Majors in early childhood education are licensed to teach in preschool, kindergarten, and grades 1-3. Several practica and field experiences with children are provided, and a subject matter emphasis is selected. This major is a cooperative effort between the Department of Family, Consumer, and Human Development and the School of Teacher Education and Leadership (TEAL). Students are required to complete a student teaching practicum in a preschool program, a kindergarten, and in the public schools grades 1, 2, or 3. Additional materials describing the ECE major in the Department of Family, Consumer, and Human Development are available in FL 205.

Admission Requirements

Admission criteria for the Teacher Education Program include: completion of 30 credits with a cumulative GPA of 2.75, successful performance on the ACT exam, successfully passing the Teacher Education Writing Exam, a speech and hearing test, and high potential as a teacher as judged by performance in a small-group interview. Admission is limited to ensure a quality program and by the availability of space. Note: Please contact an advisor if PPST (Pre-Professional Skills Test) results are being used in the admission process.

University Studies Requirements

Early Childhood Education Majors are required to take certain classes to fulfill the University Studies requirements.

Early Childhood Areas of Emphasis

Students majoring in Early Childhood Education are required to complete 12 credits in an area of emphasis. The area of emphasis must be chosen from the following fields: Language Arts, Social Studies, Mathematics/General Science, General Science, Fine Arts, Art, Music, Physical Education, Health/Wellness/ Nutrition, Foreign Language.  School Library Media Certification and English as a Second Language (ESL) endorsement are also available. An optional Supporting Area in Parenting is also available for Early Childhood Education majors.  Students must choose two upper-division courses numbered 3000 or above.

All requirements for the Early Childhood Education Major are found in the General Catalog pgs 302-313.