Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education
College of Education and Human Development
The overall mission of the Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education (EECE) is to prepare responsive and effective educators for working with learners of all ages, infancy through adulthood. With its major emphasis in teacher certification programs for individuals seeking to teach in public school settings. Additional responsibilities include preparing personnel to teach in private kindergarten centers, day care centers and education programs operated by community agencies, businesses and industries.
BECOME AN EDUCATOR
The Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education (EECE) offers three undergraduate programs to include Childcare and Family Education (Non-Licensure); Elementary Education K-3; and Elementary Education K-6. The department houses the Test Preparation Center which assists in preparing students for licensure examinations toward educator licensure; and the Harris Gambrell Reading Center which assists students with various components of reading. The department also houses the Student National Education Association (SNEA) and the EECE Club which are open to all education majors. The mission of the Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education (EECE) is to prepare responsive and effective educators for working with learners of all ages, infancy through adulthood.
ACCREDITATION
The Elementary Education K-3 and K-6 programs are accredited by the Council for the
Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
APPLY YOUR KNOWLEDGE
Students admitted to other degree programs within the College of Education and Human Development, who desire to teach in elementary or secondary schools, are also enrolled in the courses provided by EECE. Students gain advanced knowledge in learning theories, educational standards, goals and objectives, cultural influences concerning learning, curriculum design, and implementation.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Elementary and Early Childhood majors have a plethora of career options:
| Preschool Teacher | Kindergarten Teacher | Elementary School Teacher | Childcare Center Director |
| Teacher Aide | Childcare Worker | Educational Consultant | Sales Representative |


