Early Childhood Education
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
Overview, Description and Purpose of Program
The Early Childhood program at SUNY Fredonia prepares graduates to work with
children ages 0-8 years. Graduates become certified in New York State to
teach children from Birth-Grade 2.
The Early Childhood program prepares candidates to understand the specific
nature of the unique education needs of young children, how young children
learn and develop and how that differs from older children. They are
prepared to link and apply knowledge of child development content and teaching
strategies to match young children’s ways of learning. Our program
prepares candidates to fully understand and to support the importance of
children’s earliest experiences in setting the foundation for their future
success in schools.
Graduates from our program...
- are working with young children in a variety of settings including public school primary grades, kindergartens, pre-kindergartens, private elementary schools, charter schools, child care centers, Head Start classrooms, and special education.
- are employed through the region and across the nation.
- are becoming leaders in the field through their association with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (at the local, state and national levels) including presenting at national and regional conferences.
Advising Form
Admission and Program Requirements