Early Childhood Education

Program Objectives

The College of Education is dedicated to providing high-quality teacher preparation programs. Program requirements are responsive to best practices as determined by experts and practitioners in the field. It is important that interested students obtain the most current advising information by consulting education advisers and obtaining the most current College of Education advising handbooks and admission materials.

ECED credentials are designed for students who are intending to work in schools which do not require licensure, such as childcare programs, Head Start programs, or community service agencies. Students who wish to pursue teacher licensure after the completion of their ECED bachelor’s degree program may enroll in the College of Education’s Master of Arts in Teaching program.

Learning Outcomes

• Breadth of knowledge: Applies understanding of content area(s) with sufficient breadth and depth to support student development and learning as defined by early learning guidelines.
• Strengthening intellectual and practical abilities (AAC&U Essential Outcomes): Justifies instructional decisions based on developmental, academic, and cultural needs to support all learners. Employs multiple methods of assessment to monitor growth and guide instruction.
• Being engaged in the community and exercising personal and social responsibility: Fosters a positive learning environment for all learners and their families. Builds collaborative partnerships with families. Exhibits the established dispositions of a professional educator in a culturally responsive manner.
• Integrating, applying, and reflecting on their skills and knowledge: Justifies instructional decisions and uses assessments to guide instruction, reflecting integration and application of knowledge in early learning contexts.

All graduates of EOU’s Early Childhood Education Program will have a foundation in:

1. fostering a positive learning environment for all learners and their families;

2. applying understanding of content area(s) with sufficient breadth and depth to support student development and learning as defined by early learning guidelines;

3. justifying instructional decisions based on developmental, academic, and cultural needs to support all learners;

4. employing multiple methods of assessment to monitor growth and guide instruction;

5. building collaborative partnerships with families; and 

6. exhibiting the established dispositions of a professional educator in a culturally responsive manner.

The College of Education offers four credentials for students interested in Early Childhood Education: A one-year certificate, a two-year associate degree, a Bachelor of Arts or Science degree, and a Bachelor of Applied Science degree. The  Bachelor of Arts/Science stacks on the certificate and associate degree with no duplication of credits. The bachelor degrees are also offered as completion programs with students completing their associate degree or first two years of school at a community college. Transfer students have two options for earning a bachelor degree. 1. Students who want to leave their options open for future graduate studies (including the College of Education’s Master of Arts in Teaching program) are advised to complete a Bachelor of Arts/Science. This degree requires 60 general education credits. 2. Students who have previously completed an Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education at a community college may elect to complete the Bachelor of Applied Science degree. This degree requires 45 general education credits. All coursework is offered online.

EOU’s teacher preparation programs have a competitive admissions process. Admission to the University does not guarantee admission to the professional education component of any particular education program. Please contact the College of Education for the current Admissions Packet for specific requirements and procedures for each program.

Programs

• Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education
• Early Childhood Education Major
• Early Childhood Education Major [BAS]

• Early Childhood Education Certificate

• Early Childhood Education Typical Four Year Curriculum