Early Childhood Development and Learning Major, B.A., B.A.A., B.S.
B.A. degree; B.S. degree; B.A.A. degree
This major is also offered via Global Campus/CMU Online.
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 in 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 non-elementary school early childhood settings such as childcare centers, preschools, Head Start and Early Head Start programs. Students interested in the teaching of young children within the elementary school setting and in early childhood special education should refer to the Teaching Early Childhood majors on the B.S. in Education degree.
Admission Requirements, Retention & Termination Standards
- Student must have completed or currently be enrolled in HDF 100 or PSY 220 and must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 in order to declare a major.
- Student must have a minimum program GPA of 2.7 in order to graduate with this major.
- Student must receive a grade of C+ or better in HDF 302, HDF 303, HDF 402, HDF 403, and HDF 409 in order to graduate with this major.
Program Requirements
Required Courses (3 hours)
Select one of the following:
| HDF 100 | Lifespan Development | 3(3-0) |
| PSY 220 | Developmental Psychology | 3(3-0) |
Development and Family Courses (13 hours)
| HDF 302 | Infant and Toddler Development | 3(3-0) |
| HDF 303 | Early Childhood Development | 4(Spec) |
| HDF 309 | Family and Community Partnerships in Early Childhood | 3(3-0) |
| HDF 400 | Developmental Assessment of Children | 3(3-0) |
| HDF 401QR | Quantitative Methods in Childhood Assessment | 3(3-0) |
Learning Courses (16 hours)
| HDF 200 | Constructivism as a Tool for Learning | 2(2-0) |
| HDF 301 | Infant Toddler Practicum Experience | 1-3(Spec) |
| 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) |
Trends and International Applications Courses (3 hours)
Select one of the following in consultation with advisor:
| CSD 230 | Introduction to Speech, Language, and Hearing Disabilities/Differences | 3(3-0) |
| EDU 335 | Early Literacy | 3(3-0) |
| ENG 370 | Teaching English Learners: Grades PK-6 | 3(3-0) |
| HDF 110 | Oppression: Roots and Impact on Human Development in the United States | 3(3-0) |
| HDF 205 | Teaching and Learning about Race in Early Childhood | 3(3-0) |
| HDF 213/WGS 213 | Introduction to Human Sexuality | 3(3-0) |
| HDF 214QR | Consumer Economics | 3(3-0) |
| HDF 247 | Introduction to Gerontology | 3(3-0) |
| HDF 308 | Theories of Child and Adolescent Development | 3(3-0) |
| HDF 320 | HDFS International Service Learning | 3-6(Spec) |
| HDF 321 | International Reggio-Inspired Early Childhood Learning | 3(Spec) |
| HDF 360 | Integration of Content in Early Childhood through Play | 4(Spec) |
| HDF 397 | Special Topics in Human Development and Family Studies | 1-6(Spec) |
| HDF 490 | Independent Study in Human Development and Family Studies | 1-6(Spec) |
| HDF 497 | Special Topics in Human Development and Family Studies | 1-15(Spec) |
| HDF 505 | Early Childhood Mental Health | 3(3-0) |
| HDF 510 | Child Development Seminar: Promoting Resilience | 3(3-0) |
| HDF 597 | Special Topics in Human Development and Family Studies | 1-15(Spec) |
| NDS 378 | Maternal and Infant Nutrition | 3(3-0) |
Capstone (6 hours)
| HDF 409 | Lead Teaching Methods in Early Childhood (Science and Social Studies) | 6(Spec) |
Total: 41 semester hours