Skip to Sub-menu

Child Development & Education Emphasis

The Child Development & Education emphasis area prepares students to understand early childhood development and create culturally responsive, inclusive, and equitable learning environments for children and families.

UNDERSTAND YOUNG CHILDREN’S GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Learn to recognize the dynamics that influence children’s development while creating partnerships with families and community professionals

PROMOTE INDIVIDUALIZED DEVELOPMENT AND LEARNING

Apply observation, assessment, and documentation techniques to positively influence the unique development of each child

CREATE AND EVALUATE CHILDREN’S LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS

Design, implement, and assess learning activities and teaching practices that are developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate for each child

Build your skills in a practical, hands-on way:

  • Understand and apply child development and learning principles in practice
  • Develop skills for program administration and collaboration
  • Engage in multiple practicum experiences at the on-campus MU Child Development Lab in the infant/toddler and preschool classrooms
  • Collaborate with faculty and contribute to hands-on research to answer important questions about early childhood development and learning, such as language development, play, and school readiness

General Education Requirements

Degree Requirements and Sample Program

Graduates from CD&E are prepared to work in a variety of early childhood education roles and settings. Early childhood education is an essential part of everyday life.

  • Infant/toddler specialists
  • Early childhood education centers
  • Family child care educators
  • Head Start and Pre-K programs
  • Childcare resource and referral agencies
  • Directing early childhood programs
  • Before and after-school care programs

For more career information, visit the National Association for the Education of Young Children

HDFS CD&E Advisor

Michelle MathewsMichelle Mathews
Phone: (573) 882-3999
E-mail: mathewsm@missouri.edu

teacher and toddlers

CDE brochure PDFClick image to open brochure

Katy Korte“My time student teaching at the CDL and in other practicum settings helped me better understand topics we studied in class about child development. I was confident going into my first job that I could create an engaging and responsive environment for young children.”

KATY KORTE | KIRKSVILLE, MO
CHILD DEVELOPMENT & EDUCATION (BS) ‘97

Krista Beaird“My experiences in the Mizzou CD&E program have instilled me with knowledge through education, experience through hands-on learning, and passion through professors and mentors who strive to help me succeed.”

KRISTA BEAIRD | KENNETT, MO
CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION (BS) ‘20