Early Childhood Education, BS

University of Alabama

The early childhood education (ECE) major prepares graduates to work with a diverse population of young children and families using research-based, developmentally appropriate educational practices. The ECE major is a teacher preparation program accredited by The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), with curricular emphasis on the years spanning birth to age five. Experiential learning activities, assessments, and classroom practicum experiences with children in birth to pre-K settings are provided for all students. The knowledge and skills that ECE students learn help prepare them to teach in a variety of early learning programs, such as programs that use emergent curriculum, Pre-K programs housed in public schools, private childcare programs, faith-based programs, community-based programs, and others. Students also are prepared for non-teaching careers as early interventionists, case managers, employees for non-profit organizations, and curriculum specialists. Eligible students may also apply for teacher certification (Birth to PreK Child Development Certificate) to work in public Pre-K classrooms in Alabama. This major has a one-semester internship requirement.

College of Human Environmental Sciences