Early Childhood Education Programs in Vermont

Early childhood education is vital to preparing young children for school and there are high quality accredited degree programs in Vermont. Early childhood education professionals provide a positive impact on the lives of young children and give them a head start toward a bright educational experience. Vermont is a huge advocate for early childhood education and it has developed the Vermont Early Learning Standards to guide educators and establish effective strategies to building a strong foundation for children birth through 3rd grade. Highlighted below are the high quality early childhood education programs in the state that effectively prepare future early childhood education professionals.

The University of Vermont

Department of Education

The Department of Education at the University of Vermont is committed to effectively preparing future professional educators to make a significant impact on lives of children, their families, and the surrounding community. The department offers accredited degree programs in Vermont in teacher education, educational studies, school leadership, reading and language arts, curriculum and instruction, and special education. The undergraduate and graduate programs feature student-centered, collaborative learning, hands-on experiences, and innovative research. The knowledgeable and compassionate faculty members work diligently to provide students with the an inclusive, holistic, and fulfilling educational experience. The U.S. News and World Report ranks the University of Vermont number 84 in its Best Education Schools publication.

Early Childhood Education, Birth-Grade 3, B.S. in Education with Teaching Licensure

The early childhood education program features cutting-edge coursework and hands-on learning opportunities established on inclusion, sustainability, social justice, and research-based practices. The learning environment is rigorous, yet supportive to help students effectively develop the essential knowledge, skills, and perspectives to work with children, families, and co-professionals in an array of classroom and community-based settings. The program features a unique “early and often” method that enables students to begin their field experiences in the first year. The program is divided into six categories: professional preparation sequence, content concentration, general education courses, diversity courses, sustainability course, and electives. A minimum of 120 credits are required for completion of the program. The student teaching internships take place at the Campus Children’s School to allow students to work with young children and families while being completely supported by mentor teachers and program faculty. Students also complete field experiences at area public schools. Graduates of the program are effectively prepared for the Initial Teacher Licensure, Birth-Grade 3.

Early Childhood Special Education (B.S. in Education for Teaching Licensure with Dual Certification

The inclusive early childhood special education program provides students with a dual certification in early childhood education, which is birth through 3rd grade, and early childhood special education, which is birth through age six. The program features a distinctive method for preparing future educators to support diverse populations. Students are providing with the knowledge, abilities, and perspectives to work with all types of young children and their families in a variety of family-focused, inclusionary, culturally receptive, and developmentally appropriate settings. Students learn to promote the learning and development of an array of different children and foster collaborative relationships with families. Students complete the sequence of professional courses for early childhood and early childhood special education. The program consists of at least 120 credits, including general education courses, professional preparation sequence, content concentration, diversity courses, and electives. Students engage in diverse field experiences at the Campus Children’s School and area educational settings where they use a wide variety of early intervention and early childhood services.

Accreditations

• Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

• National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)

Contact

University of Vermont

College of Education and Social Services

Burlington, VT 05405

802-656-3468

cessstsv@uvm.edu

https://www.uvm.edu/cess/doe/earlychild

https://www.uvm.edu/cess/doe/earlychild_specialed

Early childhood education and early childhood special education are fields that are growing exponentially with a major increase in public support and vigorous research opportunities. Getting a degree in early childhood education from accredited degree programs in Vermont is a great place to start for those seeking to work in this field.