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Early Childhood Education (Undergraduate)

Early childhood focuses on the study of all children from birth through age eight. SVSU offers a variety of programs to prepare candidates for their desired role in supporting or working with young children and their families.

Early Childhood Education (B.A.)

The Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education is an ideal degree program for teachers wishing to specialize in Early Childhood Classroom Teaching (birth through age 8) while pursuing an elementary teaching certificate. Those who enroll in this program will have the opportunity to gain new ideas for current best practices in teaching young children and develop skills for reaching all students. The 30 credit endorsement program assists students seeking the coveted ZS endorsement for Early Childhood (General and Special Education).

An Early Childhood (ZS) endorsement is increasingly becoming a requirement for employment in public and private school districts for kindergarten, first and second grades, Headstart, and Early Headstart. This endorsement is required for state-funded four-year old preschool (GSRP) programs. Candidates with a ZS endorsement will also be able to teach in non-categorical early childhood special education (ECSE classrooms and Birth-3 home visiting programs).

Program Highlights

  • 100% of graduates were hired by the start of the school year for the past six years (data derived from 2010-2016 early childhood graduation classes).
  • SVSU candidates have a higher pass rate on the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification in Early Childhood than state average (data derived from 2012-2015 testing cycles).
  • The Early Childhood program at SVSU is nationally recognized by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
  • SVSU faculty in the Early Childhood program are highly qualified in both Early Childhood and Special Education and use their experience to provide an excellent combination of theoretical and practical knowledge.
  • The Early Childhood Education degree and associ­ated endorsement program align with the accredita­tion standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

Do You Already Have Your Bachelor's Degree?

Early Childhood Education Undergraduate Program Requirements & Endorsement

Related Programs & Requirements

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do with this degree?
Is the program online or do I need to come to campus?
Do I have to take the courses in sequence?

Meet Your Advisor

Dr. Colleen D'Arcy
cdarcy@svsu.edu
GN 249
(989) 964-4662

Affiliations

The following are professional organizations and events that promote early childhood education.

Organizations

SVSU Conferences

CONTACT US.


College of Education
Gilbertson Hall
coeconnect@svsu.edu
(989) 964-4057
Fax: (989) 964-4385

Dean
James E. Tarr, Ph.D.

Gilbertson Hall

(989) 964-7107

Acting Assistant Dean & Professor
Colleen D'Arcy, Ph.D.

Gilbertson Hall

(989) 964-7107