Type of Degree

B.S.Ed.

School or College

College of Education and Social Services

Area of Study

Education and community

Program Format

On-campus, Full-time

Credit hours to graduate

120 credits

“Being there to provide that wraparound support for young children and families during some of the most transformative years of their lives is what makes early childhood education so special." – Sarah Bassett '23

Program Overview

A Journey of Discovery, Laughter, and Fond Memories

Enter a growing professional field with a dramatic increase in financial support and dynamic research opportunities. With a focus on equitable and just education, we will prepare you to become an outstanding professional with the skills to change lives and improve society.

Student teacher engages with a young child during outdoor exploration time.

Learn By Doing: Gain Experience and Community Connections

Field placements begin in the first year and continue throughout your time in the program. Engage in service-learning, practicums and teaching internships in a variety of inclusive learning settings with young children and families – fully supported by our dedicated faculty and experienced mentor teachers.

Ella McCarthy in her school internship placement classroom.

"The Early Childhood Education Program puts a strong emphasis on family-centered learning. Professors and mentor teachers have made this experience the most fulfilling journey. They all truly want to prepare us for life in the field and honor who we are as individuals." – Ella McCarthy, VTAEYC Early Child Education Student of the Year

Giving Back to the Community

Commitment to Your Success

Student teacher works with two students during internship in a preschool.

Your success is our highest priority. Throughout your time with us, you'll enjoy ongoing mentoring and support from your advisor, award-winning faculty, and our student services team. You will also develop close and enduring connections with classmates in your cohort and mentor teachers in the field. 

Meet Our Faculty

Dual Licensure, Minors and Certificate Pathways

National Accreditation and Teaching Licensure

Our graduates find career success in Vermont and around the country. UVM's nationally accredited teacher education programs lead to an endorsement for Vermont licensure that can be used to acquire a license in all states, though the pathway may differ based on the state where you are seeking licensure.

Student teacher works with a toddler in preschool classroom.

Research Opportunities

Our nationally recognized faculty engage in research on evidence-informed practices that shape our innovative curriculum and teaching methods. Some students get involved with faculty-led research, while others pursue independent study projects. 

Explore the World

Three students smiling in the sunshine in the Azores Islands of Portugal with the ocean in the background.

Engage, learn and share with other cultures through study abroad options in Costa Rica, France, New Zealand, Portugal (Azores Islands), and other countries around the world. UVM's Office of International Education provides a full range of resources and support to help guide you.

Study Abroad Opportunities

Funding Your Degree

Explore the variety of generous financial assistance opportunities to fund your degree in early childhood education:

Sandra King with faculty member Jen Hurley and another student smile at the line up for Commencement.

Accelerated Master's Degree Pathways (AMPs)

Save time and money on the way to an advanced degree and higher earning potential when you enter the field. Explore Accelerated Master's Pathways to earn both your bachelor's and master's degrees in just five years.

CCV to UVM 2+2 Pathway

Our partnership with the Community College of Vermont (CCV) provides a joint pathway allowing qualified CCV students to transfer to UVM with junior status in the Early Childhood Education Program. Learn more about the CCV to UVM Pathway

2+2 success story: Sophie Decker '23

Admissions

Apply, Visit, or Request Information

Contact Us

Reach out to our Student Services Office. We would love to hear from you!

Degree Requirements

Success After Graduation

  • 98% of graduates in the College of Education and Social Services were employed or continuing their education 6 months after graduating
  • 94.5% of grads were satisfied or very satisfied with their full-time position.
  • 98.5% of grads said their field of employment is somewhat or closely related to their career goals.