Department of Early Childhood Education

📚 History of the Department

The Department of Early Childhood Education at Pamukkale University commenced its undergraduate program in 1993, graduating its first cohort in 1997. In 1998, a thesis-based master's program was introduced, followed by the establishment of a doctoral program in the 2018–2019 academic year. Further expanding its academic portfolio, the department launched a non-thesis master's program in 2020. The department continues its educational activities by aligning with developments in the field and sustaining growth in both quality and capacity.

As of the 2023–2024 academic year, the department's academic staff comprises four professors, four associate professors, three assistant professors, one lecturer, one PhD-holding research assistant, and one research assistant. All programs are conducted in Turkish and aim to provide students with a comprehensive education that balances theoretical knowledge with practical application. Emphasizing democratic values and participatory approaches in education, the department provides a contemporary learning environment that aligns with current pedagogical and technological advancements.

Following the transfer of authority over education faculty program structures from the Higher Education Council to individual institutions in the 2021–2022 academic year, the department undertook substantial reforms to its curriculum. The undergraduate program spans four years, the thesis-based master's program two years, and the doctoral program four years. The curriculum is designed to provide in-depth knowledge and skills in areas such as early childhood pedagogy, developmental psychology, teaching methods, and instructional planning.

Educational activities are conducted in a purpose-built, modern facility located on the Kınıklı Campus, which was completed in 2010. The building's infrastructure, including classrooms, laboratories, and social facilities, is regularly updated to reflect contemporary standards in early childhood education. The department also actively engages in national and international academic mobility through Erasmus and Farabi exchange programs, providing students with valuable international exposure and opportunities for intercultural learning.

With its dynamic academic staff, continuously evolving curriculum, and commitment to high-quality teacher education, the Department of Early Childhood Education at Pamukkale University plays a significant role in advancing early childhood education in Türkiye. The department's graduates make significant contributions to the field, reflecting the department's sustained emphasis on both qualitative and quantitative development.          

Denizli Teacher College

The old Faculty of Education main building, constructed as the Girls' Teacher Training School in 1957 – İncilipınar

Faculty of Education

The new Faculty of Education building, in use since 2008 – Kınıklı Campus

Faculty of Education

A Contemporary View

📖 Books Published by the Department Members

Year	Author	Book Title	Cover
2020	N. IŞIKOĞLU	Babies and Children
2000	F. N. CEVHER KALBURAN	Creativity and Art in Early Childhood
2010	F. N. CEVHER KALBURAN	Alphabet with Stories
2010	F. TAHTA & A. İVRENDİ	Science Learning and Teaching in Early Childhood Education

📌 Department Activities

Year	Event Title	Poster
2011	6th National Early Childhood Education Student Congress - TARGET ALL CHILDREN