Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education


• • The Basics • •


Is the bachelor's in Early Childhood Education program for me?

If you have an associate's degree in Early Childhood Education (or equivalent), experience in the early childhood field, and want to move ahead or get certified to teach at the primary level, this program is ideal for you. We offer B.A. in Early Childhood Education students these program options:
  • Program Administration
  • Teacher Certification
  • Language and Literacy
  • Special Education
  • Infant-Toddler
  • Bilingual-Bicultural

What will I learn in the bachelor's in Early Childhood Education program?

Our bachelor's degree program provides classroom theory and hands-on, work-based learning. You'll gain practical experience, including how to:
  • Apply research-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum
  • Assess programming and instructional strategies
  • Incorporate brain development, multi-cultural and anti-bias practices
  • Build relationships with families and communities
  • Plan fun, culturally relevant activities that nurture cognitive, physical, social and emotional development

What can I do with my bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education?

As long as people have children, there will be a demand for people who can help them learn. The B.A. degree in Early Childhood Education will prepare you for a career as a program administrator, supervisor or specialist. If you include the teacher certification option and pass the state exam, you can become a preschool-through-third grade teacher.

Why CityU?

  • Because you want an education that's relevant to what's happening in the real world, right now.
  • Our faculty teach what they do for a living, not just what's in the book. They're smart, successful people who can help you get there, too.
  • You'll go through the program with the same group of students. It's like a built-in support group.
  • Over 500 people every year choose CityU to start or advance their career in education.

How to get started:

If you have undergrad credits to transfer and want to become a ECE teacher, you may be eligible to apply. Here's how: Note: You'll need to pass the Washington Educator Skills Test–Basic (WEST-B) Exam before starting any teacher certification program. Check out the WEST-B Exam Web site for more info. Be sure to talk with an academic advisor to see if there are any other requirements for this program.

Required Prerequisites (90 credits required including):

This program is designed for those with an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education. Some applicants without the degree (but with 90 transferable credits and significant ECE coursework or experience) may be accepted with Program Coordinator approval. Please contact an advisor for more details or if you have questions.


• • Course Descriptions • •

Total Required Credits: 180
General Education and Lower Division Requirements: 90
Core Requirements: 60
ECE 301Foundations in Early Childhood Education4
ECE 302Cognitive Development and Brain Research3
ECE 303Legal Issues in Early Childhood Education2
ECE 304Technology in Early Learning2
ECE 305Diversity and Anti-Bias Issues4
ECE 306Family, Culture and Community Connections3
ECE 307Classroom Environment and Behavior Management4
ECE 308Creativity, Play and Early Learning3
ECE 400Pre-Primary and Primary Curriculum and Instruction4
ECE 401Language Acquisition and Literacy Development4
ECE 402Children's Literature2
ECE 403Literacy Instruction and Assessment4
ECE 404Social Studies for Early Learners4
ECE 405Health, Safety and Physical Fitness for Early Childhood Education2
ECE 406Math Concepts and Methods for Early Learning4
ECE 407Science and Early Learning4
ECSP 421Children with Special Needs3
ECSP 422Developmental Assessment and Early Intervention4
Students select from one of the following options
(30 credits total):

BA in Early Childhood Education (without teacher certification)

  • Electives: (30 credits total) choose any two emphases area listed below
    • Special Education (15 credits)
    • Language and Literacy (15 credits)
    • Infant-Toddler (15 credits)
    • Bilingual–Bicultural (15 credits)
    • General Ed requirements if needed – talk to an advisor
BA in Early Childhood Education with Program Administration Emphasis
  • Program Administration block (30 credits)
    • Plus any general Ed requirements if needed – talk to an advisor
BA in Early Childhood Education with teacher certification
  • Field Experience Block (15 credits) plus
  • Pick one of the following blocks
    • Special Education (15 credits)
    • Language and Literacy (15 credit)
    • Bilingual–Bicultural (15 credit)
    • General Ed requirements if needed – talk to an advisor
Special Education: 15
ECSP 424Special Education Laws, Issues and Practices3
ECSP 425Characteristics and Needs of Exceptional Children3
ECSP 426Classroom Management and Behavior Support3
ECSP 427Environments and Strategies for Exceptional Children3
ECSP 428Early Childhood Education/Spec. Ed. Teaming, Collaboration and Transitions3
Language and Literacy: 15
ECE 440Literacy Instruction for All Early Learners3
ECE 441Early Literacy Diagnosis and Assessment3
ECE 442Literacy Support and Instructional Topics3
ECE 443Language and Literacy Development for English Lang. Learners3
ECE 444Clinical Experience in Early Language Development3
Infant-Toddler: 15
ECE 410Quality Programs for Infants and Toddlers3
ECE 411Infant/Toddler Socio-Emotional Health3
ECE 412Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Infants and Toddlers3
ECE 413Family Cultures of Infants and Toddlers3
ECE 414Infant-Toddler Independent Study3
Bilingual-Bicultural: 15
ECE 450Introduction to the Young English Language Learner3
ECE 451Identity and Cultural Pluralism3
ECE 452Bilingual Theory in Early Childhood Education3
ECE 453Teaching Methods for English Language Learners3
ECE 454Bilingual Bicultural Independent Study3
Field Experience: 15
ECE 430Early Childhood Education Internship I1
ECE 431Early Childhood Education Internship II2
ECE 432Early Childhood Education Internship III2
ECE 433Early Childhood Education Student Teaching10
Program Administration: 30
ECE 463Early Childhood Education Programs, Foundations and Design5
ECE 464Early Childhood Professional Leadership5
ECE 465Conflict Resolution and Effective Communication5
ECE 466Financial and Legal Aspects of Early Childhood Education Management5
ECE 467Staff Development in Early Childhood Education Programs5
ECE 468Grant Writing and Fund-Raising5


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Classes are typically held two weekday evenings per week.

Depending on interest, some locations offer programs every other year.