Early Childhood

Birth-Grade 2

Hunter’s Early Childhood programs prepare future graduates to create caring, enriching developmental and learning experiences in classrooms, homes and communities for children from birth to age eight. We are guided by the philosophy that all children have the inherent capacity to learn and grow in environments that foster creative thinking. Our students develop the theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills to support children across diverse cultures, abilities, settings, ages, and urban contexts. Through field experiences, student teaching, and practicum, the programs in Early Childhood train all graduates to collaborate with team members, including families, to plan, implement and evaluate interventions that fit the needs of individual children.

Hunter graduates compete successfully in this growing field — they find positions in public, private, and community-based settings. Many go on to become leaders and change agents in their area of expertise, taking on leadership roles in schools, community-based organizations, municipalities/school districts, founding start-ups, or continuing on to doctoral work.

Programs in Early Childhood

Master’s Degree Programs for Teachers seeking Initial Certification

• Bilingual Early Childhood Education
• Early Childhood Education
• Early Childhood Development and Learning: Diverse Children and Families (Leads to Early Childhood and Students with Disabilities Dual Certification)
• Early Childhood Development and Learning: Diverse Children and Families – Severe/Multiple Disabilities (Leads to Early Childhood and Students with Disabilities Dual Certification with Severe/Multiple Disabilities Annotation Extension)

Master’s Degree Programs for NYS Early Childhood Certified Teachers

• Bilingual Early Childhood Education
• Early Childhood Development and Learning: Diverse Children and Families (Early Childhood Special Education  – Leads to Students with Disabilities Birth – Grade 2) 
• Early Childhood Development and Learning: Diverse Children and Families- Severe/Multiple Disabilities (Early Childhood Special Education  – Leads to Students with Disabilities Birth – Grade 2 with Severe/Multiple Annotation Extension)

Master’s Degree Programs for NYS Certified Teachers (Other than Early Childhood)

• Bilingual Early Childhood Education
• Early Childhood Education for NYS Childhood Certified Teachers
• Early Childhood Development and Learning: Diverse Children and Families- Severe/Multiple Disabilities for NYS Certified Teachers (Leads to Early Childhood and Students with Disabilities Dual Certification with Severe/Multiple Disabilities Annotation Extension)
• Professional Certification in Special Education for NYS Certified Teachers in Students with Disabilities Birth – 2 or Grades 1-6 (Leads to Students with Disabilities Birth – Grade 2 Certification)

Post Master’s Advanced Certificate Programs for NYS Certified Teachers with Master’s Degrees

• Early Childhood Education Advanced Certificate
• Early Childhood Development and Learning: Diverse Children and Families (Early Childhood Special Education Advanced Certificate)