The UD Early Childhood Leadership and Advocacy program is a part-time, online program designed for early childhood professionals who have earned an associate's degree (or equivalent) in early childhood education or a related field and wish to advance the knowledge and skills required to be effective leaders and advocates in the field of early care and education. This "stackable" program allows students to earn certificates and concentrate on their areas of interests as they complete their degree. You'll be supported by faculty and experienced professionals in the field.

Note: This program is a non-licensure program and does not lead to a teaching credential. To learn more about teaching licensure degrees, visit the UD Department of Teacher Education. Graduate & certificate programs in Early Childhood Leadership and Advocacy are also available.

800
field hours in local school districts
100%
of undergraduate students are employed, in grad school or in a full-time service program within six months of graduation
96%
first-time pass rate for Ohio Resident Educator license

A High-Quality Education

Observation & Field Experience

Student Organizations

Teach in U.S. or Abroad

800 Hours in the Field

From year one, students are in local schools, logging observation hours as part of their coursework and exposure to the profession of teaching. Field-based experience continues during years two and three. Student teaching (internship) takes place during year four.

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Service Opportunities With Fellow Teacher Education Students

Be a part of UD student organizations created especially for teacher education majors. Opportunities include tutoring at local elementary schools, attending teaching conferences (national, state & local) and participating in professional development programs.

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Where Will Our Programs Take You?

Graduates work in a variety of public and private educational settings. Many go on to earn advanced degrees or pursue careers as principals and superintendents. We have alumni teaching all across the country and around the world.

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Visit Campus

Interested in learning more about the Early Childhood Leadership and Advocacy program? We'd love to meet with you. Schedule an academic appointment by contacting sehsadvisingoffice@udayton.edu. You can also choose to schedule a general campus tour and admission presentation.

Campus Tour and Admission Presentation

Featured Programs and Initiatives

Urban Teacher Academy

Prepares students who are interested in urban teaching to be culturally competent educators that can understand and respond to the needs and challenges of urban students, families and schools.

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Undergraduate Research

Students participate in the University of Dayton's annual Stander Symposium, a campus-wide event that allows students from all disciplines to showcase their intellectual accomplishments.

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Study Abroad

Summer programs in Ireland, England and Italy offer opportunities to explore museums, churches and schools through the lens of an educator. The Malawi Practicum allows opportunities to gain graduate-level research and fieldwork experience in Africa.

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Lalanne

Specialized program for teacher education graduates pursuing a master's degree at UD. Lalanne teachers benefit from two years of mentored teaching experience and live in community with other Lalanne teachers.

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Experiential Learning

Real-World Experience

Through practical learning opportunities like classroom observation and student teaching (internship), you can build your resume, gain practical experience and prepare for a successful career.