Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 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  

Neff Hall 240 ~ 260-481-4146


The Early Childhood Education Birth to Age 5 program shapes the next generation of educators, preparing skilled teachers to facilitate learning experiences in diverse and inclusive environments. Our program is child-centered and dedicated to the development and learning of all young children ages birth to 5 using current theoretical frameworks and culturally relevant practices. Your skills will always be in demand and your expertise will truly make the difference in the life of a child.

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 generous, amiable, engaging, and developmental environments for young 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 School of Education.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of a major in Early Childhood students will:

  • understand child development, multiple influences on it, and how to use this information to create challenging learning environments
  • create and value reciprocal relationships with children’s families and community members to support children.
  • use child observation, documentation, and other forms of assessment in responsible ways to positively influence the development of every child
  • know, understand, and use a wide array of developmentally appropriate approaches, instructional strategies, and tools to faciliate development and learning
  • use knowledge of academic disciplines to design, implement, and evaluate experiences that promote positive development and learning for every young child
  • demonstrate being a member of the early childhood profession who uses ethical guidelines and professional standards; is a continuous, collaborative learner; reflects on practice; and is an informed advocate. 

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 online with some courses also available on campus.

Declaring This Major

You must declare this major with the School of Education.

General Requirements


Associate of Science Total Credits: 60


At least 60 credits must be earned in an Associate of Science degree in Early Childhood Education before entering the program below.

Capstone Experiences Credits: 9


For admission to EDU 47000 Practicum Preschool, complete each course with a C- or higher (EDU courses may be repeated up to one time to earn a minimum grade) and have an overall GPA of 3.00.

Total Credits: 120 (including 60 credits from Associate of Science)


Note: Some courses are available during the summer.

Student Responsibility


You are responsible for ensuring that you satisfy all graduation requirements specified for each selected program.  Thus, it is essential that you develop a thorough understanding of the required courses, academic policies, and procedures governing your academic career.  If you cannot complete all program requirements by your stated graduation date but fail to remove those from your plan of study, the Registrar’s Office in consultation with your academic advisor will remove unmet pursuits from your plan of study. Changing curricular records during the graduation term of application may affect state or federal financial aid awards. 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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