Early Childhood Specializations
Develop core skills to nurture the learning, growth, and well-being of children from birth to eight years old.
What We Offer
Early Childhood Specializations (ECS) in the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences prepare students to support young children and their families through education, intervention, and advocacy. Specialized coursework provides students with opportunities to work directly with young children across diverse settings.
Students may choose to follow one of two academic pathways: Early Childhood Development (ECD) or the Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) Concentration. Please note that only the ECDE pathway leads to an official major concentration in early childhood.
Early Childhood Development Pathway
Students who complete coursework in the ECD pathway are equipped to apply their knowledge, skills, and hands-on experiences to advanced training in competitive graduate programs. These programs may include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, allied health professions, or mental health fields.
Early Childhood Development and Education Concentration
Students in the ECDE pathway gain knowledge and hands-on experience working with young children in early childhood education settings. This pathway builds on core early childhood development courses and adds specialized classes and practicum experiences to prepare students to become skilled early childhood professionals.
Requirements and Courses
Early Childhood Specializations pathways are open to human development and family sciences (HDFS) majors and minors who are completing their third semester (or later) and are interested in careers working with young children and families. Before applying, you must:
- Declare a major or minor in HDFS.
- Maintain a 2.7 GPA through the third semester.
- Recommended: Successfully complete HDFS 1070 and HDFS 2100 and have experience with young children.
Students meet with ECS faculty advisors to create a plan of study for their chosen pathway.
Fieldwork/Practicum Course Opportunities
Students train in model early childhood classrooms, using observation and reflection to develop meaningful learning experiences for children. Practicum opportunities with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers are available at:
- UConn Storrs: Child Development Laboratories.
- UConn Stamford: Partnership with the Community Children’s Development Center in Westport.
- UConn Waterbury: Partnership with the Slocum School in Waterbury.
Accreditation
Early Childhood Specializations is currently engaged in the self-study process for accreditation of higher education teacher preparation programs by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). This process reflects our commitment to continuous improvement, high-quality instruction, and the development of professionals who will positively impact early childhood education.
Application Deadlines
Fall Semester
March 15: Priority application deadline to begin the program in the fall semester.*
Spring Semester
Oct. 15: Priority application deadline to begin the program in the spring semester.
*Please note: UConn Stamford and UConn Waterbury students only begin ECS in the fall semester.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to those submitted by the listed deadlines. We encourage early submission for full consideration, but applications will be accepted until the end of each semester. This ensures time to meet with a faculty advisor before registering for next semester’s courses.
Jobs and Careers
Ready for an impactful career working with young children and their families? Early Childhood Specializations can prepare you for various professional roles, including:
- Early childhood educators and professionals.
- Home visitors (e.g., Early Head Start, family resource centers).
- Birth to three/early intervention specialists.
- Therapy-focused disciplines (e.g., speech and language, occupational, or physical therapy).
- Infant mental health specialists.
- Health and mental health specialists in early childhood settings.
- Child life specialists.
- Early childhood policy and advocacy leaders.
Faculty
Our faculty consists of highly skilled professionals with a expertise in early childhood development and education. ECS faculty members possess advanced knowledge in research and the practical application of teaching young children. They combine advanced research knowledge with practical experience in teaching young children, coaching educators, providing early intervention, and supporting families through home visits and parent education.Contact Us
Have questions about requirements or deadlines? Contact Mary Tabb Foley, coordinator of Early Childhood Specializations.