Early Childhood Education (B.S.Ed.)
Teacher education is a traditional cornerstone of Bloomsburg University. For more than a century, BU has been bringing talented and well-trained individuals into classrooms across the nation. Facilities are modern and up-to-date technologies are available, including a course in educational computing. A state-of-the-art computer laboratory enables students to learn current advances in computer-assisted instruction.
The teacher education program at Bloomsburg University is committed to improving the field of education through a comprehensive program, which recognizes its unique contribution to society, both as a reflection of that society and as an agent for the improvement of society. To meet this obligation, the programs draw upon the knowledge and understanding of general as well as professional education. It strives for a blend in preparing a person to fulfill a role in society as an informed, inquiring and skilled professional.
Early childhood education curriculum focuses on the growth and development of young children in addition to teaching specialized skills for dealing with the very young child. Students have the opportunity to gain practical experience by working at the campus child care center. Students in this program earn a Bachelor of Science in Education with nursery school/kindergarten through grade three Instructional Level I certification. Students are required to spend time observing and assisting in actual classroom settings through two field studies courses offered in the sophomore and junior years. These courses prepare students for the actual student teaching experience. Students may select an internship which provides a work-study program in an education-related setting. Overseas student teaching opportunities are another available option.
To help meet general education requirements of the university, you'll take courses in English composition, public speaking or interpersonal communication, general psychology, child psychology, sociology or anthropology, exceptional individuals, theory of arithmetic and science and math courses.
Professional education study includes educational computing and technology, psychological foundations of education, principles of teaching, measurement and assessment, social foundations of eduction, and early childhood education. There are specific courses for teaching science, environmental education, fine arts, reading, social studies, language arts, and mathematics, and you'll also study learning experiences with young children, diagnostic and inclusionary practices for literacy, and methods and materials in early childhood education. Field experiences include practicums, internships or student teaching in nearby school systems under the supervision of both university and district personnel.
Finally, you'll work with your adviser on electives that could include mathematics workshops, health and safety, children's literature and art, music, classroom management and workshops in elementary education.
As with all education majors, you'll need to complete an FBI Clearance, criminal record and child abuse background checks, be clear of tuberculosis and take state-mandated professional skills tests (Praxis exams) to obtain certification to teach grades nursery through third grade.
Many early childhood majors opt for a slight variation in the program of study that leads to dual certification to teach both nursery-third grade and kindergarden-sixth grade.
Elementary education majors are required to take 62 credits of professional education. Early childhood education majors take 74 credits of professional education and early childhood education specialization. Students are required to spend time observing and assisting in actual classroom settings through two field studies courses offered in the sophomore and junior years. These courses prepare students for the actual student teaching experience. Students may select an internship which provides a work-study program in an education-related setting. Overseas student teaching opportunities are another available option.