the middle childhood education program focuses on the nature and needs of early adolescents as they particularly relate to the design, delivery, and evaluation of culturally and developmentally responsive instruction. the acquisition of progression knowledge and skills is aided by reflective practice and inquiry. the program includes participation ins a strengthened curriculum with more than 700 hours of clinical experience - similar to the preparation used in legal and medical professions. rigorous preparation helps to include the likelihood that students will be hired upon graduation. the middle childhood education program prepared candidates for teaching children from grades 4 through 9 (ages 8 to 14) at the undergraduate level.