Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Early Childhood Development and Learning

Early Childhood Development and Learning is a field of study that examines the growth and development of children birth through age eight, within the context of teaching and working with children in educational and social settings. The courses on this major meet the course work requirements for early childhood education and preschool teaching by the Michigan Department of Education and the training guidelines of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). This major is especially appropriate for students who plan on working in early childhood settings such as K-3 elementary classrooms, child care centers, preschools, Head Start and Early Head Start programs. Students who complete this major may take the Michigan Early Childhood Examination. Successful completion of this examination results in the addition of the Early Childhood (ZS) Endorsement to the student's teaching certificate. The ZS Endorsement is required for employment in Michigan Public School Preschool Programs. Completion of this major requires that students also complete Option 2: Comprehensive Major - Child Development on the BS in Ed degree.