Childhood Education

Program Overview

The Childhood Education Department prepares teacher candidates to be highly capable and ethically responsible teachers who have the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to teach and reach all students effectively in childhood education (grades 1-6). The program standards draw directly from the SoE's conceptual framework, New York State Teaching and Learning Standards, and the Association for Childhood Education International Standards. We embrace the fundamental belief that all students can and will learn and that learning is significantly enhanced when teachers understand and apply education theory and research to inform practice; multifaceted approaches to address the diverse learning needs of each student; and best educational practices to improve teaching and learning.

The Childhood Education major program qualifies a candidate for certification in grades 1-6 with a B.S. in Childhood Education. Teacher candidates who major in Childhood Education must also complete a second major in a liberal arts field. The second major may require candidates to complete more than the minimum 120 credits required for degree completion. Candidates are encouraged to see their advisors to determine the specific number of credits required for each major. The 49-credit Childhood major is structured within a block schedule. Courses in one block must be completed successfully before continuing to the next block level.