Early Childhood Education / Development Bachelor’s Degrees in NYC
Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education in New York City offers students the unique opportunity to combine a rigorous academic foundation with hands-on experience in one of the most diverse and dynamic urban settings in the world. This field focuses on the critical years of a child’s growth, from birth through age eight, preparing future educators and caregivers to foster healthy cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development. NYC’s vibrant educational landscape, combined with its world-class institutions and access to cutting-edge research, ensures students are well-equipped to shape the lives of young learners. Whether you’re passionate about becoming a teacher, administrator, or advocate for early childhood programs, New York City provides unparalleled resources and career opportunities to help you succeed.
Touro University
Touro University is renowned for its commitment to practical, hands-on training in education. Their Early Childhood Education program emphasizes creating developmentally appropriate learning environments and fostering effective communication with children and families.
Curriculum Details:
- 36 credit hours: 15 credits in general pedagogical core courses and 21 credits in specific pedagogical courses, which include six credits dedicated to field experience and practicum.
- Culminating E-portfolio: Students are required to compile an E-portfolio showcasing course-based learning artifacts, demonstrating their development as effective novice teachers.
- Website: www.touro.edu
- Phone: (212) 463-0400
- Address: 320 W 31st St, New York, NY 10001
- Directions: A short walk from Penn Station or via the 1, 2, or 3 subway lines to 34th Street-Penn Station.
CUNY Graduate School and University Center
This institution is a leader in urban education and provides a research-driven approach to Early Childhood Education, integrating theory and practice.
Curriculum Details:
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Offers a blend of theoretical and practical courses designed to prepare educators for teaching children from birth through grade 2.
- Field Experience: Emphasizes hands-on learning through supervised fieldwork in diverse early childhood settings.
- Website: www.gc.cuny.edu
- Phone: (212) 817-7000
- Address: 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016
- Directions: Accessible via the B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, or W subway lines to 34th Street-Herald Square.
New York University (NYU)
NYU offers a comprehensive Early Childhood Education program through its Steinhardt School, with a focus on progressive and inclusive educational practices.
Curriculum Details:
- Integrated Curriculum: Courses cover child development, instructional strategies, and inclusive education practices, blending theory with practical application to address the varying capacities and needs of young children.
- Field Experiences: Students engage in supervised teaching experiences across diverse early childhood settings, allowing them to apply learned concepts in real-world environments and refine their teaching skills.
- Website: www.nyu.edu
- Phone: (212) 998-1212
- Address: 82 Washington Square East, New York, NY 10003
- Directions: Accessible via the A, C, E, B, D, F, or M subway lines to West 4th Street-Washington Square.
CUNY Hunter College
Hunter College offers a dynamic Early Childhood Education program that integrates modern teaching methods with New York City’s diverse educational landscape.
Curriculum Details:
- Coursework and Clinical Experiences: The program comprises 36 to 42 credits, including courses offered in the afternoon and evening, with some available in online or hybrid formats. Select courses require classroom experience (fieldwork) in New York City public schools. The program culminates in supervised teaching (student teaching and/or practicum), necessitating full-time commitment for at least one semester.
- Certification: Graduates are eligible for New York State certification in Early Childhood Education (Birth to Grade 2), as the program is recognized by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
- Website: www.hunter.cuny.edu
- Phone: (212) 772-4000
- Address: 695 Park Ave, New York, NY 10065
- Directions: Take the 6 subway line to 68th Street-Hunter College.
Pace University
Pace University prepares students for a career in Early Childhood Education with a blend of theoretical coursework and extensive fieldwork opportunities.
Curriculum Details:
- Integrated Curriculum: Students complete a 30-credit concentration in Biology, English, History, Mathematics, or Spanish (NYC Campus only), alongside education courses covering child development, instructional strategies, and inclusive education practices.
- Extensive Field Experience: Beginning in their junior year, students participate in immersive fieldwork and student teaching experiences, including tutoring and small group instruction, to apply learned concepts in real-world settings.
- Website: www.pace.edu
- Phone: (212) 346-1200
- Address: One Pace Plaza, New York, NY 10038
- Directions: Accessible via the 4, 5, J, or Z subway lines to Fulton Street.
CUNY City College
City College’s program emphasizes equity and social justice in Early Childhood Education, ideal for those passionate about making a difference in underserved communities.
Curriculum Details:
- Comprehensive Curriculum: The program requires completion of Pathways General Education courses, a Liberal Arts Co-Concentration, and Early Childhood Education courses. This structure ensures a well-rounded education, combining foundational knowledge with specialized teaching methods.
- Fieldwork and Student Teaching: Integral to the program are field experiences embedded in each education course, culminating in a semester-long student teaching internship. This hands-on approach provides practical experience in diverse early childhood settings.
- Website: www.ccny.cuny.edu
- Phone: (212) 650-7000
- Address: 160 Convent Ave, New York, NY 10031
- Directions: Take the 1 subway line to 137th Street-City College.
CUNY Medgar Evers College
Medgar Evers College offers a student-centered Early Childhood Education program focusing on culturally responsive teaching.
Curriculum Details:
- Degree Offerings: The department provides an Associate of Arts (AA) in Teacher Education and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Childhood Education. BA candidates must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission and select a concentration in English, Mathematics, Science, or Social Sciences.
- Field Experience: Students engage in extensive fieldwork within diverse urban communities, gaining practical experience in PreK-6 lab schools and other educational settings.
- Website: www.mec.cuny.edu
- Phone: (718) 270-4900
- Address: 1650 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225
- Directions: Accessible via the 2, 3, or 5 subway lines to President Street.
Yeshiva University
Yeshiva University provides a faith-based approach to Early Childhood Education, blending academic rigor with ethical values.
Curriculum Details:
- Degree Options: A major in education leading to New York State Initial Teacher Certification in either Early Childhood Education (Birth–Grade 2) or Childhood Education (Grades 1–6).
- Comprehensive Fieldwork: Extensive field experiences and a full professional semester of student teaching in local urban public and non-public schools, providing practical teaching experience.
- Website: www.yu.edu
- Phone: (212) 960-5400
- Address: 500 W 185th St, New York, NY 10033
- Directions: Take the A subway line to 181st Street.
CUNY Brooklyn College
CUNY Brooklyn College offers an innovative Early Childhood Education program, emphasizing experiential learning and classroom management techniques.
Curriculum Details:
- Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum: The ECC emphasizes play-based learning, integrating the arts and aesthetic education to foster children’s growth across various developmental domains, including physical, emotional, social, cognitive, and language skills.
- Family and Community Engagement: Parents and family members are actively involved in their children’s education, participating in classroom activities, program planning, and curricular discussions, thereby enhancing the learning experience and strengthening the home-school connection.
- Website: www.brooklyn.cuny.edu
- Phone: (718) 951-5000
- Address: 2900 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11210
- Directions: Accessible via the 2 or 5 subway lines to Flatbush Avenue-Brooklyn College.
CUNY Lehman College
Lehman College offers a robust Early Childhood Education program designed to prepare educators for diverse urban classrooms.
Curriculum Details:
- Degree Programs: Offers both undergraduate and graduate programs leading to New York State initial and professional certifications in Early Childhood Education (Birth–Grade 2) and Childhood Education (Grades 1–6).
- Bilingual Extension: Provides an advanced certificate in Bilingual Extension for educators aiming to work in multilingual settings, enhancing their ability to teach effectively in bilingual environments.
- Website: www.lehman.edu
- Phone: (718) 960-8000
- Address: 250 Bedford Park Blvd W, Bronx, NY 10468
- Directions: Take the 4 subway line to Bedford Park Blvd-Lehman College.
Monroe College
Monroe College combines practical experience and academic rigor in their Early Childhood Education program, preparing graduates for rewarding careers in education.
Curriculum Details:
- Comprehensive Curriculum: The program comprises 120 credits, including 57 major-related credits covering topics such as curriculum development, literacy instruction, and teaching students with disabilities. Additionally, students complete 39 credits in general education and 24 credits in a concentration area like English or Social Sciences.
- Extensive Field Experience: Students engage in substantial fieldwork, including classroom observations, mentored internships, and student teaching, totaling over 500 hours of hands-on experience in diverse educational settings.
- Website: www.monroecollege.edu
- Phone: (718) 933-6700
- Address: 2501 Jerome Ave, Bronx, NY 10468
- Directions: Accessible via the D subway line to Kingsbridge Road.
Manhattan College
Manhattan College’s Early Childhood Education program integrates liberal arts education with a focus on teaching and leadership skills.
Curriculum Details:
- Integrated Curriculum: Combines core liberal arts and sciences coursework with studies in a chosen academic concentration (options include Biology, Chemistry, English, General Science, Mathematics, Psychology, Social Studies, or Spanish) and foundational education methods.
- Extensive Field Experience: Students engage in classroom observations starting in their freshman year, progressing to a full semester of student teaching during their senior year, providing hands-on experience in diverse educational settings.
- Website: www.manhattan.edu
- Phone: (718) 862-8000
- Address: 4513 Manhattan College Pkwy, Riverdale, NY 10471
- Directions: Take the 1 subway line to 242nd Street-Van Cortlandt Park.
William Paterson University of New Jersey
William Paterson University offers a comprehensive Early Childhood Education program that emphasizes innovative teaching strategies and curriculum design.
Curriculum Details:
- Integrated Curriculum: Students complete general education requirements, a liberal arts or sciences major, and a professional preparation program in early childhood education.
- Certification Requirements: Candidates must pass the Praxis Subject Assessment in Early Childhood Content Knowledge before clinical practice.
- Website: www.wpunj.edu
- Phone: (973) 720-2000
- Address: 300 Pompton Rd, Wayne, NJ 07470
- Directions: Accessible by car via I-80 West.
Mercy University
Mercy University’s program is tailored for students seeking careers in Early Childhood Education, focusing on inclusivity and developmental psychology.
Curriculum Details:
- Integrated Curriculum: Students can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Childhood Education with a STEM concentration, combining liberal arts and sciences coursework with professional preparation in education.
- Accelerated Dual Degree Program: Mercy University offers a five-year B.S./M.S. Teacher Education Program, allowing students to earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees at an accelerated pace, streamlining the path to teacher certification.
- Website: www.mercy.edu
- Phone: (914) 674-7200
- Address: 555 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522
- Directions: Take the Metro-North Hudson Line to Dobbs Ferry Station.
Long Island University (LIU)
LIU offers an Early Childhood Education program designed to prepare students for a wide range of professional roles in education.
Curriculum Details:
- Integrated Curriculum: The 120-credit program combines studies in child development theories, motivation, and learning strategies for children from infants to Grade 6. It covers a broad spectrum of subjects, including science, music, and language arts, equipping students with the skills to assess and evaluate children’s intellectual, social, and physical development.
- Practical Experience: The program culminates in a semester-long student teaching experience, allowing students to apply their learned skills in real classroom settings. Successful completion qualifies graduates for two New York State Initial Teaching Certifications in Childhood and Early Childhood Education.
- Website: www.liu.edu
- Phone: (516) 299-2900
- Address: 720 Northern Blvd, Brookville, NY 11548
- Directions: Accessible by car via I-495 East.
Hofstra University
Hofstra University’s Early Childhood Education program focuses on innovative teaching practices and technology integration in early learning settings.
Curriculum Details:
- Integrated Curriculum: The 38-semester hour program includes courses on child development, curriculum design, literacy instruction, and special education, blending on-campus preparation with field experiences in various early childhood settings.
- Extensive Field Experience: Students complete a minimum of 105 clock hours as participant observers in designated schools prior to student teaching, culminating in full-time student teaching.
- Website: www.hofstra.edu
- Phone: (516) 463-6600
- Address: 100 Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549
- Directions: Accessible by car via the Meadowbrook State Parkway.