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Early Childhood Education

Early childhood educators instruct and inspire young minds at their most impressionable stage.

As an early childhood education teacher, you will contribute to growth, learning and development, and create environments for exploration and discovery for all students. 

You will have an opportunity to choose a content area or a second major in a subject that reflects your individual interests. You will also earn an endorsement and valuable insight into teaching students with disabilities that will set you apart from the competition so you can land your dream job after graduation.

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Kean student works with a young boy in the Kean Child Care Center

Kean graduates have been recognized for their excellence in teaching, including previous New Jersey State Teachers of the Year Lauren Marrocco ‘03, ‘09, Kathleen Assini ‘01, and Mark Mautone ‘02.

What You Learn

You will benefit from instruction based on well-researched theories of child development and best practices that recognize and respect the diversity of children and their families.

  • Nurture holistic growth and learning in young children
  • Work with students in public schools and early childhood centers
  • Use technology to enhance teaching and learning
  • Plan developmentally appropriate activities and implement these experiences in the classroom
  • Assess student learning and reflect on your teaching practice

You will also choose a content area or second major that reflects your particular interests and earn a teacher of students with disabilities endorsement.

Program Information

B.A. in Early Childhood Education - P-3/TSD, P-3/K-6

Earn the skills and knowledge to earn your P-3/K-6 teacher certification or P-3 teacher certification with a teacher of students with disabilities endorsement.

Other programs you might be interested in

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You need to come out of school with a set of skills that will give you confidence in your ability to change children's lives. Kean offered that to me, and I think that anybody who goes to Kean University will benefit just as greatly as I did."

Mark Mautone '02
2014 – 2015 New Jersey Teacher of the Year
2014-2015 New Jersey Teacher of the Year - Mark Mautone '02

The Classroom and Beyond

At Kean, we believe learning extends far beyond the walls of our classrooms and labs. That's why we encourage you to get involved in clubs and organizations, study abroad at our campus in China or elsewhere, and pursue internships that will advance your career. Find out more.

Kean student interacts with 2 children at Kean's Child Care Center

Early Childhood Education Club

The Early Childhood Education Club offers opportunities for future teachers to develop leadership and communication skills.
Kean students gain real-world experience through internships.

Internships and Jobs

At Kean, we believe in helping all of our students find internships or jobs that fulfill their career goals. Find out more.
Wenzhou Kean University

Study Abroad

Kean offers study abroad opportunities in many countries. Study at Wenzhou-Kean University in China for the cost of a semester at Kean USA.
Kean University Academics

3 of 6

Half of the recent New Jersey Teacher of the Year winners are Kean alumni

Top 30%

Kean alumni are among the highest-paid teachers in the nation

#1

Kean is home to New Jersey's first teacher's college

National Association of the Education of Young Children NAEYC logo

Accreditation

Kean's early childhood education program is approved by the State of New Jersey and accredited by the National Association of the Education of Young Children.

NAEYC ensures that the early childhood profession exemplifies excellence and is recognized as performing a vital role in society.

Since 1955, Kean’s College of Education has earned accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Notably, only one-third of the schools that produce teachers in the United States and New Jersey earn this accreditation.

CAEP advances equity and excellence in educator preparation through evidence-based accreditation that assures quality and supports continuous improvement to strengthen P-12 student learning.

Kean University Academics

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