Undergraduate Programs

Early Childhood Education

The Cat in the Hat is also known as SOE student Liliana Sanchez Canas.

An Early Childhood degree prepares students for a range of careers that include:

•   Teachers of children ages birth through 3rd Grade
•   Child care provider
•   Home visitor
•   Program Administrator
•   Program development specialist
•   Parent support specialist
•   Early interventionist

Students enrolled in Early Childhood Education programs may earn a one-year Early Childhood Vocational Certificate, two-year AA degrees in Early Childhood Education and Family Support or Early Childhood Educational Assistant, or a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. 

This competency-based program is a part of the New Mexico Early Childhood Higher Education Articulation for two and four year institutions.  The program provides extensive field experiences to enhance classroom learning, and guides pre-service students to performance outcomes in:

• Child Growth, Development and Learning
• Health, Safety and Nutrition
• Family and Community Collaboration
• Developmentally Appropriate Content
• Learning Environment and Curriculum Implementation
• Professionalism
• Assessment of Children and Evaluation of Programs

Ø  Professors closely monitor student progress while utilizing multiple ways of assessing student work.

Ø  Integration of hands-on experiences and technology in classroom instruction is included throughout the program.

Ø  Courses focus on developmentally appropriate practices and individualized learning to support the full participation of every child.

Ø  Courses promote the establishment of aligned services and supports which build on the unique assets of each child, and acknowledge the strengths of children’s families’ heritage, language, and culture.

Ø  Courses and field experiences offer opportunities for students to work with diverse populations (gender, SES, exceptionality, ethnicity)

Ø  Students who complete the program successfully are qualified for a Birth to Grade 3 Early Childhood education license in the State of New Mexico.