Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood Education
For more than a century, the University of Northern Iowa has educated teachers of young children. Because of their preparation and dedication, these teachers have assumed leadership roles in the education field. Today, the early childhood education program, based in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, continues to prepare its graduates to assume leadership roles in education in Iowa, the United States and in countries throughout the world.
Our early childhood education majors engage in a blended curriculum that features both regular education and special education for early childhood, called the Unified Program. Teaching positions in this field include the following: infant and toddler teacher, early interventionist, public or private inclusive preschool, kindergarten and primary teacher, and early childhood special education teacher. Other careers that early childhood education graduates choose are those of child-care director, resource and referred consultants, and early childhood coordinator of programs for young children.
The undergraduate sequence of courses in early childhood education is based on an understanding of the development of young children who are typically developing and those with exceptionalities, working with children and families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and promoting meaningful participation in inclusive classrooms. The program of study is a planned series of academic courses in conjunction with practical experiences with young children and families in diverse programs in the Cedar Valley.
TRANSFER TIP
Remember, an instructional technology minor can go with any major!
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
![]() Multiple hands-on teaching opportunities Beginning in their second year, students observe master teachers and participate in classrooms with children of diverse backgrounds and abilities in highly regarded early childhood programs including the UNI Child Development Center for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. As students progress through the program they gain experience teaching children with disabilities and dual language learners. |
![]() Hands-on learning and classroom experiences Students have a variety of opportunities to gain the knowledge, skills and professional attitudes to become outstanding teachers, including:
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![]() Excellence in leadership Students are encouraged to participate in the UNI Student Elementary and Early Childhood Association (SEECA) to gain leadership experiences. Faculty members provided strong leadership in developing and revising Iowa's licensing requirements for early childhood education. The division also sponsored statewide Early Childhood Education Summits for educators in two- and four-year institutions and others involved in Iowa's statewide voluntary preschool programs. |
CAREERS
COMMON CAREER AREAS
Teacher
FIND OUT MORE
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