This program area supports learning about young children from birth to age 8. Our students learn about the unique learning and development needs of children as they progress through many of the most important periods of brain development, social learning, and physical growth.

Program Overview

This program is perfect for students who work with children from birth to age 8 who work in a classroom, child care center, hospital, museum or other community business that involves the care of young children or the management of adults caring for young children.  This program seeks to develop advocates for equitable practices in the profession and leaders who desire to transform the lives of the children and adults they serve.

Students will expand their knowledge about culturally and linguistically responsive environments involving the whole child through play-based learning. Students will critically analyze discourse to develop an understanding of multiple perspectives, including: 

• How children learn
• Implementing culturally-responsive teaching
• How to create responsive, inclusive play-based learning environments and natural play spaces for children, families and the community
• Human development
• Observation and reflection, and the preparation of pedagogical documentation by children, families and the community
• Advocacy and leadership in early childhood education
• The importance of collaborating with relevant community agencies
• How ministry and government legislation and guidelines inform practice.