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

For more information see:

Early Childhood Education Major

History of the Early Childhood Education Major

Course Checklist

Early Childhood Education Internship Information

Early Childhood Education Program Outcome Data

Early Learning Collaboration

The B.S. Early Childhood Education degree program in The College of Human Environmental Sciences (CHES) at The University of Alabama is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (https://www.naeyc.org/) . The current accreditation term runs from July 2024 through December 2026.