The Early Childhood (EC) Graduate Program at the University of Michigan School of Education
The Early Childhood specialization prepares students for assuming leadership roles in curriculum, practice, research, and policy. Core courses will familiarize students with child development, particularly language acquisition, early literacy theory and practice, and state and federal policies that influence young children in the wide diversity of early childhood arrangements and programs. Through its cognates, students have opportunities to take courses in other key departments across the university, developing a deeper understanding of early childhood.
What does it mean to become a student in the Early Childhood specialization?
It means commitment to the understanding and fostering of successful development for young children from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, and ability levels. Our work takes place in homes, schools and community settings; and it is motivated by a commitment to understanding the dynamics of how families, cultures, and institutions can best foster children's early learning and development. We ask such key questions as:
- What is the nature of children's development from birth through the early school years?
- How do home, national, and community practices foster children's learning and success, and how do nations and cultures differ with respect to these practices? What happens when these processes do not work smoothly?
- What type of local, state and federal policies support early childhood education for low-income children? And how do nations and cultures differ in their fostering of development in early childhood?
Faculty and students in the Early Childhood (EC) specialization within the University of Michigan's School of Education are exploring questions like these in their efforts to improve the development and learning of young children, at home, at school, and in the community.
