This specialization provides advanced study in early childhood education, a field that has an enormous impact on children, families and society. Students may complete a master's degree, or a teaching license in early childhood education (PK-3), or both. It includes University and field-based experiences that focus on the development and education of children from ages three to eight, including typically developing children and those with mild and moderate disabilities. While primarily intended to meet the professional development needs of practicing early childhood educators, a qualified applicant who possesses a baccalaureate degree in another teaching field or related discipline may apply required coursework toward a resident educator license in early childhood. Built around a common College Core, specialized course work in early childhood education is integrated with required offerings in educational research, social foundations, and human development as outlined below. Taken as a whole, the curriculum focuses on the development of teaching and learning practices associated with high-quality early childhood education for young children representing diverse cultures and abilities. These practices respect all children and provide them with equal opportunity to develop and learn emotionally, socially, physically, and intellectually.<br>(A minimum of 30 credits total plus exit requirement)