Jump to main content

Early Childhood

The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) has an engaging early childhood teacher education program focused on teaching children from birth through age 8. We offer two four-year degree programs and a minor for students outside of early childhood education
Through meaningful and authentic coursework and field experiences, students connect theory, research and practical information. Students acquire a strong foundation of child-development and use this knowledge to inform them as they make good decisions for all children. Early childhood professors teach all the core early childhood courses and advise the students. Class sizes are small. Professors and classroom teachers’ support, guide, and encourage students as they become strong beginning teachers.

Future Teacher Network Logo

Future Teacher Conference 2024

Discover new ideas in teaching, explore the latest trends, hear from the experts and so much more. We look forward to seeing you on February 3, 2024!

LEARN MORE

Courses Emphasize

  • Cultural Sensitivity
  • Children’s Literature
  • Telling Personal Stories
  • Authentic Projects and Case Studies
  • Child Development

Early childhood students in a school hallway

Which Degree is Right for You?

Early Childhood Teacher Education Degree with Director Qualification and K-3 Licensure

This pathway includes methods courses focused on K-3 teaching and a semester-long student teaching experience. If you want to have a license to teach children in K-3rd grade classrooms in elementary schools, select this degree.

Also available as an online degree completion program.

Early Childhood Education Liberal Arts Concentration Degree with Director Qualification

This pathway has the same required classes as #1 above until your senior year. Instead of the methods courses and student teaching, you will take other electives that will prepare you well for teaching children birth – age 5 in a variety of settings. If working with children younger than 5 is what you want to do select this degree.