Early Childhood Education

Educating Vermont’s youngest learners is an essential and rapidly growing career field across the state. Lyndon Institute’s Early Childhood Education program is designed to support students in aspects of teaching and working with young children, from birth through elementary age. Offered in collaboration with Northeast Kingdom Community Action (NEKCA) Family Resource Center, this partnership provides an immersive experience in various early childhood career pathways while building strong, intergenerational community bonds, and instilling a passion for childcare. 

Students are exposed to everything they need to enter the field as competent and confident teaching assistants, having gained experience and education that helps them stand out among applicants.  Through research and study, students will develop the knowledge and skills to effectively organize lesson plans, evidence-based early learning experiences, and create appropriate environments to promote positive physical, emotional, intellectual, and social growth in children. Students will earn college credit through the Community College of Vermont in Introduction to Early Childhood Education, Communication in the Early Childhood and Afterschool Workplace, Child Development, and Supporting Young Children with Diverse Abilities.  Students will become members of Educators Rising student organization, a nationally recognized curriculum and movement designed to guide them on the first steps on the path to becoming accomplished teaching professionals. Additionally, students are invited to join VTAEYC's Youth Apprenticeship Program, which provides a paid mentorship opportunity with a local educator, while simultaneously studying at Lyndon Institute.