Early Childhood Education
Early childhood teachers have the opportunity to shape young lives. Be the teacher who ignites a lifelong love of learning.
Make An Impact
Early childhood – typically defined in Virginia as preschool through about 3rd grade – is a critical time for child development. Not only are students learning a multitude of academic skills, like reading and mathematics, they're also adjusting to classroom dynamics and practicing important socio-emotional skills that they will need for the rest of their lives. By studying early childhood education at the School of Education and Human Development, you'll learn the specific skills you need to guide and support young children in the classroom and set them on the path to lifelong learning.
““Young students need a consistent trajectory of educational experiences that builds on the preceding years—and informs what follows.”
– Dean Bob Pianta
Careers
As emerging research continues to confirm the importance of brain development in young children, early childhood educators are in increasingly high demand.
Teaching offers more than an enriching and fulfilling career – it also offers stability. US News reports that over 116,000 new elementary education jobs will be added to the market by 2022. Fortunately, the School of Education and Human Development teacher education graduates enjoy a 100% job placement rate. Our teaching graduates have also become instructional coordinators or curriculum specialists, gone into government to improve educational policy, pursued careers in academia and research, and joined museums.
Degrees and Course Series
Choosing the right degree or course series is critical to supporting your ultimate career goals. Let us help guide you through your choices.
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BSED - Early Childhood Education
Learn MoreThe School of Education and Human Development's new four-year bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education offers a more affordable pathway to becoming a teacher in Virginia. Our top-ranked early childhood program combines in-depth instruction on principles of teaching and learning with significant time spent in real classrooms applying your knowledge. In four years, you'll earn your teaching license and graduate prepared to lead your own Prek-3rd grade classroom.
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Early Childhood Course Series
Learn MoreThe Early Childhood online course series provides professional development for individuals seeking to learn more about early childhood education and ways to have an impact on our youngest learners. These open enrollment courses are beneficial for individuals who wish to work with young children across settings.
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BIS - Early Childhood Concentration
Learn MoreOffered at UVA's School of Continuing and Professional Studies in partnership with the School of Education and Human Development, the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in early childhood is designed to provide new educational and employment opportunities for adult learners seeking to complete their undergraduate degree with a liberal arts education and a professional focus in early childhood. Courses, all offered online, develop students’ foundational knowledge and skills in early childhood. This degree does not lead to licensure, but it will prepare you to fill a variety of in-demand roles in childcare, pre-school, education administration, and child, family, and school services.
News & Media
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Related Faculty
Julia Jackson Cohen Associate Professor of Education
Lysandra Cook Associate Professor of Education
Colby Hall Assistant Professor of Education
Latisha Hayes Associate Professor of Education, Director, McGuffey Reading Center
Jennifer LoCasale-Crouch Research Associate Professor
Judy Paulick Assistant Professor of Education
Stephen P. Plaskon Associate Professor of Education, Executive Producer of Documentary Film "Monroe Hill"
Robert H. Tai Associate Professor of Education