Why Did I Choose to Study Early Childhood Education Instead of Family Life?

Mikaela Campbell

McKay Student Ambassador

Early Childhood Education

---

One thing I absolutely love about Early Childhood Education is learning about child development and how children grow. In fact, the first class that led me to pursue a career with children was a child development class I took in high school. I find human development fascinating and am interested in learning about families. So why did I choose Early Childhood Education instead of Family Life?

For me, Early Childhood Education combines all my interests and aligns more with my goals. I enjoy learning about the different aspects of young children's development, such as their social, cognitive, and language development. However, I also want the knowledge I gain about children to help me be more supportive in the classroom. I enjoy learning about and working with families, but I want my main focus to be on children and their learning. The Family Life major also tends to lean more towards research, observation, and counseling, but I want to be involved with children through play and learning. I enjoy doing fun activities, watching children explore, and gaining skills in teaching methodology. I get most excited when I am in a classroom, whether that be at a daycare, a preschool, or an elementary school. My desire to be in a classroom is a big reason why I chose Early Childhood Education. I want to be a teacher who helps young children feel they have a place of belonging and a supportive environment. There is a lot that I feel like I can do as an educator, and studying Early Childhood Education can help me achieve that.

There's a line in the McKay school mission statement that emphasizes another reason I chose Early Childhood Education. I want children to "realize their divine potential as children of God". As a teacher, I can act in a way that shows my students that they have great potential and that they matter. Everyone needs someone who will help them feel valued, including children. Of course, you can still do this in other careers; there are many jobs out there that help and advocate for children. I've looked into many options myself. However, I love that education gives me the opportunity to teach and provide a place where students can form friendships, learn new ways to experiment with the world, and come and succeed.

And here's the big truth. Even though I'm majoring in Early Childhood Education, I still love Family Life classes and concepts. In fact, I recently chose to minor in Family Life. I am currently taking a family processes class where we examine trends over time, family systems, various family theories, how family goals and rules affect the family, and more. Much of the course content for this minor is very similar to Early Childhood Education. I love the emphasis on families, and I hope that what I learn will help me both in my career and with my own family. I specifically hope that what I learn in this minor will help me as I work with my students' families as a teacher in my own classroom.

So I truly get the best of both worlds with Early Childhood Education. I get to learn about kids, and then work with them. I get to learn why play is important, and then practice it. I'll gain experience working with families, but will have a focus on children. In the end, I feel I belong in a classroom.

Want to learn more about the major? Check out our other Early Childhood Education blogs https://www.beateacherbyu.com/blog-1/categories/ece

---

HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT EDUCATION MAJORS?

Come meet with us! Schedule an appointment here. We would love to meet with you!