The Early Childhood & Childhood Education program is a four-year Bachelor of Science program that prepares students for careers as teachers of children from birth through grade six. Graduates of the program are qualified to receive dual certification, i.e., teaching certification in both Early Childhood Education (birth through grade two) and Childhood Education (grades one through six). To obtain these certifications, students must complete the program, including all New York State-mandated training workshops, and pass ALL required New York State Teacher Certification Examinations.<br><br>Teacher candidates learn the skills required to work effectively with children from different backgrounds and in different settings, including developmentally appropriate teaching practices and curriculum planning. A thorough grounding in child development is part of the program, as is an understanding of a balanced approach to teaching literacy. The program further emphasizes a mastery of mathematics, social studies, and science appropriate to the elementary school years. Throughout the curriculum, we promote an interdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning in the elementary classroom. This is a rigorous program that requires extensive field experiences in sites chosen for their appropriateness by the Student Teaching Coordinator. Candidates are responsible for their own transportation to field sites and cannot expect to have sites close to the New Paltz campus or their homes. All efforts are made to find sites within one hour of the New Paltz campus.