Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Early Childhood (B.S.Ed.) - Birth To Age 5 (Non-Licensure)


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

Neff Hall 250 ~ 260-481-4146


If you are interested in nurturing and teaching preschool children (birth to age five), consider a career in early childhood education. Preschool 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.

PREPARATION
As a bachelor-completion program, preparation for this career at Purdue University Fort Wayne begins with the acquisition of an Associate of Science in early childhood education.  Most students acquire the A.S. at Ivy Tech Community College.

The early childhood education bachelor-completion program has two options: birth through age five (preschool only) and preschool through grade three (preschool-primary). The latter option affords students the opportunity to earn a teaching license through the Indiana Department of Education. If you are interested in the preschool through grade three program, please see the Early Childhood (B.S.Ed.) - Preschool to Grade 3 (Licensure)  program.  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 three age groups in at least two settings (e.g., childcare, Head Start). 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

Our education programs are accredited through CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation).  We are nationally recognized as a high-quality program through the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Program Delivery

This program is available on campus

Declaring This Major

You must declare this major with the School of Education

Program Requirements:


General Education Requirements: Credits 33


General Education Requirements   

Category A: Foundational Intellectual Skills Credits


1. Written Communication


2. Speaking and Listening


3. Quantitative Reasoning


Category B: Ways of Knowing


6. Humanistic and Artistic Ways of Knowing


7. Interdisciplinary or Creative Ways of Knowing


Category C: Capstone


8. Capstone Experience


Refer to Approved List Cr. 3.

Free Elective: (1 credit to reach 120 credits for degree)


Pre-professional Education Requirements: Credits 12


Prior to being admitted to Professional Education courses you must complete the following Pre-professional Education requirements:

Professional Early Childhood Education Core from A.S. Degree: Credits 23


Most students acquire these credits through an Associate of Science in early childhood at Ivy Tech Community College.

Professional Education Requirements: Credits 39


Block 2 (P: Block 1): Credits 6


Total: Credits 120 minimum


Student Responsibility


You are responsible for satisfying the graduation requirements specified for your selected program.  Thus, it is essential that you develop a thorough understanding of the required courses, academic policies, and procedures governing your academic career.  All requests for exceptions to specific requirements must be made in writing and may be granted only by written approval from the appropriate chair or dean.

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