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Teacher and Pupil

Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education

Overview

The Bachelors of Arts in Early Childhood Education is designed for students to study characteristics of young children and their family. Students will be able to design developmentally appropriate educational models and demonstrate principles and skills of education based upon Christian perspectives. They will be able to communicate their models of education and curriculum with the staff, children, and parents.

What can I do with this degree?

With a B.A. in Early Childhood Education, you will be able to work as, but not limited to:

  • Center Director

  • Preschool Teacher

  • Lead Teacher

  • Own your own preschool

  • Special Education Teacher

  • Parent Educator 

  • Group home learning environments (up to 12 children)

  • Faith-based preschools

  • Secular preschools

  • Child development centers

  • Before/aftercare programs affiliated with both public and private K–12 schools

  • Head Start programs 

  • Camp Programs

  • Educational Toy or Game Design

  • Author to Children’s Books

  • Leading Children’s Chapel

  • Educational Consultant 

  • Home-based child care provider

  • Child/Family Advocate

​

What skills will I develop?

With a B.A. in Early Childhood Education, you will be able to work as, but not limited to:

  • Center Director

  • Preschool Teacher

  • Lead Teacher

  • Own your own preschool

  • Special Education Teacher

  • Parent Educator 

  • Group home learning environments (up to 12 children)

  • Faith-based preschools

  • Secular preschools

  • Child development centers

  • Before/aftercare programs affiliated with both public and private K–12 schools

  • Head Start programs 

  • Camp Programs

  • Educational Toy or Game Design

  • Author to Children’s Books

  • Leading Children’s Chapel

  • Educational Consultant 

  • Home-based child care provider

  • Child/Family Advocate

​

What are the degree outcomes?

Upon completing this major, students will:

  • Describe children’s cognitive, physical, affective, social, moral, and spiritual development.

  • Develop an early childhood education curriculum.

  • Articulate how to organize and manage childcare programs.

  • Demonstrate staff management skills.

  • Design the operating policies for an early childhood education program.

  • Analyze a childcare program operation and modify it according to the appropriate needs.

  • Create and conduct a parent educational program.

Why Major in Early Childhood Education? If this describes you, this program is a perfect fit

  • A passion for young children

  • A desire to teach and continue learning

  • Enjoy working with infants, toddlers and preschoolers

  • A desire to support children’s learning and development 

  • Desire to work directly with families and communicates to support an optimal environment for children’s development 

  • Desire to advocate and use knowledge of child development and your relationships with children and their families to help support their needs. 

  • Want to promote children’s cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and linguistic development by organizing and orchestrating an optimal environment in ways that best facilitate development and learning. 

What unique experiences or opportunities will I have? 

  • One on one ongoing academic advisory

  • Learn from expert professors who are in the field of Early Childhood

  • Compassionate peers and professors 

  • Internships and job referrals 

  • Hands on experiences 

  • In person and online classes

What kind of courses will I take?

  • EC 100 Introduction to Early Childhood Education

  • EC 101 Development in Early Childhood

  • EC 102 Children in Relations with Home, School, and Community

  • EC 103 Creative Experiences for Children

  • EC 201 Curriculum and Teaching in Early Childhood

  • EC 325 Language Arts in Early Childhood Education

  • EC 340 Theories of Play and Education

  • EC 370 Counseling for Children

  • EC 410 Children with Special Needs

  • EC 430 Evangelism for Children

Course Catalogs

For course descriptions, requirements, focus areas, options, and other program details see our full course catalog.

Program Review

For more details, please click program review.

4 Years
Standard Duration

This indicates the standard duration of this program. Completion time may vary depending on transferred coursework and preferred courseload.

126
Total Program Credits

This indicates the standard duration of this program. Completion time may vary depending on transferred coursework and preferred courseload.

TRACS/ABHE
ACCREDATION

Bethesda University is accredited by TRACS and ABHE

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Prof. Mary De La Rosa
Chair of Early Childhoold Department

Welcome to Bethesda University, Early Childhood Education Department. My name is Mary De La Rosa and I service as both this departments Academic Advisor and Instructor. With over 20 years of working with young children I am committed to help support you in a field that is vastly growing and so joyfully rewarding. I’m committed to supporting your journey as you discover what the future has in store for you.  Feel free to reach out to me with any questions. Can’t wait to hear from you. 

 

Email: marydelarosa@buc.edu

Phone: (714)-683-1214

Office Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 1pm-5pm

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Sharon 
B.A. In Early Childhood

"Ever since I was a kid, I have wanted to be a teacher and make a difference in children's life. My experiences here at Bethesda have been amazing. I got to meet great professors whom I am still in contact with. They have helped me throughout my journey in the field that I'm working on at the moment. The program is very flexible and allowed me to work and study at the same time. "

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