Search
Close this search box.

Early Childhood and Childhood Education (Birth - Grade 6)

Bachelor of Arts

Overview of Early Childhood and Childhood Education Program

Early Childhood and Childhood Education is recommended for prospective teachers who want to teach in an early childhood setting, preschool, kindergarten, the primary grades, or in the intermediate grades 4-6.

Students who choose the early childhood and childhood education program will be qualified to teach children from birth through sixth grade. 

Upon successful completion of the program, candidates will earn initial teacher certifications in New York state for BOTH  early childhood (birth-grade 2) and childhood education (grades 1-6).

Request Information

Loading...

Why Education at NU?

Academic Concentrations

Students can choose from one of five concentrations areas: English Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, Spanish and French.

Field Experience

Students begin observing and working in the classroom in their freshman year.

Accredited in Canada

Students earn their initial NY State teacher certification and with the assistance of NU, can apply through the Ontario College of Teachers to be certified in Ontario.

Comprehensive Field Experience

All programs require comprehensive clinical field experience. The opportunity to observe and begin working with qualified teachers on various aspects of the teaching-learning process begins during the freshman year, and is required throughout the program. Field placements are aligned with coursework, include specific assignments and responsibilities, and are completed in three phases:

  • Phase 1: Education Impact Field Experience
    Candidates begin IMPACT placements in area schools as freshmen, minimally 20 hours each semester across five semesters. Transportation is provided to students as needed. And placements are arranged by the university in accordance with education/professional coursework and the area(s) of certification. Candidates are expected to complete all required field experience to be eligible for their teaching assistantship, establishing a comprehensive clinical experience.  
  • Phase 2:  Teaching Assistantship
    Aligned with the methods (400-level pedagogy) courses, candidates complete two placements resulting in a minimum of 60 hours in a classroom. Candidates in this phase are expected to continue to develop the competencies set forth by the program standards and to have experiences with various methodological approaches as relate to actual classroom practice and address student learning across content field and grade-level curriculum expectations.  
  • Phase 3:  Student Teaching
    Student Teaching is a culminating experience that is required of all candidates for completion of the program and teacher certification. Students will spend a total of 14 weeks student teaching (two full-time seven-week placements, one in each area of certification). The Student Teaching Handbook outlines all candidate expectations, which include planning, teaching and assessing instructional units, aligned to the curriculum and addressing student needs. 
FPO testimonial photo
"Niagara truly understands the diverse care er field of accounting. Faculty help students see paths beyond the traditional CPA route, and advise them on which ones may suit them best. I took electives in data analytics, which led me to a career in fraud detection and deterrence."​
Brandon Andrews, ’17
Auditor/Investigator NYS Office of the Attorney General​

Careers

Childcare Services
Child/Family Advocate
Educational Consultant
Preschool/Kindergarten/Primary/Intermediate Teacher
In Home Childcare

Accreditations

Education
Faculty & Staff

MAIN CONTACT

Paula Prohaska

Paula Prohaska
Intake Coordinator
716.286.8336

Dr. Michelle R.

Ciminelli

Associate Professor

Phone: 716.286.8184

Email:

Profile:

Dr. Elizabeth A.

Falzone

Assistant Professor

Phone: 716.286.8310

Email:

Profile:

Dr. Karen

Poland

Assistant Professor

Phone: 716.286.8558

Email:

Profile:

Dr. Caitlin E.

Riegel

Assistant Professor

Phone: 716.286.8315

Email:

Profile:

Laura

Sarchet

Faculty Fellow, Early Childhood Special Education

Phone: 716.286.8507

Email:

Profile:

Dr. Thomas J.

Sheeran

Professor

Phone: 716.286.8552

Email:

Profile:

Dr. Sylvia

Valentin

Associate Professor

Phone: 716.286.7387

Email:

Profile:

Dr. Susan J.

Whittaker

Assistant Professor

Phone: 716.286.8259

Email:

Profile:

Dr. Norline

Wild

Assistant Professor

Phone: 716.286.8275

Email:

Profile: