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The Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (non-teacher certification) program prepares you to work with children from birth through age five in a variety of settings. You will learn to develop age-appropriate lesson plans, assess child behavior, plan and implement interventions, assist families, and collaborate with professionals from multiple disciplines. Additionally, you'll gain skills to serve in administrative roles while considering all aspects of a child’s environment—home, school, and neighborhood. 

As an early education professional, you’ll play a crucial role in building the foundation for a child’s entire education. A career in early childhood education is both rewarding and impactful, as you will shape the first educational experiences for children and their families. This major allows you to support young children outside the classroom, working as a child development specialist or family support liaison. Since the program does not require a student teaching component, you'll have flexibility and autonomy in your field-based experiences, providing you with a well-rounded education to support young children and their families. 

Program Details 

Delivery Method: On Campus, In-Person 

Scholarship Information: Student Scholarships and Awards    

Department of Early Childhood, Special Education, & Counselor Education

What You'll Study

Below is a template that outlines the typical course progression for this major. Actual progression may vary based on factors such as AP/IB credits, dual enrollment, transfer credits, individual academic readiness. A College of Education academic advisor will help develop a path to graduation that is best suited for you.

Year 1

Semester 1 (16 course hours) 

  • UK Core Composition & Communication I : CIS or WRD 110 (3) 
  • UK Core Quantitative Foundations: MA111- Introduction to Contemporary Mathematics (3) 
  • UK Core Social Science: EPE 174- The College Student (3) 
  • PSY 100: Introduction to Psychology (4) 
  • IEC 120: Introduction to IECE (3) 

 

Semester 2 (15 course hours) 

  • UK Core Composition & Communication II: CIS or WRD 111 (3) 
  • UK Core Humanities: HIS 108- UK History Until 1877 (3) 
  • STA 210: Statistical Inferential Reasoning (3) 
  • EDS 375: Introduction to Teaching Exceptional Children (3) 
  • BIO 102: Human Ecology (3) 

Year 2

Semester 3 (15 course hours) 

  • UK Core Global Dynamics (3) 
  • UK Core Arts and Creativity (3) 
  • UK Core US Citizenship: HIS 109- UK History after 1877 (3) 
  • IEC 255: Child Development (3) 
  • EDP 202: Human Development and Learning (3) 

 

Semester 4 (17 course hours) 

  • EPE 301: Education in American Society (3) 
  • IEC 256: Guidance Strategies for Young Children (3) 
  • IEC 260: Curriculum Planning in IEC (4) 
  • BIO 103: Introduction to Biology (3) 
  • BIO 111: Introductory Biology Lab (1) 
  • Free Elective Course (3) 

Year 3

 Semester 5 (15 course hours)   

  • IEC 512: Language and Literary for Young Children (3) 
  • EDS 513: Legal Issues in Special Education (3) 
  • EDS 530: Moderate/Severe Disabilities (3) 
  • SOC 101: Introduction to Sociology (3) 
  • Free Elective Course (3) 

 

Semester 6 (15 course hours) 

  • EDS 516: Principles of Behavior Management and Instruction (3) 
  • IEC 546: Transdisciplinary Services for Young Children (3) 
  • IEC 557: Infant Development (3) 
  • IEC 522: Children and Families (3) 
  • Free Elective Course (3) 

Year 4

 Semester 7 (15 course hours) 

  • IEC 507: Assessment of Young Children (3) 
  • IEC 508: Advanced Curriculum Planning in IEC (3) 
  • IEC 509: Intervention Planning for Children with Special Needs (3) 
  • IEC 510: Practicum in IECE (3) 
  • IEC 552: Admin and Supervision in IEC Programs (3)  

 

Semester 8 (12 course hours) 

  • IEC 510: Practicum in IECE (9) 
  • IEC 523: IEC Administrative Practicum (3) 

How to Apply

Visit our Admissions page to learn more about applying to this program.

Admissions

Cost of Attendance

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Cost of Attendance

Tuition and Fees

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Tuition and Fees