Early Childhood Studies, B.A.

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The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Studies is designed to provide graduates with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to work effectively with children in early childhood (birth to age 8). Students study multi-disciplinary theories, research, and best practices, with an emphasis on socio-cultural factors that affect learning and development. They learn how to use theories and research from anthropology, child development, education, health, psychology, sociology, and multicultural studies to promote the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of diverse young children. Students study the science of assessing children’s growth and development, and they acquire skills in effectively communicating these findings to families and community partners. The program also prepares professionals to be leaders and advocates on behalf of all children and families.

Concentrations

When students declare a major in Early Childhood Studies, they must choose a concentration. Concentration options include:

Early Childhood Education Concentration
Early Childhood Development Concentration
Early Childhood Studies Integrated Teacher Education Program-Special Education
(mild/moderate)
Early Childhood Studies Integrated Teacher Education Program-Special Education
(moderate/severe)

Students who are interested in the ITEP Education Specialist concentrations should see the program description for the Early Childhood Studies Integrated Teacher Education Program-Special Education.

Career Opportunities

Early Childhood Education

The Early Childhood Education concentration prepares students for a career in an early education setting, including:

Infant, toddler, and preschool teacher
Administrator of an early education program
Support services in agencies that serve young children and families
Elementary teacher (requires completion of a post-baccalaureate Multiple Subject credential program
Special Education teacher (requires completion of a post-baccalaureate Special Education credential program)

Early Childhood Development

The Early Childhood Development concentration prepares students for a career working with young children and families in non-education settings. Students work with an advisor to prepare for a career in entry-level positions in social services or for graduate school in counseling, social work, child life specialist, etc.

Admission Requirements

For admissions to the major, students must have a GPA of 2.5.

Goals of the Early Childhood Studies Major

The goals of the Early Childhood Studies major are aligned with the mission of the SSU School of Education and the mission of the Department of Early Childhood Studies. The Early Childhood program seeks to prepare graduates who:

Are agents of individual growth and social change as well as models and advocates of the broader intellectual and social values of a democratic society.
Are knowledgeable and thoughtful about the field of early childhood studies.
Promote physical, cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and moral growth and learning in their professional work with young children, as well as respecting and encouraging the contributions of families and caregivers in the care and education of children and youth.
Design and carry out inclusive practices that respect human differences and aim to include all children and families.
Continually use inquiry, observation, study, and reflection to improve their professional practices.

Degree Requirements

See the “Degree Requirements ” in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements.

General Education Requirements (48 units)

See the “General Education Program ” requirements in the University Catalog for information on General Education requirements. Some major requirements may double count for GE requirements.

Program Coursework

Major Core Requirements (all concentrations, 29 units)

EDEC 110 - Understanding Development: Birth through Adolescence Unit(s): 3
EDEC 178 - Introduction to ECS Major and Digital Portfolio Unit(s): 1
EDEC 201 - Foundations of Early Care and Education Unit(s): 4
EDEC 220 - Child Observation with Field Experience Unit(s): 4
EDEC 270 - Families and Children in Diverse Societies Unit(s): 4
EDEC 411 - Infant and Toddler Development Unit(s): 3
EDSP 432 - Young Children with Special Needs Unit(s): 4
EDEC 435 - Leadership on Behalf of Children and Families Unit(s): 4
EDEC 450 - Empowerment and Equity for Children and Families Unit(s): 3
EDEC 460 - Introduction to Research in Early Childhood Studies Unit(s): 4
EDEC 478 - ECS Senior Portfolio Unit(s): 1

Integrated Teacher Education Concentration

Common Core for Education Specialists (35 units)

EDMS 463 - Teaching Language and Literacy in the Elementary School Grades TK-2 Unit(s): 3-4
EDSP 421B - Early Field Placement Unit(s): 1
EDSP 423 - Assessment of Students with Disabilities Unit(s): 3
EDSP 424 - Positive Behavior Supports for Students with Disabilities Unit(s): 3
EDSP 430 - Introduction to Special Education Unit(s): 3
EDSP 460 - Teaching Event Seminar Unit(s): 2
EDSS 446 - Language and Literacy Development in Secondary Classrooms Unit(s): 4

Credential-Specific Tracks (16-17 units)

Mild/Moderate Disabilities Track (16 units)

EDMS 474 - Teaching Mathematics in the Elementary School Unit(s): 3-4
EDSP 425 - Developing Academic Performance-Mild/Moderate Unit(s): 4
EDSP 465 - Practicum: Mild/Moderate Disabilities Unit(s): 11

Moderate/Severe Disabilities Track (17 units)

EDSP 426 - Communication Development: Assessment and Instruction Unit(s): 4
EDSP 428 - Education of Students with Moderate/Severe Disabilities Unit(s): 4

Major Electives (Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Development Concentrations, 6 units)

Electives should be chosen in consultation with an advisor. Students intending to apply to the Multiple Subjects Credential program should choose EDMS 419 and EDUC 417 as electives.