Early Childhood Education B.S.Ed.

Required credits to graduate with this degree: 132

This B.S.Ed. will prepare students to teach Birth to Age 8, which includes: preschool, kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to apply for birth through 3rd grade licensure. This degree is a composite of both Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education.

*Distance learners please note that some methods courses will require synchronous classes and in-school practicums.

Early Childhood Education majors must complete 36 hours of essential studies. The following Essential Studies courses require a minimum grade of "C": COMM 110, ENGL 110, ENGL 120 or ENGL 125, GEOG 103, MATH 103, and PSYC 111.  Additional requirements to the major include 3 science courses 2 of which much include a lab (SCNC 101 and SCNC 101L, SCNC 102 and SCNC 102L are recommended), and a history course, preferably HIST 103 or HIST 104. Students are strongly encouraged to obtain First Aid/CPR certification.

A list of approved essential studies courses is available here.

Early Childhood Education requires the following content/core specific courses prior to student teaching: all professional education and methods courses, 75% of content coursework specifically including the following classes: EDUC 350, EDUC 436, EC 335, EC 338, and EDUC 307.

A minor or specialization is not required with this program.

Criteria for Admission, Continuance, and Exiting the Teacher Education Program

Student Learning Outcomes:

• SLO 1: Learner & Learning: Students understand diversity in learning and developmental processes and create supportive and safe learning environments for students to thrive.

• SLO 2: Content: Students understand subject matter deeply and flexibly so they can advance their students’ learning, address misconceptions and apply ideas to everyday life.

• SLO 3: Instructional Practice: Students will plan instruction, utilize effective instructional strategies and technologies, and continuously assess students for mastery and decision-making purposes.

• SLO 4: Professional Responsibility: Students will take responsibility for student learning, collaborative relationships, their own professional growth, and the advancement of the profession.