Early Childhood Education, BS
Program Description
The bachelor in early childhood education prepares professionals to provide high quality education and care for children birth through age eight in a wide variety of settings. Graduates are qualified to work as teachers and directors in private early childhood programs; state-funded preschool programs, such as Great Start Readiness Preschool; and federally-funded HeadStart programs. Students develop their understanding of typically and atypically developing children through integrated coursework and field experience, as well as two semester-long practicums. The required minor provides the opportunity for students to explore a related field, adding to their knowledge and skills for working with young children and their parents, or expanding their expertise for employment opportunities.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Candidates demonstrate their content area knowledge in the design, implementation, and evaluation of experiences that result in developmental and learning outcomes for each child.
- Candidates apply their knowledge and understanding of young children’s typical and atypical developmental needs to create healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging learning environments for each child.
- Candidates demonstrate in-depth knowledge of systematic observations, documentation, and assessment strategies through the effective use of these techniques to promote positive outcomes for each child.
- Candidates demonstrate understanding and value of the important and complex characteristics of children’s families and communities in their development of respectful, reciprocal relationships and partnerships.
- Candidates demonstrate professional dispositions throughout coursework, field experience, and practicums.
- Candidates demonstrate professional identification with and leadership skills in the early childhood field through articulating and advocating for sound professional practices and public policies.
Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Departmental Requirements | ||
| CHLD 101 | Intro to Early Childhood Ed | 4 |
| CHLD 103 | Learning Env for Young Child | 4 |
| CHLD 150 | Observation and Assessment | 4 |
| CHLD 210 | Infants and Toddlers | 4 |
| CHLD 225 | Emergent Literacy | 3 |
| CHLD 241 | STEM Foundations Young Child | 4 |
| CHLD 242 | Creativity and Humanities | 4 |
| CHLD 245 | Early Childhood Curriculum | 3 |
| CHLD 260 | Practicum I | 4 |
| CHLD 270 | Admin Early Childhood Programs | 2 |
| CHLD 310 | Inc Chld Spec Needs in Setting | 3 |
| CHLD 330 | Phil Foundation Early Child Ed | 2 |
| CHLD 350 | Early Childhood Facilities Mgt | 2 |
| CHLD 410 | Practicum II | 4 |
| CHLD 440 | Family/Community Partnerships | 3 |
| CHLD 495 | Senior Project Early Child Ed | 4 |
| Cognate Requirements | ||
| EDUC 101 | Self as Learner | 2 |
| BIOL 105 | Function of the Human Body | 4 |
| EMED 181 | First Aid | 1 |
| HLTH 104 | Nutrition for Early Childhood | 3 |
| SOCY 103 | Cultural Diversity | 3 |
| Free Electives | 9 | |
| Total Hours | 76 | |
Approved Minor (minimum 20 credits)
General Education: All LSSU bachelor’s degree candidates must complete the LSSU General Education Requirements.
A minimum of 124 credits (at the 100 level or higher) must be earned for graduation with a cumulative gpa of 2.00 or higher. A gpa of 2.00 or higher is also required in your Major, as well as in your General Education Requirements.