Early Childhood Education Major
Why Study Early Childhood Education?
The Early Childhood Education major teaches the tools needed to help a young child establish an educational foundation for the rest of their lives. The first five years of a person’s life are pivotal to their long-term development. As an early childhood educator, you can contribute to a child’s most significant period of cognitive, social and emotional development. Teaching candidates spend more than 600 hours in classrooms. Additional teaching endorsements available in special ed, health, music, art and world languages. Your skills will always be in demand and your expertise will truly make the difference in the life of a child.
Why Study Early Childhood Education at Eastern?
Eastern graduates the greatest number of Early Childhood majors in Connecticut. Early Childhood students become communities of learners as they prepare to become future teachers in a cohort model. Faculty members and teacher candidates are active participants in the nationally renowned Center for Early Childhood Education and the nationally accredited model preschool Child and Family Development Resource Center, and as partners in regional schools throughout eastern Connecticut. Teaching candidates spend more than 600 hours in classrooms. Additional teaching endorsements available in special ed, health, music, art and world languages. Graduates can earn their advanced master’s degree in Education at Eastern with one additional year of study.
Salary Potential
Median salary
Elementary School Teachers
* U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Hands-on Learning
Undergraduate Research
Students serve as assistants on research projects through the Center for Early Childhood Education. They use sophisticated recording technology to observe, record and interpret preschoolers' behavior to enhance teaching methods. They also attend national conferences to present their research with faculty mentors.
Student Teaching
Early Childhood Education majors complete part of their clinical experience at the on-campus Child and Family Development Resource Center, working closely with pre-school children and professional staff.
Education Club
The Education Club sponsors activities and events to inform students about careers in education while providing members with professional development opportunities in the field of education.
Eastern Aspiring Educators
Faculty Spotlight
Sudha Swaminathan
Professor and Director, Center for Early Childhood Education
“Seeing my students comfortable and confident in talking about their research, showcasing their capacity for reasoning and critical thinking, never fails to inspire and impress me. Those are the best moments.”
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Kwangwon Lee
Assistant Professor
“Through my course in Play and Development, I get the opportunity to see our candidates begin the journey of developing their teaching philosophy and competencies.”
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Career Options
Students who pursue undergraduate degrees in Early Childhood Education can have rewarding and successful careers in a variety of positions, including:
- Preschool Teacher
- Kindergarten Teacher
- First, Second and Third-Grade Teacher
- Childcare Provider
- Childcare Center Director
- Special Education Teacher (Preschool/Kindergarten)
Successful Alumni
Graduates of Eastern’s Early Childhood Education program are teachers and leaders in many of Connecticut’s schools. In recent years, more than half of graduates have secured early childhood education positions shortly after completing the program. Other graduates serve as reading consultants, technology coordinators and mentor teachers.
Alumni Testimonials
Teacher
Alyssa Zebrowski ’15
Early Childhood Education and English double-major Alyssa Zebrowski recently earned a master’s degree in bilingual/multicultural education and now works with young English language learners in Stamford. “Eastern’s early childhood education program fully prepared me to be a classroom teacher right out of college. The unique research experiences I had as an undergraduate have given me an alternative perspective to teaching that I use each day.”
MedOptions
Kristin Hambidge ’07
Psychology major Kristin Hambidge is a psychologist at MedOptions and the University of Connecticut. “At Eastern, I completed an internship at a local psychiatric hospital, which was my first experience providing direct clinical services for those with mental health concerns. Eastern’s psychology faculty always made me feel welcome and supported in my academic and professional endeavors.”
Dual Language Researcher
Abigail Bourdon ’22
Abigail’s research on the play of dual language preschoolers was published in a peer-reviewed journal. “I am lucky to not only have learned throughout the experience, but also grateful to have expanded the field of education. Having the opportunity to participate in research was one of the best parts of Eastern and it confirmed my passion to continue to teach and learn about children’s development.”
Special Education Teacher
Stefanie Dominguez ’18
While at Eastern, Stefanie’s research on the socialization of dual language preschoolers was published in the Early Childhood Education Journal and she presented her findings at a national conference. “The ability for students to perform undergraduate research at Eastern helps them form stronger relationships with professors outside of a typical classroom setting and provides them with opportunities to travel and share their knowledge with others in their field.”
Dream Charter School
Chamari Davis ’14
Early Childhood Education and Sociology double-major Chamari Davis is a second-grade teacher at the IDEAL School of Manhattan. “Eastern’s education program provided me the opportunity to gain experience in different classrooms throughout Connecticut. I was able to develop my own teaching philosophy and put theory into practice.”
Newington Public Schools
Kimberly Depaolis ’15
Early Childhood Education and Psychology double-major Kimberly Depaolis is a third-grade teacher at Newington Public Schools. “I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher and help learners grow into empathetic human beings. Through a wide range of fieldwork experiences and the opportunity to work closely with professors, I became the teacher I am today!”
Wallingford Public Schools
Jennifer Wolff ’12
Early Childhood Education and Sociology double-major Jennifer Wolff teaches at Cook Hill Elementary School in Wallingford. “I transferred to Eastern after discovering the phenomenal opportunities available in the Center for Early Childhood Education. I was involved in many research projects and gained priceless experience in the field of education.”
