School of Teacher Education and Leadership Undergraduate Programs 5-Year Programs Graduate Programs Licensure Certificates Faculty/Staff

Interdisciplinary Studies Early Childhood (IDEC)

Are you interested in working with young children (birth to 3rd grade) with and without disabilities? Would you like to work in Head Start or a child care, early intervention or teach preschool, kindergarten or 1st through 3rd grade? RU is prepared to help you realize your dreams.

Philosophy

The IDEC program prepares graduates to work with children birth to age eight at all levels of abilities and their families in a variety of settings. The program is based on professional, national, state and local standards and ethical guidelines. We believe that graduates should be skilled in a range of options regarding curriculum, methods and program models based on research, theories and best practices. With this knowledge and a variety of field experiences, graduates have the flexibility to individualize instruction based on the needs of children, families and communities. Ethics guide the professional’s work with children and families and govern the IDEC program. We believe that advocacy for children, families and the profession is essential to improving the quality of life for children.