Niagara University educates its students and enriches their lives through programs in the liberal arts and through career preparation that is informed by the Catholic and Vincentian traditions. Graduates of this program will understand the interdisciplinary nature of child development and the education of young children. The course of study will focus on an early childhood and early childhood special education as an interdisciplinary, collaborative and systems-oriented profession. Additionally, all candidates and graduates will develop skills and dispositions of outstanding practitioners as defined by our values and those of accreditation and review boards. This program will meet the NAEYC and CEC standards for advanced programs.