Early Childhood Major (Suspended)

The early childhood major is suspended. New students will not be accepted into the program at this time. Contact department for more information.

This program prepares students to become child care professionals who understand and meet the needs of children from birth to eight years of age. It also trains students to network with families of young children in a variety of settings. The curriculum combines the study of child psychology with preparation for a career in a variety of early childhood settings. The program has field experiences and a series of supportive courses specializing in developing observational/assessment techniques, child guidance strategies and active learning teaching procedures.

Students enrolled in the early childhood major must earn a minimum of 2.00 (“C”) in each of the major courses. Additionally, this program requires a 2.50 grade point average in the major.

For department information or additional degree requirements, go to the Psychology department page.

For related information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/childcare-workers.htm

Total Credits Required

125

Liberal Studies	30-40
Health Promotion Requirements	2

Required Courses in Major*	62-63
PY 100S, L or H Psychology as a Natural Science [III] or	4
PY 100G Psychology as a Social Science (4 cr.) [Div II]
PY 102 Individual and Family Relationships (3 cr.) or	3-4
SO 232 Sociology of Family and Intimate Relationships (4 cr.) [Div II]
PY 156 Children, Families, School and Community	2
PY 170 Introduction to Early Childhood Care and Education	2
PY 241 Child Psychology **	4
PY 245 Infant/Toddler Development **	4
PY 247 Infant/Toddler Programming	2
PY 270 Activity Planning I: The Creative Arts	2
PY 272 Activity Planning II: The Sciences	2
PY 285 Developmentally Appropriate Program/Practice (DAPP) **	4
PY 290 DAPP Field Experience **	4
PY 314 Early Literacy/Language Development	3
PY 345 Psychology of Exceptional Young Children	4
PY 350 Observation/Assesment of Young Children	2
PY 352 Child Guidance Techniques	4
PY 358 Meaning and Development of Play	4
PY 460 Administration of Preschool Programs	2
PY 491 Early Childhood Capstone Senior Thesis	4
HL 242 Emergency Health Care	2
HN 210 Nutrition for Humans	4



Minor	20-24

*2.00 “C” GPA required in each course in the major.

**Departmental advanced placement credit is available for these courses for students who hold the appropriate Child Development Associate (CDA) credential(s). Students need to demonstrate successful completion of the training programs and be enrolled at Northern Michigan University.

Bulletin Year: 2015 - 2016 Undergraduate Bulletin | View the current NMU Catalog.