The Early Childhood Development program prepares individuals to work with children ages birth through eight in a variety of programs within the community.
Coursework:
Core courses such as Lifespan Human Development, Interacting with Children, Developmental Planning: Preschool and Kindergarten, Early Childhood Program Organization and Management, and Development of the Child: Birth-8 help provide a solid foundation of knowledge for early childhood professionals.
Students are able to tailor their program to fit their needs by selecting electives that help customize their program to match professional goals. All early childhood development students will select a minor that meets their interests and career goals. Suggested minors include but are not limited to: EC Special Education, Sociology, Psychology, Recreation, Spanish, and Business Administration.
Students majoring in ECD will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities with young children through our NAEYC accredited Little Gorillas Preschool and other high quality early childhood programs in the community.
The Little Gorillas Preschool provides an onsite opportunity for observation of and interaction with preschool age children. Students participate with children as they implement curriculum and practice using communication and guidance skills learned in courses. Instructors in the labs provide supervision and feedback to the students as they work with the children.
Graduates of the Pittsburg State ECD program will be equipped to secure a variety positions serving young children and their families. A few examples include:
The Department of Family & Consumer Sciences offers baccalaureate degrees and a cooperative master’s degree program. B.S. programs are offered in Community and Family Services and two tracks in Child Development. A B.S.E. program is offered in Family & Consumer Sciences Education. The department is also a partner in the Early Childhood Unified program housed in the College of Education. The department offers minors in Child Development, Human Ecology, and Youth and Adolescent Development. The department also contributes to minors in Women’s Studies and Public Health.