Students at the University of Michigan-Flint pursuing any major would benefit from adding a minor in early childhood studies to their academic record, beginning their careers better equipped to manage the diverse needs of families with young children.

The seven-course, 21-credit minor offers students in-depth, research-based instruction about early childhood growth and development, learning through play and discovery, and how to work effectively with families, children, and communities.

Numerous occupations are vitally important to the well-being of young children, influencing them through the avenues of medical care, education, policy creation, and community resources.

“It makes a big difference when a society is knowledgeable about issues that affect families with young children,” said Aviva Dorfman, UM-Flint associate professor of education.

People seeking careers in management, business, school administration, law, communications, psychology, nursing, and other fields will find value in having a minor in early childhood studies as they interact with families with young children in Flint who have been impacted by lead in the water system, as well as those who live outside of the area and have other needs.

“We want to know more as a society about early childhood education and how it works so we can make better policy decisions,” Prof. Dorfman explained. “We also need to understand child development, the needs of families with young children, and also the stresses on families that affect their lives.”

Offered through the education department, the UM-Flint early childhood studies minor is designed to complement any major, in addition to attracting elementary education majors who decide not to pursue the early childhood specialist endorsement. It is a smart choice for anyone hoping to use their career to make a positive impact on young children in their community.

In addition to two electives, the requirements of the minor include:

• ECE 100 Foundations of Early Childhood Education
• ECE 200 Child Development & Learning
• ECE 225 Play & Learning in Early Childhood
• ECE 235 Working with Families, Children & Community
• ECE 468 Fieldwork

Click here for more information about the early childhood studies minor at UM-Flint.