The Early Child Development prepares students to work directly with or for the benefit of children age 6 and younger. Students interested in this area of study will gain knowledge of early childhood development, professional child care, and educational programs for young children as well as skills for working with children who are in the preschool years. Specifically, students will learn how to understand, guide and teach young children, and they will gain experience to prepare for careers in early childhood settings, such as childcare centers, preschools, or Head Start classrooms, administration of early childhood programs, daycare licensing, training and consulting. Daycarebased internships must be in programs that are accredited or in the process of accreditation through NAEYC, NAC, NECPA or similar organizations.