Tracks in Early Childhood Education

The Department of Childhood Studies-Division of Early Childhood Education
325 Cooper Street, Room 201
Contact: Ingrid Campbell at 856-225-6739

This program is designed for undergraduates and students who are interested in a career as an early childhood practitioner, youth program coordinator, or program administrator, serving children from birth through age 8, as well as out-of-school-time programs to age 13. The Division for Early Childhood Education (ECE) at Rutgers University–Camden offers two academic tracks: practitioner for group teacher in public, private, Head Start, Early Head Start, early childhood programs; and program administrator for such programs. Students may also successfully complete their New Jersey Early Childhood Administrators Credential (www.pinj.org) or the National Association for the Education for the Young Child (NAEYC) Director Credential as part of their academic program. Fundamental to the program is recognition that children's needs are primary. Child advocacy guides all aspects of the program. The Rutgers–Camden ECE program acknowledges and nurtures sensitivity to children, cultures, communities, and incorporates data-driven decision making to enhance the positive developmental trajectories of children.

Pursuant to NJAC 6A:9, students who successfully complete the preservice preparation requirements and have a positive recommendation by the faculty will be recommended for teacher certification for prekindergarten through grade 3 (P-3), as part of our collaboration with the Rutgers–Camden Institute for Effective Education (IEE).  All interested individuals must meet separate entry requirements as stipulated by the IEE.

Entrance Requirements

New first-year students who meet university admissions standards are eligible for admission to degree programs offered by the Department of Childhood Studies. Transfer students wishing to enter the Division of Early Childhood Education must be in good standing and have a cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 2.75 or better if they have completed less than 30 credits or a GPA of 2.25 if they have 30 credits or more. All students wishing to enter the Division of Early Childhood Education must schedule an interview with division staff at 856-225-6739.

Progression Requirements

To remain in the Division of Early Childhood Education, a student must make satisfactory academic progress toward the degree. A student who fails to make satisfactory progress may be placed on academic probation or be removed from the division. In addition, students must achieve a grade of C or better in all early childhood education courses.

Core Courses-Early Childhood Concentration Required (9)

50:070:308  Childhood and Culture
50:163:391  Observation and Assessment in Early Childhood Environments
50:830:226  Psychology of Childhood                                                                     
                
Practitioner Track Courses Required (9)*

0:163:392  Designing an Early Childhood Environment                                                   

Any two 3-credit ECE specific courses from a transfer institution specific to:                    

Early Childhood Curriculum

Early Learning (language arts and emergent literacy; quantitative concepts in ECE; early science, etc.)

Administrator Track Courses Required (13)

50:163:395  Director's Academy                                                                                  
50:163:396  Leadership through Mentoring Practice in ECE*                                     
50:163:397  Management and Budgetary Practice in ECE*                                               
50:163:398  Principles of Effective Supervision in ECE*                                                   
(*These three courses make up the NJ ECE Administrators Credential.)

Additional ECE Courses