“Children must have at least one person who believes in them. It could be you.”
(Marian Wright Edelman, President Emerita, Children’s Defense Fund)
A Nationally Ranked Program
The Bama by Distance program in early childhood education is ranked third in the
national top ten list of best online programs
(The Best Schools, 2020). The program has held similar rankings in previous years.
Accreditation
The Early Childhood Education (ECE) major is a teacher preparation program accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Notably, it was one of the first four-year ECE programs in the nation to receive NAEYC accreditation—demonstrating a longstanding commitment to excellence in early childhood teacher preparation.
Learning Opportunities
Students in the ECE major develop a strong foundation in child development while learning to apply developmentally appropriate practice (DAP)—a strengths-based, play-centered approach endorsed by NAEYC. Coursework prepares students to support learning and development across infant, toddler, and preschool settings.
Through engaging practicum and internship experiences, students gain hands-on experience in high-quality early learning environments, allowing them to connect theory to practice and build essential teaching skills.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the ECE program are well prepared for careers in a wide range of early childhood settings, including:
- Pre-K programs in public schools
- Private childcare centers
- Faith-based programs
- Community-based organizations
In addition to teaching, graduates may pursue roles such as:
- Early intervention specialists
- Case managers
- Non-profit professionals
- Curriculum specialists
Teaching Certification
Eligible students may apply for the Pre-Kindergarten: Birth to Age 4 Child Development Teaching Certificate through the Early Childhood Development (Birth through Age 4) Certificate Approach, which qualifies them to serve as classroom teachers in Alabama’s public Pre-K programs.
Distance Learning Options
The ECE major is also offered online through UA Online, providing flexibility without compromising quality. Degrees earned online are identical to those completed on the University of Alabama’s main campus.
Distance learners receive personalized academic advising from faculty in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies and have access to the same campus resources, including the UA Writing Center and UA Libraries.
Clinical Experiences and Partnerships
ECE students benefit from meaningful practicum and internship opportunities both on campus and in students’ local communities.
On-Campus Opportunities
Students may complete placements at:
These nationally respected programs serve young children with and without special needs. Students observe and engage in diverse classroom settings, gaining valuable experience in inclusive, high-quality early learning environments.
Community-Based Experiences
Distance learning students complete field experiences in their own communities, working with NAEYC-accredited and other high-quality programs that emphasize:
- Child-centered learning
- Relationship-based teaching
- Developmentally appropriate practices
Course content for distance learners also highlights exemplary practices from The Children’s Program and The RISE Center, ensuring all students benefit from these model programs.
Research and Resource Connections
The ECE major maintains strong partnerships with Child Development Resources (CDR) and the Judy Bonner Child Development Research Center (CDRC).
Within the CDRC, students can access:
- The Learning Center, a resource lending library for childcare providers and educators
- Materials and curriculum support for teaching
- CDR programs, such as BabyTALK and The Parenting Assistance Line
- The Capstone Family Therapy Clinic
- Faculty research labs and projects
These resources enrich student learning and provide valuable tools for professional growth in early childhood education.