And as the child learner develops, the teacher continues to be a big influence in the classroom as a role model and support mechanism.

Early Childhood Education (PK-4) (B.S.Ed.)

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Become the teacher your students will never forget. Build a strong foundation of child development through your desire to see children learn and grow, while serving as a valuable resource to their family in forging a path for continued learning success.

Degrees & Offerings
  • B.S.Ed.
Department
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Program Contact
Interim Department Chair, Early Childhood Education, Associate Professor of Teaching and Learning
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Teachers play a pivotal role in the life of a developing child through mentoring, advocating and fostering learning. And as the child learner develops, the teacher continues to be a big influence in the classroom as a role model and support mechanism. At Bloomsburg University you start with a strong foundation of knowledge with quality field experiences beginning in your first year, and crucial preparation for the 21st century educational landscape – like minors in educational technology, playwork, and child life specialist.

Our early childhood education program provides an opportunity to develop knowledge of the nature of the child, the nature of the school and center, the learning process, general methods of teaching and methods of teaching particular subjects and to provide student teaching experience. A total of 70 semester hours is taken in required courses. None may be taken on a pass/fail basis. No free electives are available for this program. In addition to the 120-credit requirement for a Bloomsburg University degree, education majors are subject to background checks and passage of PAPA, PECT and any required PRAXIS exams.

Teaching and learning are more than two sides to an equation. There’s a human quotient. Bloomsburg teaches teachers to factor that into every lesson. And it works.

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Courses and Curriculum

CU Requirements*

*Please see the CU degree requirements effective Fall 2023. All enrolled students can also review their degree program requirements and track progress to degree completion in Degree Works.

CU Requirements*

*Please see the CU degree requirements effective Fall 2023. All enrolled students can also review their degree program requirements and track progress to degree completion in Degree Works.

Effective Summer 2020

As per PRP3604: All students earning a first baccalaureate degree will take at least 30 of their last 45 credits at Bloomsburg University, no more credits are required than the 30 credits. All first baccalaureate students will take at least 50% of credits required for the Major from a PASSHE university. Bloomsburg University may require up to a maximum of 50% of the Major credits. Program exceptions to the policy are to be approved by the Office of the Chancellor.

Requirements for Certification in Early Childhood PK-4 develop knowledge of the nature of the child, the nature of the school and center, the learning process, general methods of teaching and methods of teaching particular subjects and to provide student teaching experience. A total of 70 semester hours is taken in required courses. None may be taken on a pass/fail basis. No free electives are available for this program. In addition to the 120-credit requirement for a Bloomsburg University degree, education majors are subject to background checks and passage of PAPA, PECT and any required PRAXIS exams.

Early Childhood Ed (PK-4) – PTE

ELEMED.120 Introduction to Education

ELEMED.121 Introduction to Early Childhood Education

EDFOUND.204 Ed Computing & Tech

EDFOUND.291 Principles of Teaching

EDFOUND.406 Multicultural Education

PSYCH.211 Early Childhood Development

PSYCH.309 Early childhood Cognitive Development

AUDSLP.432 ELL Comm/Ed Strat or PROFSTUD.494 ESL Strategies/Meth

Special Education (PK-4) – PTE

SPECED.101 Introduction to Exceptional Individuals

SPECED.275 Linking Assessment and Instruction for Individuals w/Disabilities

SPECED.358 Methods of Instruction for Individuals with Disabilities

Additional Coursework

ENGLISH.384 Literature for Children

Free Elective

Early Childhood ED – TE Advanced Sequence

ELEMED.324 Language and Literacy in Diverse #C Settings: Birth –Grade 4

ELEMED.331 Teaching Science and Environmental Education: PK-4

ELEMED.334 Teaching Reading in Early Childhood: Grades 1-4

ELEMED.336 Teaching Social Studies: PK-4

ELEMED.340 Teaching Mathematics in Early Childhood: Grades 1-4

ELEMED.343 Assessment in Early Childhood Education or PROFSTUD.301 Teach, Learn & Assess

ELEMED.347 Fine Arts for the Developing Child

ELEMED.338 Diagnostic & Inclusionary Practices in Literacy In ECE Grades PK-4

ELEMED.410 M&M Early Child Ed 1

EDFOUND.427 Class Mgt & Eff Disc

PROFSTUD.498 Student Teacher Seminar

ELEMED.496 Practicum (Bloomsburg, Berwick, Central, Danville, Hazleton and/or Southern)

PROFSTUD.320 Practicum (Central or Danville)

PROFSTUD.461 Practicum (Bethlehem)

ELEMED.494 Student Teaching (First Assignment)

ELEMED.495 Student Teaching (Second Assignment)

University Requirements – Minimum of 40 GEPs and 120 Credits

Goal 1: Communication (7 pts.) – Disciplines

BIOLOGY.101 Human Biology

EDFOUND.291 Principles of Teaching

ENGLISH.151, 152, 156, 226, 227, 236, 237, 246, 247 or 286

EXERSCI.211 Methods and Material in Elementary Physical Education

Goal 2: Information Literacy (2 pts.) - 1 Discipline

EDFOUND.204 Ed Computing & Tech

Goal 3: Analytical & Quantitative Skills (5 pts.) - 2 Disciplines

MATH.201 Math Concepts I

MATH.202 Math Concepts II

SPECED.275 Linking Assessment/Instruction

Goal 4: Cultures & Diversity (5 pts.) - 2 Disciplines

SPECED.101 Introduction to Individuals with Exceptionalities

HISTORY.121 Colonial to 1877 or HISTORY.122 1877 to Present

Goal 5: Natural Sciences (5 pts) - 2 Disciplines

PHYSICS.103 Physical Science

BIOLOGY.100, 101 or 102

Goal 6: Social Sciences (5 pts.) - 2 Disciplines

PSYCH.101 General Psychology

PROFSTUD.414 Home/School/Community Relations

SPECED.275 Linking Assessment and Instruction for Individuals w/Disabilities

Goal 7: Arts & Humanities (5 pts.) - 2 Disciplines

ENGLISH.151, 152, 156, 226, 227, 236, 237, 246, 247 or 286

MUSIC.101, MUSIC, 105, THEATRE.102, or THEATRE.103

Goal 8: Second Language (2 pts.) - 1 Discipline

Any 102 level language *

Goal 9: Healthy Living (2 pts.) - 1 Discipline

Choose one: EXERSCI.114,, 211, 241, 250, 270, DANCE.117, NURSING.100, NURSING.217 or HONORS 217

Or

Take both: EXERSCI.226 and EXERSCI.230

Goal 10: Citizenship (2 pts.) - 1 Discipline

SPECED.101 Introduction to Individuals with Exceptionalities

PROFSTUD.414 Home/School/Community Relations

     * Other information regarding testing requirements

Program Checksheet 

*Please see the BL degree requirements for students who were enrolled prior to Fall 2023 and remained in the BL Program.  All enrolled students can also review their degree program requirements and track progress to degree completion in Degree Works.

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Bloomsburg Because

Licensure and Certification

Bloomsburg University is approved to offer Education programs that lead to certification in Pennsylvania. While we regularly monitor licensure and certification laws in each state, state requirements are subject to change without notice. If you're interested in certification outside of Pennsylvania, we encourage you to contact the appropriate state licensing agency to seek guidance and verify requirements before beginning a program and during your program of study. Please visit our state authorization page and www2.ed.gov for more information. If you're planning to teach in New Jersey, please note you may be required to complete the edTPA, a performance based assessment. It's strongly recommended you contact the school districts of interest and the New Jersey Department of Education for details specific to New Jersey.

The Husky Difference

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation is one of only two nationally recognized accrediting bodies for educator preparation
Accreditation
CAEP accreditation ensures we prepare new teachers to know their subjects, their students, and have the clinical training that allows them to enter the classroom ready to teach effectively.
96% +
Employment Rates
Additionally, our education majors can substitute teach in local school districts after completing 60 credits while pursuing their undergraduate degree.
College of Distinction for Education
College of Distinction
Bloomsburg has earned national recognition as a College of Distinction for its education programs, honored for its quality and high-impact teacher preparation.
Jenna Beiter

Bloomsburg's education program prepared me to be the teacher I aspire to be by ensuring experience in the classroom from freshman year through senior year. It's been incredibly beneficial to observe and participate in various classroom settings over the years as well as learn 'behind the scenes' tips from these amazing educators.

Jenna Beiter '22
Early Childhood and Special Education
Klohe Faatz

In high school I worked with a kindergarten class every morning and that was when I realized it was my goal to become a teacher. I loved spending time with the students and watching them learn throughout the year. I chose early childhood education, because I think it’s important students get a positive impact at a young age to create a positive school career.

Klohe Faatz '22
Early Childhood and Special Education
Early childhood elementary education major ready for graduation

I’ve been prepared through observations, practicum experience, and student teaching. I’ve seen many different environments of teaching, all different than the next. All environments have inspired me to become the best educator I can, all thanks to Bloomsburg.

Cassidy Larkin '21
Early Childhood and Special Education
Megan Canfield

Bloomsburg's education program has helped prepare me in more ways than I could've ever hoped. The program got me into classrooms from the very first semester and has showed me what the best educators look like. I feel more confident than ever, especially after the Danville Practicum, to not only enter student teaching but also to enter the field after graduation.

Megan Canfield '22
Early Childhood and Special Education
Klohe Faatz
Early childhood elementary education major ready for graduation
Megan Canfield
Jenna Beiter
The McDowell Institute is dedicated to supporting the facilitation of social, emotional, and behavioral wellness of children, youth, and young adults across school and community settings.

McDowell Institute

The McDowell Institute is dedicated to supporting the facilitation of social, emotional, and behavioral wellness of children, youth, and young adults across school and community settings. This mission is accomplished through training, technical assistance, and information dissemination.

McDowell Institute

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