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Early Childhood Development
Early Childhood Development Fundamentals
Early childhood professionals support development of young children, birth to age 5, through the design and implementation of appropriate lesson planning, according to the children’s needs.
- Core curriculum focuses on the appropriate practices that support young children in their development:
- physically
- socially
- emotionally
- cognitively
- culturally
- Program requires many hours observing children and participating in programs for children
- Associate degree program can be used as a “step up” to bachelor's degree in early childhood education program in the College of Education
- Option to earn Child Care Worker certificate available in addition to associate degree
Our Faculty
- are innovative and interactive
- use multimedia technology to enhance classroom learning
Akron Advantage
Hands-on Research
Students gain practical experience through observation and participation in UA's Center for Early Childhood Development and other centers in Akron and surrounding areas.
Real-world Experience
Gain professional experience through UA's optional cooperative education program or an internship. Participation gives you firsthand, on-the-job training in the field of your choice. Through co-op, you’ll alternate semesters of work and school while earning a competitive salary.
Education Student Organizations
Interact with other early childhood education students and professionals in the field through organizations such as:
- Student Association for the Education of Young Children
- Akron Council of Education Students
- Black Education Students
- American Society for Training and Development
- Student Council for Exceptional Children
Sample Curriculum
Associate Degree in Early Childhood Development
| First Year | Second Year |
||
| English | 4 | Teaching in the Early Childhood Center | 2 |
| Early Childhood Nutrition | 2 | Effective Oral Communication | 3 |
| Child Development | 3 | Organization and Supervision of Child Care Centers |
3 |
| Human Relations | 3 | Observing and Recording Children’s Behaviors |
3 |
| Foundations in Early Childhood Education | 3 | Early Childhood Center Lab | 2 |
| Multicultural Issues in Child Care | 3 | Special Education Program: Early Childhood |
3 |
| Math for Modern Technology or |
4 | Early Childhood Practicum | 5 |
| Math for Elementary School Teachers I | 3 | First Aid and CPR |
2 |
| Infant/Toddler Day Care Programs | 3 | Diversity in Early Childhood Literacy |
3 |
| Theory and Guidance of Play | 3 | Before and After School Care |
2 |
| Early Childhood Curr. Methods | 3 | Humanities Requirement |
3 |
| American Urban Society | 3 | Total |
31 |
| Total | 33-34 |
Child Care Worker Certificate
| Infant/Toddler Day Care Programs | 3 | Early Childhood Center Lab | 2 |
| Observing and Recording Children’s Behaviors |
3 | Child Development | 3 |
| Human Relations | 3 | Theory and Guidance of Play | 3 |
| Multicultural Issues in Child Care | 3 | Early Childhood Curr. Methods | 3 |
| Diversity in Early Childhood Literacy | 3 | Total | 28 |
| Teaching in the Early Childhood Center |
2 |
For More Information:
Request information from Undergraduate Admissions
Career Opportunities
Degrees and Preparation
A degree in early childhood development prepares you to work in a variety of environments, such as:
- child care settings as assistant teacher or head teacher
- Head Start program director
- community child care centers
- family home daycare centers
- various agencies
Career Outlook
Job opportunities for early childhood professionals are rapidly growing, due to the high percentage of women in the work force who have need for child care. Areas of the U.S. experiencing population growth, such as the South and West, have the greatest need.
Center for Career Management
Creates links among students, alumni and local professionals. You will have access to:
- Career Resource Library
- co-op/internships through Career Advantage Network
- computer stations for resume writing and employment research
- UA Career Fairs
The University of Akron
302 Buchtel Common. Akron, OH 44325
Phone: 330-972-7111
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