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

Program: B.S.Ed.
School of Education  

Neff Hall 240 ~ 260-481-4146 

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The Early Childhood Education preschool to Grade 3 major 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 in grades PK through Third Grade using current theoretical frameworks, social/emotional and content learning, 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.

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 is a 60-credit program 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 or Vincennes University where students can earn a Transfer Single Articulation Pathway (TSAP) degree which completes the first 60 credits of the 120 credits needed to earn the BSED in early childhood education P-3 degree in most cases (provided that you earn a grade of C or better in all of your transfer courses).  If you have earned the TSAP associate’s degree in early childhood education from either Ivy Tech or Vincennes University, please visit the TSAP page in this catalog for more direct information and degree requirements.

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 field 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 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 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

The Early Childhood Education Preschool to Grade 3 program is accredited by 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 (first 2 years) and online (last 2 years) with some courses also available on campus. 

Declaring This Major

You must declare this major with the School of Education