National University

What you'll study

Coursework is organised into preparation-for-major and major-required courses. Topics and course focuses include:

• Foundations of child development: theoretical frameworks addressing biological, cognitive, social, moral and emotional development and the role of gender and culture.
• Family, school and community influences: how nutrition, home and school environments and community resources affect child development.
• Cultural pluralism: teaching and learning strategies informed by cultural diversity, with emphasis on self-reflection and societal interactions.
• Coordinated health: the eight components for child health in out-of-home care, including services, safety, family involvement and attention to children with special needs.
• Law and ethics: local, state and federal statutes, regulations and professional codes of conduct for early education settings.
• Early cognition and learning theory: research implications for instruction, individual differences and classroom practice.
• Infants and toddlers: development, relationships, milestones, special needs identification and health/safety/nutrition issues.
• Language and emergent literacy: language development, assessment and instructional strategies that support literacy acquisition.
• Curriculum design: writing goals and learning outcomes, developmentally appropriate activities, assessment and arts integration aligned with standards.
• Math, science and technology for young children: inquiry-based activities and use of technology to support early numeracy and scientific thinking.
• Play-based learning: theoretical foundations of play as a primary modality for teaching, learning and assessment.
• Assessment: selection, administration and interpretation of screening instruments and using results to inform curriculum.
• Inclusive practice and special needs: identifying developmental variations, designing adaptations and accommodations for at-risk children.
• Challenging behaviours: observation, assessment and strategies to guide behaviour within social and cultural contexts.

Entry requirements

The program has a $0 application fee and does not require essays or entrance exams; admissions are reviewed year-round. Field-experience placements require clearance: many partner agencies or schools ask for background checks, TB clearance and may require proof of vaccinations (DTaP, MMR, flu) per SB792. Students without a Certificate of Clearance cannot complete required fieldwork and therefore cannot finish the program. Any costs for background checks, TB testing or vaccinations are the student’s responsibility.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to work with children from birth to age eight in settings such as Early Head Start, Head Start, state preschools, transitional kindergarten and NAEYC-accredited sites. The bachelor’s credential supports roles in classroom teaching, curriculum development, program coordination and other early-childhood education positions that value research-informed, inclusive practice.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

While specific scholarships are not listed on the course page, prospective students should explore institutional aid, external scholarships for education majors, workforce development grants and employer-sponsored tuition assistance; costs tied to field placements (background checks, health clearances, vaccinations) are typically borne by the student.