| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-05-08 | - |
Program Overview
Campbellsville University's online Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education prepares students for a successful career in the field. The program provides a global perspective to support diverse groups of young learners in inclusive classrooms. Students gain competency in child development, pedagogy, and the early childhood profession through coursework, fieldwork, and a practicum. Graduates are eligible for various career opportunities, including preschool and kindergarten teaching, early childhood special education, and child care center management.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
Campbellsville University's online bachelor's degree in early childhood education prepares students for a successful career in early childhood education. The program provides a global perspective to support diverse groups of young learners in inclusive early childhood classrooms.
Objectives:
The program aims to:
- Build competency in child development, pedagogy, and the early childhood profession.
- Prepare students for a successful career in early childhood education.
- Provide a global perspective to support diverse groups of young learners in inclusive early childhood classrooms.
- Solidify skills with real-world applied learning through required fieldwork and a practicum.
- Expand future professional opportunities through the option of teaching overseas.
Description:
The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in early childhood education. The curriculum includes coursework in child development, pedagogy, and the early childhood profession. Students also complete fieldwork and a practicum, which provide them with real-world experience in early childhood settings.
Outline:
Program Content:
- Child development
- Pedagogy
- The early childhood profession
- Fieldwork
- Practicum
Structure:
The program consists of 120 credit hours, including 42 general education course credits and 78 course credits within the degree program.
Course Schedule:
The program can be completed in four years or less through online coursework that works with students' schedules.
Individual Modules with Descriptions:
Foundation Courses (15 credit hours):
- ED 199: Entry to Teacher Preparation
- ECE 111: Educational Foundations of Early Education
- ECE 130: Child Development I
- ECE 140: Guidance of Young Children
- ECE 230: Child Development II
- IECE 301: The IECE Profession
Pedagogy Courses (48 credit hours):
- ECE 216: Intro to Special Ed in ECE
- ECE 270: Observation & Assessment
- ECE 280: Approaches to Curriculum & Methods
- ECE 320: Health, Safety & Nutrition
- IECE 360: Cultural & Linguistic Diversity in ECE
- IECE 381: Language & Literacy Methodology
- IECE 382: Arts & Humanities Methodology
- IECE 383: Math/Science/Social Studies Methodology
- IECE 384: Interactive & Assistive Technology
- IECE 385: Infant & Toddler Methodology
- IECE 440: Positive Behavior Supports
- IECE 460: Working with Families in EIIECE 470: Advanced Assessment in IECEIECE 475: Organization and Administration in EED 371: P-5 Children’s LiteratureChoose one of the following:IECE 400: Current Issues in Early Childhood Education Profession
- IECE 410: Special Investigations in Early Childhood Education
Clinical Practice (3 credit hours):
- ECE 411: Teaching Practicum in ECE
Approved Electives (12 credit hours):
- Students receive guidance from faculty and advisors in choosing elective courses that further their professional goals.
Montessori Emphasis – Foundation Courses (15 credit hours):
- ED 199: Entry to Teacher Preparation
- ECE 111: Educational Foundations of Early Education
- ECE 130: Child Development I
- ECE 140: Guidance of Young Children
- ECE 230: Child Development II
- IECE 301: The IECE Profession
Montessori Emphasis – Pedagogy Courses (36 credit hours):
- ECE 216: Intro to Special Education in ECE
- ECE 270: Observation & Assessment
- ECE 280: Approaches to Curriculum & Methods
- ECE 320: Health, Safety & Nutrition
- IECE 360: Cultural & Linguistic Diversity in ECE
- IECE 384: Interactive & Assistive Technology
- IECE 385: Infant & Toddler Methodology
- IECE 440: Positive Behavior Supports
- IECE 460: Working with Families in EIIECE 470: Advanced Assessment in IECEED 371: P-5 Children’s LiteratureChoose one of the following:IECE 382: Arts and Humanities MethodologyIECE 400: Current Issues in the Early Childhood Profession
Montessori Area Foundation and Pedagogy Courses (18 hours):
- IECE 325: Foundations in Montessori Education
- ECE 326: Practical Life & Culture Methodology
- ECE 327: Sensorial Methodology
- ECE 328: Language & Literacy Methodology
- ECE 329: Math Methodology
- IECE 450: Classroom Leadership-Montessori
Clinical Practice in Montessori (6 credit hours):
- IECE 498: Montessori Practicum/Seminars II
- IECE 499: Montessori Practicum/Seminars II
Montessori Emphasis – Approved Electives (3 credit hours):
- Students receive guidance from faculty and advisors in choosing elective courses that further their professional goals.
Assessment:
Assessment methods used in the program include:
- Exams
- Quizzes
- Papers
- Projects
- Presentations
- Fieldwork
- Practicum Assessment criteria are based on the program's learning objectives and include:
- Knowledge of child development and pedagogy
- Ability to plan and implement effective instruction
- Ability to work with children and families
- Professionalism and ethical conduct
Teaching:
The program is taught by a team of expert faculty who have experience in early childhood education. The faculty use a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Discussions
- Activities
- Simulations
- Role-playing The program also uses a variety of technology to enhance the learning experience, including:
- Online learning platform
- Virtual reality
- Augmented reality
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
Graduates of the program are prepared for a variety of careers in early childhood education, including:
- Preschool teacher
- Kindergarten teacher
- Early childhood special education teacher
- Child care center director
- Family child care provider
Opportunities and Outcomes:
Graduates are eligible for a number of career opportunities in the growing field of early childhood education. The median pay for preschool teachers was $30,210 per year in 2017. Meanwhile, the median annual salary for Kindergarten teachers was $61,350.
