Human Development and Family Studies Major: Early Childhood Education Option (Teacher Licensure) (B.S.)

Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) is an academic discipline focused on understanding the development of individuals and families over time and across the ecological contexts in which they live. The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Teacher Licensure option within the major provides an applied focus on preparing students for careers as early childhood (birth - third grade) educators in childcare centers, preschools, and elementary schools. The ECE Teacher Licensure curriculum offers students the opportunity to take courses on infant and child development, working with children with special needs, teaching and learning in early care and education settings, observation and assessment of children, and building strong family-school-community partnerships. Additionally, students take subject-area coursework focused on developing the skills needed to teach math, science, social studies, and literacy. The principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion are woven throughout every course and internship experience to prepare students for inclusive educational practice.

As a major public research university, UNH emphasizes hands-on experience and research opportunities for undergraduate students. Students within the HDFS Early Childhood Education Teacher Licensure option are provided with opportunities to put theory and research into practice through practicum and internship coursework at the Child Study and Development Center and a required full-year student teaching internship in a Kindergarten through 3rd-grade classroom.

Degree Requirements

All Major, Option and Elective Requirements as indicated.
*Major GPA requirements as indicated.

Major Requirements

The core curriculum required of each Human Development and Family Studies student is designed to give a broad introduction to individual and family development and interpersonal relationships across the lifespan. Building off this curriculum, each student can specialize in one of three options, Child Development, Early Childhood Education Teacher Licensure, or Family and Lifespan Development which guide further required coursework. Faculty advisors support students in selecting coursework to best prepare them for their specific career objectives. In their senior year, students complete a capstone course and may participate in a year-long community-based internship experience.

Candidates for the Human Development and Family Studies degree must satisfy all of the University Discovery and Writing Program requirements in addition to satisfying the requirements of the major/option.

Additional Information

Teacher Licensure Option Requirements

• Students must meet state student-teaching requirements including completing the Basic Academic Skills Assessment (BASA) and a criminal background check.
• Students must have a minimum 3.2 overall and major GPA and meet course progression requirements (B- or better in all Early Childhood Education: Teacher Licensure Option Requirements) confirmed through application during the spring of the junior year. Students not meeting these requirements will be transitioned to the Child Development option.
• Graduates of the Early Childhood Education Teacher Licensure option will be eligible for recommendation to the NH Department of Education for Early Childhood Education (N-3) licensure.
• Licensure by the NH Department of Education also depends on meeting state subject area testing requirements and a criminal background check.

Sample Degree Plan

This sample degree plan serves as a general guide; students collaborate with their academic advisor to develop a personalized degree plan to meet their academic goals and program requirements.

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Students should enroll in each listed course only once.

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Students may use these credit hours towards a minor, accelerated master's program (senior year if applicable), or as general elective coursework.

• Use theoretical frameworks and empirical research to understand and explain child/lifespan development, family process and the interaction of individuals and families with society.
• Recognize and respect a diversity of family forms and processes. Understand how human development and family interactions are shaped by diverse personal contexts and cultures. Understand and be aware of one’s own biases, beliefs, and values.
• Understand ethical decision-making processes, and ethical standards and principles relevant to our discipline. Positively represent the profession in academic, professional and community settings.

Human Development and Family Studies Major: Early Childhood Education Teacher Licensure Option (B.S.)

Location/Delivery: College of Health and Human Services, Durham Campus [In Person Program]

This program is designed to prepare graduates for professional licensure/certification as follows:

Teacher Licensure

Early Childhood Education (Pre K-3)

The University of New Hampshire has determined this program meets the educational requirements for licensure/certification in:¹
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

Additional information and related resources are available on the Office of the Registrar's website.

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State specific post-education requirements are subject to change. Students are responsible for confirming these requirements in their state of residence and intended practice.