The Early Childhood Education major involves the study of young children from birth to age eight and the educational opportunities which enhance their social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development.  Students will cultivate a broad educational background through the completion of broad educational background through the completion of the university general studies requirements, as well as through a wide range of human sciences courses such as human development, family relationships, and nutrition.  The knowledge gained from these courses will help students better understand children in their total environment.  The major part of the course work, however, will be in child development and education.  Students will develop knowledge and skills in a number of areas:  the growth and development of children and what to expect at different age levels, the educational models and processes used to help children learn, stages of adjustment in the family life cycle, and the relationships of parents and children.  Most importantly, students increase their ability to relate to children and to motivate them to learn. Just as important will be the practical experience with young children.  Beginning at the freshman level, professional training is integrated into the general studies curriculum to help students identify their specialty area and to allow maximum time for professional growth.  In beginning-level courses, students are involved in diverse educational settings as an observer and limited participant.  Upper-level courses offer more opportunities to gain first-hand experiences withchildren of varying ages, their parents, and professionals in other related areas.  These labs include: *Parent-Child Learning Center (children ages six months-three years) *Nursery School (children three to five years) *Kindergarten *Primary Grades *Project HELP (developmentally delayed children under five years) *Methods classes in the teaching of language arts, reading, math, music,     art, and physical education. The Early Childhood Education curriculum is approved by the State Department of Education, NCATE, and NAEYC. Professional Opportunities In addition to early childhood/elementary licensure (Pre-K-3), graduates are qualified to work with children and families in a variety of educational and community settings.  Major emphasis is placed on early childhood development as well as the importance of quality family life.  The following are some areas of professional opportunities open to ECE majors: *teaching in elementary school, pre-kindergarten-grade three, or nursery     schools *teaching in early intervention and enrichment programs in public school,   such as Project Headstart or other pre-school programs *directing or teaching in day care centers or in infant programs   supporting convalescing children in home-based or hospital programs *developing and directing private programs to serve families and           children with special needs, such as a therapeutic center for abused     children or protective custody programs for abused or neglected     children *consulting at health care facilities or industries that incorporate     programs assisting children and families *acting as a licensing counselor for the Department of Human Services *developing parent education programs There are many other professional opportunities including those who develop skills as consultants and those who provide goods and services to the general public such as designers of children's furniture or clothing, writers and publishers, and community recreation centers. Personal Characteristics of Early Childhood Education Majors To work in this field, students must care about children.  They must be a dependable friend and a good listener who can genuinely empathize with children's thoughts and feelings. Perhaps most of all, they need patience with children and with themselves.  Recognizing each child's uniqueness and stimulating creativity and cognitive growth within each one is a major challenge.  An openness within themselves and willingness to learn and to change is essential.  Students must have a mind open to new ideas and be flexible in interacting with children and others.  Most importantly, they must respect each child as an individual and foster each child's individual growth and development. For More Information If interested in Early Childhood Education, contact the Department of Human Sciences.  Upon acceptance into the program, a major advisor from the department will be assigned to you. Call or write: Human Sciences Department Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37132 (615) 898-2884 For admissions information call or write: Office of Admissions Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, Tennessee  37132 (615) 898-2111