Each April, we pause to celebrate something truly extraordinary, young children and the educators, families, and communities who nurture their growth. The National Association for the Education of Young Children designates April as the Month of the Young Child, a time to recognize the joy, wonder, and boundless potential of early childhood, while also honoring those who make that growth possible every day.
Early childhood is a time of firsts, first questions, first friendships, and first discoveries about the world and one’s place in it. It is also a time when high quality education matters most. What happens in these early years shape not only academic success, but confidence, relationships, and a lifelong love of learning.
Behind every thriving child is an educator who sees possibility. Early childhood and elementary educators do far more than teach. They listen, guide, encourage, and create environments where children feel safe to explore and grow. They build the foundation for how children understand themselves as learners and as members of a community. Their work requires deep knowledge, intentional practice, and an unwavering commitment to equity and inclusion. It also requires heart!
As we celebrate the Month of the Young Child, we are reminded that this work is both deeply meaningful and increasingly complex. Today’s educators must be prepared to support diverse learners, implement evidence-based practices, and create inclusive classrooms where every child is valued, supported, and loved. They must be ready not only to teach, but to lead, advocate, and adapt in a constantly evolving field.
This is why educator preparation matters.
At Carlow University, we believe that learning to teach should be as dynamic and meaningful as the work itself. Our Early Childhood and Elementary Education programs are intentionally designed to prepare educators who are confident, connected, and ready to make a difference from their very first day in the classroom.
Students do not wait until their final year to step into schools. They begin engaging with children and classrooms early in their program, building skills and confidence over time. They learn within a unique, campus based educational ecosystem that includes a laboratory school, early learning center, out of school time program, and dyslexia center, as well as Montessori and Reggio inspired environments. This immersive approach allows students to connect theory to practice in authentic and meaningful ways, guided by our mission and scholar-practitioner framework.
Equally important are the relationships students build along the way. Faculty at Carlow are not only instructors, but mentors, and champions of success. They are experienced educators, leaders, and advocates who bring real world insight into every course. In small, supportive classes, students are known, challenged, and encouraged as they grow into professionals who understand both the science and the heart of teaching.
Carlow University’s Early Childhood and Elementary Education programs are distinguished by:
- Early and continuous field experiences beginning in the first semester
- A campus based learning environment with real classrooms and programs at the Early Learning Center and Campus Laboratory School, serving infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarten-8th grade
- Faculty mentorship grounded in extensive professional experience
- Small class sizes and a strong sense of community—and Carlow pride!
- Opportunities for on campus employment connected to teaching and child development
- Integrated professional development and leadership opportunities
- Strong career outcomes, with many graduates employed in their field before and upon graduation
Graduates leave Carlow prepared not only with knowledge, but with purpose and passion. They enter classrooms ready to educate and care for children, partner with families, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Many begin their careers in the very schools and programs where they trained, confident, capable, and already connected to the field.
The Month of the Young Child is a celebration, but it is also a call to recognize the importance of early childhood education and to invest in those who make it possible. Whether you are a future educator considering your path, a family member supporting a child’s learning, or a community member who values education, you are part of this shared work.
At Carlow University and within the College of Education and Social Work, we are proud to prepare educators who will carry this work forward with knowledge, compassion, and a deep commitment to children and families. Together, let us celebrate the magic of childhood and continue building a future where every child is seen, supported, and inspired to thrive.
Dr. David Price is an assistant professor and program director for Early Childhood Education at Carlow University. He teaches undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral coursework in pedagogy, teacher education, and early childhood leadership and supervision. David serves as a higher education accreditation reviewer for the National Association for the Education of Young Children and is dedicated to advancing and professionalizing the field of early childhood education. In this capacity, he leads accreditation teams to colleges and universities across the nation seeking to accredit associate, bachelor, and master’s degree programs.