"I benefitted from individualized feedback, attentive supervision, and personalized support from program faculty and community mentors. They have been instrumental pieces of my success, and each taught me valuable lessons about being a great educator that I will carry with me for years to come." - Maia Hendrickson ‘21
Early Childhood Education is a growing field, with a dramatic increase in public support and dynamic research opportunities. Teaching in Early Childhood feels like a journey full of discovery, laughter and fond memories. Our program features innovative coursework and hands-on learning founded on research-based practices, sustainability, inclusion, and social justice.
Multiple Field Placements and Student Teaching Experience
With our signature "early and often" approach, field experiences begin in the first year. Service-learning, practicums, and student teaching internships with our community partners provide the opportunity to work in a variety of inclusive learning settings with young children and families, fully supported by dedicated faculty and experienced mentor teachers.
Dual Licensure and Multiple Minor Pathways
Students can choose to complete minors in Special Education, Education for Cultural and Linguistic Diversity, Human Development and Family Science, Coaching, or other options.
Prepare to Teach Anywhere
Our nationally accredited program enjoys reciprocity with many other states and provinces, so you will be prepared to teach almost anywhere. See our Licensure page for more information.
Global Study Abroad Opportunities
Explore and engage with other cultures through exciting CESS study abroad opportunities in Italy, New Zealand, Portugal (Azores Islands), and other countries around the world. UVM's Office of International Education provides a full range of support services to assist you.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
- Vermont Teacher Forgivable Loan Program
- Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for Vermont’s for full-time educators who earned their early childhood education degree.
- UVM Financial Aid & Scholarships
CCV to UVM Pathway
Our partnership with the Community College of Vermont (CCV) provides a joint pathway for students interested in studying Early Childhood Education. This pathway guarantees qualified CCV students junior status at the time they transfer to UVM. Students considering the 2+2 program should work closely with their CCV academic coordinator. See the CCV to UVM Pathway for more information.
Graduate Study and Accelerated Master's Degree Pathways (AMPs)
There are many opportunities to further your education at UVM. You can pursue our accelerated master's degree programs (AMP) in Special Education or Educational Leadership and Policy Studies.
We also offer graduate programs in Curriculum and Instruction, Disability Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies, Higher Education and Student Affairs, Counseling, and Social Work.
Major Requirements
Sample 4-Year Plan
| FIRST YEAR | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| EDEC 001: SL: Intro to Early Care and Education | 4 | EDEC 122: Culturally Responsive Education | 3 |
| EDSP 005: D2: Issues Affecting Persons with Disabilities | 3 | HDFS 060: Family Context of Development | 3 |
| ENGS 001: Written Expression | 3 | ECLD 056: D1: Language Policy Issues, Race and School | 3 |
| MATH 015: QR: Elementary School Math | 3 | ECSP 105: Individualized Practice for Inclusion | 3 |
| Learning Community Course (LC) (ex. COMU 001) | 1 - 3 | MATH 016: QR: Fundamental Concepts of Elementary School Math | 3 |
| Semester Total: | 14 - 16 | Semester Total: | 15 |
| SECOND YEAR | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| EDEC 105: Infant/ Toddler Curriculum Development | 3 | EDEC 145: Preschool Curriculum Development | 3 |
| EDEC 109: Infant/ Toddler Practicum | 4 | EDEC 149: Preschool Practicum | 4 |
| EDEL 159: Integrating the Arts | 3 | EDTE 074: SU: Science of Sustainability | 3 |
| EDEC 063: Child Development | 3 | ENGS 022: Seminar in British Literature II | 3 |
| BIOL 003: Human Biology | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Semester Total: | 16 | Semester Total: | 16 |
| THIRD YEAR | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| EDEC 156: K-3 STEM: Math for Meaning | 3 | ASL 001: American Sign Language 1 | 4 |
| EDEC 181: K-3 Inquiry | 3 | MATH 017: QR: Applications of Finite Math | 3 |
| EDEC 182: K-3 Literacy | 3 | HST 011: US History to 1865 | 3 |
| EDEC 179: K-3 Interdisciplinary Practicum | 6 | Electives | 6 |
| Semester Total: | 15 | Semester Total: | 16 |
| FOURTH YEAR | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| POLS 021: American Political System | 3 | EDEC 187: Early Childhood Student Teaching | 12 |
| NFS 043: Fundamentals of Nutrition | 3 | EDEC 188: Student Teaching Seminar | 3 |
| SOC 001: SU: Introduction to Sociology | 3 | ||
| Electives | 6 | ||
| Semester Total: | 15 | Semester Total: | 15 |
