Bachelor (BAS) in Early Childhood Education

Looking to make a difference in our world tomorrow by educating children today? Consider getting your bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education.

Our graduates hold a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education with Florida Prekindergarten/Primary (PreK-3) teacher certification, a reading endorsement (K-12), and a Pre-K disability endorsement. The English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) endorsement (K-12) can be obtained by taking one additional class.

The Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education program offered through the Teacher Education department focuses on the development of children from age 3 through third grade, with emphasis on social, emotional, cognitive and linguistic components of child development. It is designed for associate degree graduates to build on skills for early childhood education positions requiring a bachelor's degree. CF B.S. graduates will be eligible to apply for teacher certification in pre-primary education and endorsements in reading (K-12), English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL, K-12)* and Prekindergarten Disabilities.

Students accepted for these programs must have completed either an Associate in Arts, Associate in Science or Associate in Applied Science degree in an appropriate field, a GPA of 2.5 or higher, a passing score in the General Knowledge exam, and show successful completion of the following courses: EDF 2005 Introduction to the Teaching Profession, EDF 2085 Introduction to Diversity for Educators, and EME 2040 Introduction to Technology for Educators. A minimum of 60 credits from the student's associate degree will count toward completion of the program. Additional General Education and/or Technical Specialization courses may be required.

A grade of C or better is required in all technical, program core and program specialization courses, and all courses used to satisfy the Gordon Rule requirement.

Students transferring into baccalaureate programs with an A.A. degree or higher do not need to meet our general education requirements with the exception of college-level English and Gordon rule math. These students must have successfully completed, with a grade of C or better, at least one college-level English and one Gordon rule math course. General education courses must total 36 credits. The A.A. or higher degree must be from an accredited institution but can be public, private and/or out of state.

Successful completion of courses with assigned observation or field placement components includes, but is not necessarily limited to, completion of all paperwork, meeting timelines, and professional responsibilities associated with field/clinical experiences. Students may be required to obtain and pass an FDLE Level II background screening, and any other site-based requirements, prior to beginning field experience. Any student who does not pass required background screenings may choose to withdraw from the course and forfeit all fees.

*The ESOL endorsement is partially infused and requires two stand-alone courses: LIN 2740 and EDF 2085; which are program requirements. The reading and prekindergarten disabilities endorsements are infused into the 36 credits.

Graduation requirements for this program are a GPA of 2.5, passing of all professional courses with a grade of C or better and passing scores on the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (General Knowledge, Professional Education, and Prek-Primary Education). Questions should be directed to the advisor for teacher education or the dean of Teacher Education.

General Education/Technical Specialization Courses

Courses in this section will be comprised of those General Education or area-related Technical Specialization courses needed to fulfill the requirements of the program. These courses will vary based on the student's associate-level coursework. Students will work with their advisor to choose the necessary coursework for their program.