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College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions

Bachelors in Science in Early Childhood Education

At a Glance

Prepare for your teacher certification with a focus on birth-to-age-5 or pre-K to grade 3. Start your resume from day one with early classroom experience in your first semester, while receiving guidance and support from our expert faculty.

Full Time
Rolling Admission

Degrees Offered

Total Credits

Bachelor of Science

125

Overview

You, leading with confidence. With our bachelor's degree in early childhood education, you'll graudate ready to teach and inspire young learners in public and private schools as well as childcare centers and community programs. Be prepared to make a lasting impact on children's learning and development.  

Benefit from: 

  • Classroom experience starting your first semester

  • Dedicated, expert faculty 

  • Professional development resources for career success

First-Semester Experience

Start your first semester with real-world learning in supervised classrooms - plus five schools right on campus or in walking distance.

Dedicated Faculty Support

Learn in smaller class sizes and receive dedicated support from our experienced faculty.

Professional Development

Get career-ready with practice interviews, résumé help, and networking with principals and alumni. Our Career Studio is also a great resource here on campus.

Career Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics the demand for skilled early childhood educators is growing, creating opportunities in:

  • Preschools

  • Childcare centers

  • Leadership roles*

Earning your master’s degree in education can boost your salary, expand your career options, and strengthen your impact in the classroom. Plus, save time and money with our direct-admission Accelerated 4+1 programs!

Degree Requirements

The Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education is a 125 credit program.  In addition to General Education Requirements, students must complete additional courses in the following areas. This is just a sample of available courses; view the complete curriculum here.
  • Introduction to Education: Schooling and Human Services
  • Psychology of Exceptionalities
  • Educational Psychology
  • Assessment of the Whole Child
  • Working with Families and Community Services
  • Human Development
  • Infant and Child Development
  • The Sociology of the Family
  • Birth-3: Early Identification and Intervention
  • Student Teaching: Nursery-Kindergarten
  • Student Teaching: Infant/Toddler
  • Programs and Curriculum for Exceptional Children
  • Reading and Language Arts Instruction
  • Foundations of Literacy Learning
  • Student Teaching: Nursery-Kindergarten
  • Student Teaching: Grades 1-3
  • Birth-3: Early Identification & Intervention
  • Programs and Curriculum for Exceptional Children
  • Professional Internship

Upon completion of the program, candidates will:

PLANNING: Apply a variety of developmentally appropriate strategies and differentiation techniques when planning for educational and caring environments for young children birth to age 8.

ASSESSMENT: Assess young children in the classroom environment using non-invasive, developmentally appropriate strategies for collecting, organizing, and analyzing information.

ADAPT INSTRUCTION: Plan and adapt instruction for all children between the ages of birth through age 8, taking into account each child’s diversity.

INSTRUCTION: Utilize teacher inquiry inclusive of student work sampling to inform an effective teaching practice that reflects appropriate instructional strategies respectful of all forms of diversity in order to achieve successful student outcomes.

PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION: Effectively articulate a philosophy of working with children and families, communities and community agencies, and related educational and support professionals.

PROFESSIONAL ETHICS: Knowing the ethical guidelines for early childhood practice includes the following: Reflect on their practice in light of research on teaching and resources available for professional learning. Connect to the professional community through professional associations and opportunities for ongoing professional development. Be Informed advocates acting on behalf of children and their families.

Admission

Applications for admission are considered on a "rolling basis." However it's recommend that you apply by December 1 for entrance in January and by March 1 for entrance in September.

 

Meet Our Faculty

Paige Bray
Director of Early Childhood Education & Montessori Studies; Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education & Montessori Studies
Education

View Full Profile
Jillian Cavanna
Associate Professor of Elementary Education STEM & Innovation, Program Director of Early Childhood and Elementary Education, ENHP Honors Coordinator
Education

View Full Profile

Additional Information

Upon completion of the program, candidates will:

PLANNING: Apply a variety of developmentally appropriate strategies and differentiation techniques when planning for educational and caring environments for young children birth to age 8.

ASSESSMENT: Assess young children in the classroom environment using non-invasive, developmentally appropriate strategies for collecting, organizing, and analyzing information.

ADAPT INSTRUCTION: Plan and adapt instruction for all children between the ages of birth through age 8, taking into account each child’s diversity.

INSTRUCTION: Utilize teacher inquiry inclusive of student work sampling to inform an effective teaching practice that reflects appropriate instructional strategies respectful of all forms of diversity in order to achieve successful student outcomes.

PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION: Effectively articulate a philosophy of working with children and families, communities and community agencies, and related educational and support professionals.

PROFESSIONAL ETHICS: Knowing the ethical guidelines for early childhood practice includes the following: Reflect on their practice in light of research on teaching and resources available for professional learning. Connect to the professional community through professional associations and opportunities for ongoing professional development. Be Informed advocates acting on behalf of children and their families.

If you are a full-time undergraduate student applying to the early childhood education program, you will be considered for financial aid programs that the University administers. In addition to our own funds, the University participates in all Federal Title IV programs and Federal Family Education Loan programs. Residents of Connecticut and those states with reciprocal agreements with the State of Connecticut may also be eligible to receive state scholarships or grants.

View detailed Information on tuition and fees here

View financial aid information here

Phone: 860.768.4296

finaid@re4web.com

To transfer into a teacher education program as a college junior (48 credits or more), you must show evidence of having taken the SAT, ACT, or the Praxis Core. In addition, you must have obtained a minimum of a 3.0 (B) grade point average (GPA) in your previous coursework. Your ability to complete the program in two calendar years will depend on the specific courses required and your flexibility regarding summer coursework. Once admitted you must immediately complete the Professional Program Application. We would be happy to review your records and map out a sample plan of study. Please contact the Office of Admission:

Office of Admission
860.768.4296
admission@re4web.com

Education students must apply for admission to the professional program during the fall of sophomore year. Professional program admission requirements include:

  • SAT, ACT or Praxis Core scores. Although the University does not require SAT, ACT or Praxis scores for admission, the State of Connecticut requires these scores for teaching certification.

  • Cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

  • Completed dispositions interview form  

Please see the Catalog for grade requirements for preprofessional and professional level courses.

Accreditation

Certification programs in the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions are accredited based on the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) through the CAEP Accreditation System (CAEP), as well as the State of Connecticut Department of Education. The Educational Testing Service's Praxis II exam is utilized for certification of teachers in Connecticut. See Pass rate.
Visit Out-of-State Educators to see the Connecticut State Department of Education reciprocity agreement. The NASDTEC website details the interstate reciprocity agreement across states.

Have Questions?

We are ready to help!

860.768.5263
deptofed@re4web.com

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