国家批准的“儿童发展与家庭关系”专业的早期儿童教育集中于培养专业人员以与0-8岁的儿童及其家庭一起工作。以此浓度毕业的学生将被推荐获得K-3认证，并且有资格向国家申请081（5岁出生的认可）。强调最新的研究和教学策略，幼儿教育与教育与人类发展学院的其他教师教育计划相结合。学生申请候选人资格并准备专业作品集，以证明他们具有州和国家标准的能力。幼儿教育与位于美林厅的凯瑟琳·迈尔斯·德斯特儿童发展学习中心紧密相连，该中心是有抱负的幼儿教师和专业人员的实验学校。候选人应聘者还参加学生的教学，有些学生在社区中有与课
The state-approved Early Childhood Education concentration in the Child Development and Family Relations major focuses on preparing professionals to work with children ages 0-8 and their families. Students graduating with this concentration will be recommended for K-3 certification and will be eligible to apply to the State for the 081 (birth-age 5 endorsement). Emphasizing the latest research and instructional strategies, Early Childhood Education is integrated with other teacher education programs in the College of Education and Human Development. Students apply for candidacy and prepare professional portfolios demonstrating competency in state and national standards. Early Childhood Education is closely affiliated with the Katherine Miles Durst Child Development Learning Center in Merrill Hall, which serves as a lab school for aspiring early childhood teachers and professionals. Teacher candidates also participate in student teaching and some students have community-based placements integrated with coursework. While Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education share common requirements, there are clear differences in the preparation. In ECE, the emphasis on child development beginning in infancy is foundational for teachers as they plan appropriate experiences for young children. Curriculum courses integrate all curriculum areas and address content within the context of inclusive education. Family involvement is integral to all early childhood classes.