Early Childhood Development and Learning Major, B.A., B.A.A., B.S.

B.A. degree; B.S. degree; B.A.A. degree

Major Map

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	Lifespan Developmental Psychology	3(3-0)

Development and Family Courses (13 hours)

HDF 302	Infant and Toddler Development	3(Spec)
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)

Note: You may only count one of HDF 400 or HDF 401QR.

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)
HDF 110	Oppression Past & Present: Impacts on Human Development and Families	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	Personal and Family Finance	3(3-0)
HDF 247	Introduction to Gerontology	3(3-0)
HDF 308	What's Your Lens? 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
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)
TEL 301	Teaching Multilingual Learners: Grades PK-6	3(3-0)

Capstone (6 hours)

HDF 409

Lead Teaching Methods in Early Childhood (Science and Social Studies)

6(Spec)

Bulletins