Students in the Department of Early Childhood Education (ECE) explore topics related to understanding and supporting children's plays, varied families and communities, as well as curriculum operation. The two keywords of the Department of ECE at Korea National University of Transportation are ‘practical expertise’ and ‘community cooperation.’ Students will develop their competencies as practical experts through field trips and observations, class practices and educational reflections, and Problem-Based Learning (PBL). The department continuously seeks ways to work with the community, such as donating education through the ‘Saeam Festival’, which invites children from the local schools, and the ‘Visiting Table Dramatic Play’ performances, which directly visit each institution. In particular, through the 'Saeam Festival' in which all students participate, students can feel a sense of belonging of the community as well as the department. Students also have the opportunity to develop their personalities, which may be the important qualities as the prospective early childhood teacher, such as consideration, cooperation, and responsibility.

The teaching method of the Department of ECE is not one-way transfer of knowledge from professors to students but is centered on cooperative learning between professors and students, students and students, and students and the field. Rather than looking for the right answer, individual students will be encouraged to experience problem solving in creative ways while respecting their own experiences and situations. Additionally, students may use e-campus to organize and share their thoughts and access a variety of on-line programs.

Through diverse experiences in connection with the local community, students in the Department of ECE will develop into prospective early childhood teachers with upright character and practical expertise.