Early Childhood Education
Early childhood educators play a crucial role in the development of young children from birth to age eight, fostering their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth. These professionals guide children as they learn to live and interact in classrooms, at home, and in the wider world.
A degree in early childhood education opens doors to various careers, including: childcare center or preschool educator, teacher, director, or coordinator; special education/early intervention teacher or leader; owner/operator of an early learning program; curriculum and assessment writer; and program administrator.
Current capacities in early childhood systems are at critical levels. PSU offers comprehensive programs designed to prepare you for a successful career in early childhood education. Our graduates are well equipped to meet the growing demand for professionals in this field.
At PSU, you will deepen your knowledge, expand your skills, and grow professionally in a nurturing environment. Our community of dedicated professors and students will support you for years to come.
Programs
Majors
Whether you are on your way to becoming a teacher, social worker, counselor, childcare provider, or working with young children in any capacity, PSU has options for you.
While there is no required track for working in early childhood education, the most common bachelor's degrees earned by our graduates in this field are in Child, Youth, and Family Studies, Special Education, Social Work, and Psychology.
Master’s, Licensure & Graduate Certificates
PSU’s College of Education offers programs that allow you to further develop your skill set and pursue areas of interest such as mental health, curriculum development, family support, teacher leadership and mentorship, and early intervention. Earning a master’s degree or graduate certificate can lead to higher earnings and provide more options when finding the perfect workplace for yourself.
Master’s, Licensure & Graduate Certificates
Early Childhood: Inclusive Education Master's
In this comprehensive program, you will develop as a highly reflective and responsive early childhood educator or social service professional. This fully online program takes an interdisciplinary approach, preparing you to understand the role of development, diversity, and culture in the lives of young children and their families.
Early Intervention Special Education Master's/Graduate Certificate
Learn to provide crucial support to children with developmental delays and disabilities from birth to their start in school. Gain the skills to assess children for delays, create and implement a strategy to build skills, develop relationships with family, and support children in their transition to a school setting.
Special Education License
Earn your Oregon Teaching License and a master’s degree. You will learn to effectively teach students with a wide range of support needs from complex disabilities to those who need targeted support with behavior, social, or academic skills. Understand your students’ unique needs and prepare creative practices to support those needs.
Infant/Toddler Mental Health Graduate Certificate
Learn the dynamics of infant and toddler development, protective factors in family environments, home and community-based intervention, and more. Our students are early childhood and early intervention educators, healthcare, social services, social workers, and counselors as well as home visitors and childcare providers.
Early Childhood Education Certificate of Completion
The Early Childhood Education certificate of completion offers you the opportunity to develop your practice as an early childhood professional with in-depth, research-based, and innovative professional practices to expand your knowledge of children, birth to eight years.