If you love working with young children, Madonna University offers both a major and minor in the study of Child Development. This program focuses on the growth and development of children from the prenatal stage through age five. This is the program for you if you would like to pursue a career as a preschool teacher, an infant-toddler caregiver, owner of a child care program, director of a childcare program or preschool, be a home visitor, a child life specialist, or take on another position in the field of early care and education.
 
Note: For those who wish to work with children from birth through grade five, an Early Childhood/Early Elementary double-major may be the program for you.

You are about to make an important decision about your future. When making the decision which university to attend in order to earn your early childhood degree, there are multiple reasons why Madonna should be at the top of your list:

• You’ll be attending a program accredited by the state of Michigan.
• Because of the depth of our program and our reputation, Madonna’s graduates are highly thought of by area schools.
• You can develop personal relationships with faculty who care deeply about your success.
• Our small class sizes ensure that you receive personal attention.
• Our graduate courses are offered in the late afternoon and evenings to accommodate work schedules.
• You’ll have the opportunity to participate in one or more clubs specific to the field of education: 1) the Madonna Early Childhood Club, an affiliate of NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children). MECC is an interactive and friendly group that participates in educational activities and community service. 2) Kappa Delta Pi (KDP), an honor society for educators.

What you learn
In the Early Childhood program, you will learn about the growth and development of children from the prenatal stage through early elementary. You’ll learn about different theories of child development, learning theories, and how to create learning environments and activities that are respectful, supportive and challenging for all children. You’ll also learn to plan and individualize learning experiences, assess environments, and develop materials and activities to support emotional, social, cognitive, and physical growth and development for both typically and atypically developing children.

You can learn more about the classes you’ll take for the Child Development program from the Plan of Study. Major | Minor
 
What you can earn
This program of study will prepare you to work with children from birth through age five. Upon successful completion of your coursework, practicum, and directed teaching experience, you will earn a Bachelors of Science degree in Child Development.

For more information, contact
Dr. Mary Tomczyk
Director, Early Childhood and Child Development
marytomczyk@madonna.edu
734-432-5536