The Teaching major with a concentration in Early Childhood Education is offered to the student who holds a bachelor’s degree and is interested in working with young children (grades Prek-5) and with their families and community agencies. The early childhood professional can obtain licensure and/or a master’s degree through the program. Graduates who earn this master’s degree are prepared to teach young children in public or private schools as well as in other settings, such as educational assessment and tutoring clinics, residential facilities, camps, or community agencies.  The program is available in both a full time accelerated format and part time format.

Program Outcomes

  • Content knowledge - The candidate articulates accurate subject matter and applies that knowledge in planning and presenting lessons aligned with content standards.
  • Learner characteristics - The candidate incorporates knowledge of how students learn and how diverse experiences affect learning when planning and presenting lessons aligned with content standards.
  • Instructional strategies - The candidate applies a variety of scientifically-based, data-driven instructional strategies based on learning goals, assesses student's progress toward these goals, and differentiates instruction based on student needs and assessment results.
  • Learning environment - The candidate creates and manages a learning environment that encourages active, engaged learning and respect for others.
  • Professional responsibilities - The candidate engages in reflective practice, promotes collaboration among peers, families and communities,  and takes on opportunities for professional development

Program Requirements

Hours: 47

Professional Core - 9 hours

EDU 500 Statistics and Research (3)
EDU 501 Educational Psychology (3)
EDU 604 Integrative Research Project (3)

Concentration Courses - 38 hours

EDU 504 Proactive Classroom Leadership (3)
EDU 631 Promoting Student Development P-12 and The Effects of Trauma (3)
EDU 644 Graduate Student Teaching (6)
PRM 530 Integrating Science and Social Studies through Content Reading (3)
PRM 533 Primary Literacy Practicum (1)
PRM 534 Primary Integrating Curriculum Practicum (1)
RDG 515 Foundations of Effective Reading Instruction (3)
RDG 530 Phonics/Linguistics (3)
RDG 531 Comprehension Instruction (3)
RDG 535 Assessment and Intervention of Reading (3)
SED 515 Human Exceptionalities Across the Lifespan (3)
SED 521 Assessment & Communication Develop for Special Education (3)
SPR 552 Math Curriculum and Methods (3)