Bachelor of Arts: Early Childhood Education

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Within the context of a Christian worldview, the BA for Early Childhood Education program provides a challenging, theory-based and application-oriented approach to education. Students acquire knowledge, develop skills and demonstrate competencies necessary to teach effectively in public and private schools. The educator program is designed for adults seeking personal transformational change and are taught in an accelerated seminar format. The programs are tailored to the working professional, and can be completed by attending courses on week nights and weekends. Courses and field experiences develop educators who are dedicated to addressing diverse learner needs with excellence through servant-leadership in their field and in society.

The master teacher emphasis enhances the student’s teaching abilities through the study of curriculum development, program assessment, psychological foundations of teaching methods, group dynamics, and critical thinking skills. These principles are then put into practical application with the student gaining hands-on experience in the classroom. This combination of conceptual knowledge applied in real-world classroom experiences contributes to the student’s development as a master teacher.

Leadership training and development is yet another emphasis of the program: By utilizing essential and exciting training from the fields of education, students can become proficient in those skills essential to success in the schools.

Students may pursue one of two Bachelor of Arts degrees for Early Childhood Education:

BA Early Childhood Education Licensure (preschool through third grade)
BA Early Childhood Education Theory (no licensure)

General Education Core Requirements for all Education Bachelor’s Degrees (51 credit hours)

Adult Studies Seminar - (3 credit hours)

INT 200 - Adult Studies Seminar (3)

Communications - (9 credit hours)

Must include 6 credits of written and 3 credits of oral communication.

Biblical Studies - (3 credit hours)

Other equivalent Biblical Studies choices may be used.

History, Behavioral, Social Science - (12 credit hours)

Must include 3 credits each of American History, World/Western Civiliation, Psychology and Sociology.

Mathematics - (3 credit hours)

MAT 110 or higher level mathematics.

MAT 110 - Math Concepts (3)

Computer Science - (3 credit hours)

Only courses completed within the past 5 years will be accepted for General Education requirement.

CIS 201 - Introduction to Computer Applications (CAGS Only) (3)

Natural/Physical Science - (6 credits w/lab)

BIO 102 - Biological Diversity (3)
BIO 112 - Biological Diversity Lab (1)
Choose Natural/Physical Science elective equivalent to two (2) credit hours.

Humanities - (12 credit hours)

Requirements for Bachelor of Arts Early Childhood Education with Licensure

In addition to satisfactory completion of required coursework, Colorado State early childhood education teaching licensure requires a passing score on the PLACE exam. Students who satisfactorily complete all requirements of the early childhood education licensure program are qualified to teach preschool through third grade in Colorado.

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education with Licensure (120 credits)
General Education (51 credits)
Electives (13 credits)
Early Childhood Professional Core (56 credits)

Professional Core Early Childhood with Licensure (56 credit hours)

Students may enroll in professional core classes with 9 credits or less of General Education and Elective requirements to complete.

Graduation Requirements

The faculty recommends students in the BA in Liberal Arts with Elementary Education Licensure program to the Board of Trustees as candidates for graduation when they have completed the following requirements.

Completion of a total of 120 credits, including all general education, electives, and major coursework.
Passing score on the PLACE or PRAXIS exam.
A cumulative CCU grade point average of 3.0 or higher on the University’s 4.0 scale.
Recommendation by the CCU faculty for Elementary licensure.
Compliance with CAGS residency requirements .
Formal and timely application for graduation by the date specified by the University Registrar.
No outstanding financial obligations to the University.

Requirements for Bachelor of Arts Early Childhood Education Theory

Students pursuing this degree are not eligible for Colorado State teaching licensure; however, this degree may meet educational requirements for teaching in private preschools, Head Start, or other agencies. Students are required to complete two Field Experience courses.

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education Theory (120 credits):
General Education (51 credits)
Electives (27 credits)
Early Childhood Professional Core (42 credits)

Professional Core Bachelor of Arts Early Childhood Education Theory (42 credit hours)

Students may enroll in professional core classes with 9 credits or less of General education and Elective requirements to complete.

Graduation Requirements

The faculty recommends students in the BA in Early Childhood Education Theory program to the Board of Trustees as candidates for graduation when they have completed the following requirements:

Completion of a total of 120 credits of courses, including all general education, elective, and major coursework.
A cumulative CCU grade point average of 3.0 or higher on the University’s 4.0 scale.
Passing score on the Place exam
Recommendation by the CCU faculty for Early Childhood licensure
Compliance with CAGS residency requirements .
Formal and timely application for graduation by the date specified by the University Registrar.
No outstanding financial obligations to the University.