幼儿计划的愿景是参与和鼓励终身学习，并培养提倡并在幼儿保育和教育中创造优质幼儿经验的教师，研究人员和领导人。幼儿教育博士学位课程将培养幼儿领域的学者和领导者。该计划以东田纳西州立大学克莱姆默学院的概念框架和美国全国幼儿教育协会（NAEYC）的原则为指导。
The Early Childhood Education Department believes that students and faculty are reflective partners actively engaged in a continual learning process to gain the knowledge, skills and dispositions to be teachers, researchers, professionals and leaders in early care and education. Students and Faculty: Engage in innovative and effective learning experiences that positively impact their lives as well as children, families and the global community. Advocate for the early care and education profession. Demonstrate excellence in early care and education through the understanding and application of theory, research and practice in a variety of real-world settings. Appreciate the uniqueness of each individual when preparing the teaching and learning environment. Honor the culture and diversity of ALL children and families within a changing global and technological society.<br><br>Credits - 69