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

B.S. in Education, Standard Elementary Certificate

This major is also offered via Global Campus.

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 community settings. The courses on this major 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 major is especially appropriate for students who plan on working in early childhood settings such as PK-3 elementary classrooms, child care centers, preschools, Head Start, Early Head Start, and early childhood special education programs.

Students who complete this major 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.  

Admission Requirements, Retention & Termination Standards

1. A minimum 2.7 GPA (B-) must be earned in all teaching majors.
2. A minimum 2.5 GPA and completion of (or enrollment in) one of the following courses (HDF 100, EDU 280, or PSY 220) are required to declare this major.
3. Student must receive a grade of C+ or better in HDF 302, HDF 303, and HDF 402 in order to graduate with this major.
4. HDF 402 is a departmental methods course and must be completed with a grade of C+ or better before student teaching.
5. 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

Required Courses I (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)

Required Courses II - Development and Family (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)

Required Courses III - Learning (17 hours)

EDU 525	Early Childhood Education	3(3-0)
HDF 200	Constructivism as a Tool for Learning	2(2-0)
HDF 402	Guidance for Young Children	3(Spec)
HDF 403	Best Practices in Early Childhood Settings	3(3-0)
HDF 508	Early Childhood Program Administration and Leadership	3(3-0)
SPE 585	Early Childhood Special Education	3(3-0)

Total: 35 semester hours