The University of Mobile’s School of Education emphasizes field-based experiences along with the methodology that is important for teaching young children. You will learn the developmental characteristics of young children, their learning styles, and classroom experiences that are appropriate for early childhood programs.

A major in Early Childhood Education allows you to provide innovative educational programs for young children. Leadership roles in organizations such as Student Leaders Association of Teacher Educators (SLATE), University of Mobile Reading Council, and the Upsilon Chi Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi that recognizes outstanding students preparing to enter the teaching field are available to you.

A major in Early Childhood Education requires, in addition to the general preparation sequence from liberal arts, sixteen courses (48 semester hours) in teacher education, nine semester hours in student teaching, and nine semester hours in approved electives (Catalog Course Requirements). Additionally, students are required to complete a comprehensive exit examination. You may take two additional courses and receive degrees in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education. This combination enables you to be certified to teach age three through grade six.

• A degree in Early Childhood Education enables you to be certified to teach children age three through grade three. Many states require Early Childhood Certification to teach kindergarten. • Programs for four-year-old children are increasingly available in public schools. • Directing or teaching in private day care centers is a further option.