Programs Preparing Early Childhood Educators

Our early childhood program will prepare you to work with children from birth to age eight and to play a key role during the formative years in determining their future.  Interdisciplinary in both content and process, coursework and field experiences prepare our students to have a deep understanding and strong foundation of early childhood development in the areas of language, cognitive, social emotional, and physical development. Throughout the program, they explore current research on early childhood curriculum in the areas of literacy, science, mathematics, and social studies, and they gain a deep understanding of these subjects they teach and the skills and understanding of teaching, learning, and development needed to help all children develop to their fullest potential. They gain a strong understanding of how children develop within the context of a family, community, and society and what impact this has on development, as well as an in-depth analysis of human development during the early childhood years. These experiences prepare dedicated, creative, and motivated teachers who are capable of supporting the learning and growth of young children at whatever rate they are developing.

Our graduates are critically reflective practitioners who understand children and their needs, and they have the ability and interest to see beyond themselves to delve into a young child’s world. They are compassionate teachers who help children make sense of the world around them and support them when they make mistakes. And, they develop meaningful relationships with children’s families and support their learning as well.

At the heart of our work in early childhood education is a commitment to social justice and equity. Our graduates lead efforts to advocate for full inclusion of all students in heterogeneous learning environments that value diversity and maintain high expectations based on students’ individual strengths, needs, and interests.

A more flexible 30-credit master’s program not leading to NYS certification, for those interested in teaching young children in learning environments other than NYS public K-12 schools. These could include: independent, private or charter schools and preschools; community colleges; professional or technical schools; colleges and universities outside of the United States; or a variety of other, more informal settings.

Check program-specific requirements for our MS in Early Childhood Education (GA1).

If you are more interested in working with very young children in capacities other than a teacher.

Check program-specific requirements for our MS in Human Development (with Specialization in Early Childhood) (HD5).

Warner offers both EdD and PhD programs that can be customized to include a focus on early childhood education, by:

• Choosing early childhood education courses for program core choices and electives.
• Constructing independent studies and projects in research methods courses related to early childhood education.
• Conducting a dissertation project in the field of early childhood education, sponsored by a faculty member with expertise in early childhood education research and practice.

Learn more about our doctoral programs in teaching and doctoral programs in human development.

While Warner offers teacher preparation programs only at the graduate level, interested undergraduate students can achieve early admission to Warner and start taking courses to get a significant jump on their degree. Contact admissions for more information.

If you are a high school student looking for colleges that will allow you to become a NYS certified teacher in five years, while also completing a rigorous liberal arts undergraduate major, you should consider our GRADE program. Offered by Warner in partnership with the University of Rochester's College of Arts, Sciences and Engineering, this program allows undergraduate applicants to be directly admitted to graduate studies at the Warner School. This provides them the opportunity to anticipate some of their graduate coursework and engage in experiences that can help them decide if teaching is indeed for them. For more information, visit the GRADE Program page on the UR Undergraduate Admissions website.