The College of Education and Human Development is leading the charge to strengthen early childhood education in Nevada and address the state’s teacher shortages. With more than 25 pre-K locations currently operating in Washoe County, efforts are underway to expand access through a legislative proposal that seeks to establish universal, free pre-kindergarten for families across Nevada. This research-based initiative highlights critical brain development that occurs before age five, when children begin to develop the intellectual, social-emotional and health foundations essential for lifelong success.
Children who participate in high-quality early care and education programs experience significant short- and long-term benefits, particularly those from low-income families. These programs foster cognitive growth, social skills, and emotional resilience, which positively impact families, communities and society as a whole.
“Our Early Childhood Education bachelor’s degree program has been thoughtfully designed to prepare graduates to provide the strongest foundation for Nevada’s youngest learners,” said Melissa Burnham ’94 (human development and family studies), ’96 M.S., chair of the Department of Human Development, Family Science, and Counseling, and executive coordinator of the Child and Family Research Center.
Pups to Pack: Preparing future early childhood educators
To meet the growing demand for early childhood educators, the College recently created a bachelor’s degree program in Early Childhood Education, offering pre-K through second-grade licensure opportunities. Building on this momentum, the College is introducing the innovative Pups to Pack apprenticeship programs to further strengthen the pipeline of early childhood educators. Graduate apprenticeship program Students pursuing early childhood education will soon have the opportunity to enroll in an accelerated program to earn both a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a master’s degree in Human Development and Family Science. This fast-track program aims to improve educator retention, increase salaries and produce highly trained professionals ready to make a meaningful impact in Nevada’s classrooms.
Graduate apprenticeship program
Students pursuing early childhood education will soon have the opportunity to enroll in an accelerated program to earn both a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a master’s degree in Human Development and Family Science. This fast-track program aims to improve educator retention, increase salaries and produce highly trained professionals ready to make a meaningful impact in Nevada’s classrooms.
High school pre-apprenticeships
Low-income, first-generation students from Washoe County School District Title I schools will also have access to an exciting pre-apprenticeship program. Approximately 20 students each year will gain college credit and hands-on experience at the University’s lab research preschool and other locations in Reno-Sparks. Made possible by a generous donation from The Lemelson Foundation, this initiative coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Dean’s Future Scholars program by returning to its roots: cultivating future educators from within the community. Starting their junior or senior year of high school, participants will earn college credits, gain early exposure to teaching and receive a head start on their bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education.
“This program will supercharge the preparation and retention of highly qualified teachers for Washoe County,” said Quentin Smith ’13 M.Ed., director of development for the College of Education and Human Development.
“Our Human Development and Family Science program remains committed to leading the way in graduating exceptional early childhood professionals to meet Nevada’s growing demand,” added Donald Easton-Brooks, dean of the College of Education and Human Development.