Early Childhood Policy Track (Online Courses)

This program track focuses on the policy context of early childhood from birth through kindergarten through interdisciplinary coursework in early childhood policy and educational leadership (see course sequence below). Upon graduation, an applicant who chooses this program may plan to pursue a future doctorate degree or seek new early childhood policy-focused career opportunities with school districts across the United States, U.S./state-level Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, etc., legislative or congressional offices, judicial offices, social service agencies with advocacy departments, state or federal education policy organizations, non-governmental agencies for education, health, mental health, housing, and/or legal services, international agencies (e.g., World Bank, United Nations, World Health Organization), family advocacy programs, early childhood organizations (e.g., NAEYC, Zero to Three), philanthropic foundations, or research institutions or think tanks focused on policy research (e.g., AIR, Child Trends).

Fall Year 1

• EEC 6665 – History, Child Development, & Equity in Early Childhood Policy
• EDA 6069 – Educational Policy Analysis
• Elective

Spring Year 1

• EEC 6636 – Examining Practices, Policies, and Key Issues in Early Childhood  Policy
• EDG 6285 – Evaluation in School Programs
• EEC 7056 – Early Childhood Policy and Advocacy

Summer Year 1

• EEC6667 – Theory & Analysis in Early Childhood Policy

Fall Year 2

• EEC 6933 – Internship and Seminar in Early Childhood Policy
• Elective
• Elective

Spring Year 2

• EEX 6971 – Thesis or EEX 6905 – Project Research