Early Childhood Studies program is grounded in the principles of educational equity and inclusion, social justice, reflective practice, and the development of diverse leaders in the field of early childhood. We are committed to facilitating the learning and development of our early childhood practitioners who, in turn, will successfully affect the learning and development of diverse young children from birth to 8years.

Learning Outcomes

1. Develop reflective early childhoood professionals who are advocates for young children and their families.
2. Create an inclusive climate where diversity is valued.
3. Demonstrate evidence of appropriate knowledge, skills and dispositions needed to provide quality care of early education for all young children (birth-8yrs.) and their families.

This major prepares students to work in inclusive early childhood settings (including Head Start, child care, preschool and K-4 elementary schools).