Early Childhood (B.S.Ed.) - Preschool to Grade 3 (Licensure)

Program: B.S.Ed.
School of Education  
College of Professional Studies

Neff Hall 250 ~ 260-481-4146 

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If you are interested in nurturing and teaching preschool children (ages three to five) or primary children (Kindergarten to grade three), consider a career in early childhood education. Preschool and elementary primary grade teachers educate and care for all children-with and without diverse learning or developmental needs. They explore basic subjects in a way that young children can understand and promote the optimal development of social skills, emotional understanding, and self-regulation.

The early childhood education preschool to grade 3 program has two options:
Option 1: a 4-year option where all courses may be completed at Purdue University Fort Wayne
Option 2: a transfer option that begins with the acquisition of an Associate of Science in early childhood education.  Most students acquire the A.S. at Ivy Tech Community College.

Each option affords students the opportunity to earn a teaching license through the Indiana Department of Education. The curriculum for both options includes classroom instruction and work experiences in local early childhood settings, and addresses the developmental and learning capabilities and needs of children from birth through age eight. Coursework will include:
• Child growth and development
• Family and community relationships
• Designing developmentally appropriate environments for children
You will spend time in classrooms under the supervision of highly qualified teachers and supervisors, interacting with children in each of the two age groups (preschool and elementary primary) and settings (e.g., childcare, Head Start, elementary school). Your studies will also provide a solid background in the liberal arts.

To earn the B.S.Ed. in early childhood education, you must satisfy the requirements of Purdue Fort Wayne (Regulations ) and the College of Professional Studies.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of a major in Early Childhood students will:

• Become more caring, humane and functional citizens in a global, multicultural, democratic society 
• Improve the human condition by creating positive learning environments
• Become change agents by demonstrating reflective professional practice
• Solve client problems through clear, creative analyses
• Assess client performance, creating and executing effective teaching, counseling, and educational leadership by utilizing a variety of methodologies reflecting current related research
• Utilize interdisciplinary scholarship, demonstrating technology and critical literacies, and effectively communicating with all stakeholders.

Accreditation

The Early Childhood Education Preschool to Grade 3 program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (currently seeking reaccreditation via the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation [CAEP]) and nationally recognized as a high-quality program through the National Association for the Education of Young Children.  Because of these statuses, students who meet specified requirements are eligible for the early childhood education teaching license in the state of Indiana.  Indiana holds reciprocal licensing agreements with other states.

Program Delivery

This program is available on campus

Declaring This Major

You must declare this major with the School of Education