Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood Special Education

Helping young children reach their potential UD's Early Childhood Education major prepares students to help young children--with and without special need--to reach their full potential. Graduates can teach in public and private schools and child care programs, become early interventionists and advocates, or work for community service agencies. Our coursework focuses on child development--teaching students how to identify appropriate instructional strategies and materials that meet each child's social, cognitive, and physical characteristics. Early childhood education students gain real-world experience, on our children's campus and in community agencies and schools, working with young children from diverse backgrounds and with special needs. Our graduates emerge well-prepared professionals, eligible for teaching certification in two areas–Early Childhood Education (birth – 2nd grade) and Early Childhood Special Education. Because the program is recognized by the National Association for the Education of Young Children as a blended Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education program (one of very few in the country), graduates are eligible for teaching certification in all 50 states. To help further their career, students can enroll in one of our 4+1 programs, leading to a bachelor's/master's degree in just five years.

• Teacher in public/private school or Early Head Start program
• Early Care Program director
• Parent Education Specialist
• Early Interventionist

Simply submit your application using the UD Online Application and complete the checklist below. We release admission decisions on a rolling basis, which means the sooner you apply, the sooner you’ll know whether the University of Delaware could be part of your future.