Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (Non-Licensure)

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Within the context of a Christian worldview, the B.A. in Early Childhood Education (Non-Licensure) degree provides a challenging, theory-based and application-oriented approach to education. Courses and field experiences develop educators who are dedicated to addressing diverse learner needs with excellence through servant-leadership in their field and in society.

The skills and dispositions of the professional educator will be developed through the study of curriculum development, program assessment, psychological foundations, teaching methods, group dynamics, and critical thinking. These principles are then put into practical application through field-based experiences in real early childhood classrooms. This combination of conceptual knowledge applied in real-world classroom experiences contributes to the student’s development as a professional early childhood educator.

Upon successful program completion, graduates meet requirements for certification by the Association of Christian Schools International. Students pursuing this degree are not eligible for Colorado State teaching licensure, however this degree may meet educational requirements for teaching in private early childhood programs, Head Start, some charter schools, international schools, or other agencies. No student teaching is required, though students are required to complete two field experience courses and the field hours required in methods courses.

Students graduating from the B.A. in Early Childhood Education (Non-Licensure) program may apply to the Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction (MACI) program at CCU. Upon acceptance, one graduate level course included in the B.A. professional core can be applied to the MACI “Non-Emphasis” degree.

The Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education requires completion of the following 120 hours:
General Education (48 credits)
Electives (35 credits)
Prerequisite Professional Core (6 credit hours)
Early Childhood Professional Core (31 credits)

General Education Core Requirements (48 credit hours)

Arts and Humanities (9 credit hours)

PHL 205A - World Views (3) (must be taken at CCU)
Choose one.
ART 112A - Art Appreciation (3)
HUM 101A - Creative Arts (3)
Any creative arts/fine arts/music appreciation equivalent may be used for either course.
Choose one.
HUM 216A - Classic Christmas Films & Literature (3)
HUM 229A - C.S. Lewis in Film & Literature (3)
Any literature equivalent may be used for either course.

Biblical Studies (9 credit hours)

INT 212A - Adult Studies Seminar II (3) (must be taken at CCU)
BIB 101A - Old Testament Introduction (3) (or equivalent)
BIB 102A - New Testament Introduction (3) (or equivalent)

Communication (9 credit hours)

Mathematics (3 credit hours)

MAT 113A - Math Concepts (3) (*or higher level math)
* MAT 250A - Introduction to Research and Applied Statistics cannot be used to fulfill the general education requirement.

Natural/Physical Science (6 credit hours)

Must include 1 credit hour science lab.

BIO 102A - Biological Diversity (3) (or other science equivalent)
BIO 112A - Biological Diversity Lab (1) (or other science lab equivalent)
Any additional natural or physical science equivalent to at least two credit hours (2).

Social Science (9 credit hours)

PSY 102A - General Psychology (3) (or psychology equivalent)
GEO 280A - Environmental Geography (3) (or world geography equivalent)
Choose one.
HIS 204A - America since 1877 (3) (or U.S. history equivalent)
HIS 202A - Western Civilization I (3) (or world history equivalent)

Elective Requirements (35 credit hours)

Complete 35 hours of elective credits.

Prerequisite Professional Core Requirements (6 credit hours)

Students must demonstrate a foundational background in early childhood education prior to beginning this degree by transferring 6 credits of early childhood education coursework from an accredited university. All students must transfer ECE 205 - Health, Safety, and Nutrition for ECE (3) and the additional 3 credits may be from any 100 level or higher ECE course, except field work or practicum experiences.

ECE 205A - Health, Safety and Nutrition for ECE (3) AND
100 level or higher ECE course (3)

Requirements for Entrance into the Professional Core:

CCU-specified background check. Required for admission into School of Education Professions (SEP) programs in order to participate in field experience requirements.
Cumulative GPA of 2.50 for courses completed at CCU. A minimum of 9 credit hours must be completed at CCU prior to admission into SEP programs.
Interview with dean SEP, program director or other SEP staff designee.
Writing sample completed at time of interview.
Applicants must complete all general education and elective requirements prior to enrolling in any SEP core program courses. Applicants may be admitted by the program director for conditional admission with a maximum of 9 credits outstanding in any of the pre-professional core areas.
One non-family letter of recommendation.

Professional Core Requirements (31 credit hours)

Graduation Requirements

The faculty recommends students in the B.A. in Early Childhood Education (Non-Licensure) to the Board of Trustees as candidates for graduation when they have completed the following requirements:

Completion of a total of 120 credits of courses, including all general education, elective, prerequisite, and professional core requirements.
A grade of D or higher in all CCU non-education coursework, and a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher in all CCU coursework.
Students must earn a C- or higher in all education core courses, and must consistently demonstrate professional disposition qualities, knowledge and skills in all core courses and field studies.
Compliance with CAGS residency requirements .
Formal and timely application for graduation by the date specified by the University Registrar.
No outstanding financial obligations to the University.