Why are people so excited about UVM's Early Childhood Education Program?
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. Student teaching internships with our community partners provide the opportunity to work with young children and families, fully supported by dedicated faculty and mentor teachers.
Dual Certification/Endorsement and Multiple Minor Pathways
Students can choose to complete a Special Education minor or dual certification in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. We also offer minors in Education for Cultural and Linguistic Diversity (ECLD), Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS), and Coaching.
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
You can engage in unique and exciting CESS study abroad opportunities in England, Finland, France, Hawaii, and Portugal. UVM's Office of International Education provides a full range of support services to assist you.
CCV to UVM Pathway
We have partnered with the Community College of Vermont (CCV) to create a joint pathway for students interested in studying Early Childhood Education. This pathway allows CCV students to complete the Associate of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education. With an additional 60 credits taken at UVM, students will then complete their Bachelor of Science in Education. For more information, see CCV to UVM Pathway.
Graduate Study including Accelerated Master's Degree Programs (AMPs)
There are many opportunities to further your education at UVM. You can pursue our accelerated master's degree programs (AMP) in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or Counseling.
We also offer graduate programs in Curriculum and Instruction, Disability Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies, Higher Education and Student Affairs, 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 |
