Program of Curriculum & Instruction

The department of Curriculum & Instruction~Literacy Studies in the College of Human Resources & Education offers initial certification in Early Childhood Education.  This program is oriented towards developing an understanding of developmentally appropriate, research-based methods of teaching and assessing young children, ages birth to eight years.  Innovative, research-based methods of teaching and assessment are incorporated in an experiential curriculum designed to examine interactions with children, families, and educators.  The research based instructional approaches currently used in early childhood education classrooms are experienced on a regular basis during the program requirements integrating field experiences with young children.

The initial certification program in Early Childhood Education includes study of international early childhood education programs from Reggio Emilia Preschools [Italy], Montessori Schools [Italy], Forest Kindergartens [Germany & Austria], Head Start Programs [USA], and a wide variety of program models used across the United States and the world.  Resources for students in the Early Childhood Education initial certification program in Curriculum & Instruction include publications, photos, student products, teacher interviews, and films from international models gathered in study tours from faculty and students.  Opportunities for participation in future international study tours can be arranged.  The program of study is listed below.  For further information or questions, please contact Joy Faini Saab, Ed.D., Coordinator of Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education, joy.saab@mail.wvu.edu , 304-293-3442.

Student Highlight Section:

“I feel that the Early Childhood Education program has given me many
opportunities to learn and explore a variety of curriculum programs and
cultures.  It has enabled me to expand my knowledge of the classroom
and try new ideas. My graduate courses in Early Childhood Education
were the inspiration for my quilt project, which just won an award .  My
professor’s  willingness to let teachers explore a variety of
techniques and cultures is a tremendous support for Pre-K early
childhood teachers.  My professor’s knowledge and enthusiasm for Early
Childhood Education is what creates, inspires, and challenges teachers
to search for more creative lessons in the classroom.”

Amber
Keyser, WV

Pictures of Amber:

Amber Myers won the Terri Lynne Lokoff/Children's TYLENOL National Child Care Teacher Award, for the project she developed while taking courses in the master's program for initial certification in early childhood education at WVU. This award was the result of a project design that would enhance her classroom.  It had to demonstrate educational, social, and emotional benefits for the children.  The project also had to illustrate the critical role of the teacher. As one of 54 teachers selected nationwide, Amber received $1,000. to use in her innovative instructional approaches.

Early Childhood Education Specialization