Early Childhood Education

About the early childhood education major

This major is designed for early childhood educators interested in developing the skills necessary to effectively empower, engage, and educate diverse learners in a variety of urban education settings, both in the private and public sectors.

As an early childhood education major, you'll learn from experienced faculty, who will prepare you to be a transformative teacher of young children. A variety of course offerings are tailored to support learners working toward professional certification and career advancement.

Skills and abilities this major develops: assessment of children’s knowledge, planning instruction, teaching, problem solving, and addressing issues of equity and other barriers to education in urban communities.

Engaged learning experiences

Regardless of your major or future career, engaged learning is vital to your present and future. It makes you more marketable for jobs and professional schools upon graduation, it enables you to build deeper connections with faculty and staff in your field of study, and it makes your learning personal by connecting your interests and values with the curriculum from your classes. Check out the three ideas below for places to get started, or learn more at IU Indianapolis’s Institute for Engaged Learning website.

Student organizations

Students interested in education tend to be a passionate bunch. We're home to a number of student organizations dedicated to different facets of teaching and education.

Service learning

You can add to your built-in student teaching experience through community engagement. From service projects to conferences, you get a head start on lifelong learning.

Study abroad

Study abroad is much more than a trip—it’s an intellectual and cultural adventure that will change the way you see the world, other people, and yourself.

Quick facts

Sample coursework

  • Infant learning environments
  • Methods for teaching students with special needs
  • Multicultural education and global awareness
  • Science for early childhood
  • Teaching about the arts

Possible careers

  • Library consultant
  • Nonprofit program coordinator
  • Preschool teacher
  • School counselor*
  • Social worker*

*These career options require additional training or education.

Where could I work?

  • Community and social services
  • Community Health Network
  • Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS)
  • Indy Reads
  • Media and communications
Get your interest code

Where to get more information

IU School of Education

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

American Federation of Teachers

Arts, Humanities, and Human Services Cluster

This major is part of the Arts, Humanities, and Human Services (AHHS) cluster. The AHHS cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing majors in art and design, education, general studies, journalism, liberal arts, and social work. The AHHS cluster partners with students on their academic advising and career plans to guide them into their degree-granting schools. 

Learn about the AHHS cluster

Learn about other clusters

Meet with an advisor or career consultant

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