Not-for-Profit Track
Early Childhood Studies
A Flexible Online Degree Program for Childcare Professionals
Union Institute & University’s major in Early Childhood Studies helps you develop the skills and understanding to work with young children (birth through age eight), their families, and their communities. Whether you work in a daycare center or you’re planning to start your own childcare facility, our Early Childhood Studies program is designed so you can directly apply your on-the-job experience to your experiences in the classroom. And since classes are online, you don’t have to put your job on hold to finish your degree.
The curriculum is guided by research and adherence to best practices in the field. Learning outcomes drive the direction of the curriculum and are adopted from the National Association of the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). While the program is not currently structured to grant certification, it provides a vibrant and thorough educational foundation for students who wish to apply for certification in their state.
A Flexible Online Degree Program for Childcare Professionals
Union Institute & University’s major in Early Childhood Studies helps you develop the skills and understanding to work with young children (birth through age eight), their families, and their communities. Whether you work in a daycare center or you’re planning to start your own childcare facility, our Early Childhood Studies program is designed so you can directly apply your on-the-job experience to your experiences in the classroom. And since classes are online, you don’t have to put your job on hold to finish your degree.
The curriculum is guided by research and adherence to best practices in the field. Learning outcomes drive the direction of the curriculum and are adopted from the National Association of the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). While the program is not currently structured to grant certification, it provides a vibrant and thorough educational foundation for students who wish to apply for certification in their state.
Careers of our Early Childhood Studies Graduates
Union’s Early Childhood Studies program is built for your experience. With up to 90 transferable college credits and our accelerated degree option, you can complete your studies quickly. Plus our curriculum is taught by excellent field practitioners with advanced degrees, who will help guide you through the program all the way to your graduation day.
Skills & Benefits Union Students Gain
Applied Skills
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Engage your knowledge of young children’s development to create healthy, respectful, supportive, engaging, and challenging learning environments.
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Identify ethical practices in engaging diverse families and communities through respectful, reciprocal relationships.
- Select and apply developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate formal and informal modes of individual assessment.
Academic Skills
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Identify a broad repertoire of developmentally appropriate instructional strategies and tools to promote positive outcomes for every child.
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Design developmentally appropriate curriculum across content areas including academic subjects and environment settings.
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Engage in and advocate for the early childhood professional community for the purpose of continuous learning and improvement.
Early Childhood Studies Structure & Courses
•  120 Credit Hours Program (minimum)
•  Full-time & part-time options
• Classes start every 8 weeks!
• Up to 90 semester hours in transfer credits
Major & Core Courses
Electives
Graduation Capstone
Concentrations