Early Childhood Development and Learning Minor, B.S. in Ed., Standard Elementary Certificate

Early Childhood Development and Learning is a field of study that examines the growth and development of children birth through age eight, within the context of teaching and working with children in educational and social settings. The courses on this minor meet the course work requirements for early childhood education and preschool teaching by the Michigan Department of Education and the training guidelines of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), providing students with education, training, and skills to work with children and families from diverse backgrounds. This minor is especially appropriate for students who plan on working in inclusive early childhood settings such as Pre-K-3 elementary classrooms, child care centers, preschools, Head Start and Early Head Start programs.

Students who complete this minor may take the Michigan Early Childhood Examination. Successful completion of this examination results in the addition of the Early Childhood (ZS) Endorsement to the student’s teaching certificate. The ZS Endorsement is required for employment in Michigan Public School Preschool Programs. Completion of this minor requires that students also complete Option 1 - Major Option (Optional Minor), Minors Option 2 - Two minor Option (optional third minor) or a Special Education Major: Emotional or Cognitive Impairment on the BS in Ed. degree (optional minor).

Admission Requirements, Retention & Termination Standards

Student must have completed or currently be enrolled in HDF 100 or EDU 280 or PSY 220 as a pre-requisite and must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 in order to declare a minor.
Student must have a minimum program GPA of 2.7 in order to graduate with all teaching minors.
Student must receive a grade of C+ or better in HDF 302, 303, and 402 in order to graduate with this minor.
HDF 402 is a departmental methods course and must be completed with a grade of C+ or better before student teaching.
In order to meet Michigan Department of Education Standards for the ZS Endorsement Capstone Experience, student teaching assignments must take place in at least two of the three areas (infant/toddler, preschool, and K-3) under the direction of a qualified cooperating teacher.

Program Requirements

Prerequisite Course (3 hours)

Select one of the following:

EDU 280	Education of Children	3(3-0)
HDF 100	Lifespan Development	3(3-0)
PSY 220	Developmental Psychology	3(3-0)

Note: These courses may be double counted on the degree.

Development and Family Courses (15 hours)

HDF 301	Infant Toddler Practicum Experience	1-3(Spec)
HDF 302	Infant and Toddler Development	3(3-0)
HDF 303	Early Childhood Development	4(Spec)
HDF 309	Families, Schools, and Communities	3(3-0)
HDF 400	Developmental Assessment of Children	3(3-0)

Learning Courses I (8 hours)

HDF 200	Constructivism as a Tool for Learning	2(2-0)
HDF 402	Guidance for Young Children	3(Spec)
SPE 585	Early Childhood Special Education	3(3-0)

Learning Courses II (3 hours)