Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (BAECE)

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Home » Programs » Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (BAECE)

Program Overview

Degree:

Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (BAECE)

Application:

$0 application fee. No essays/exams.

National University’s Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education gives you the tools and skills to make an impact in the lives of young learners. Fostering a love of learning in children under the age of eight can set them up for success throughout their entire educational journey. Beyond learning academics, early childhood education focuses on social and emotional development and helps young minds develop a positive outlook on education. Whether you’re looking to advance your career as an early childhood educator or begin in the field, a bachelor’s degree will give you a competitive edge in the job market.

The BAECE program at NU is based on a conceptual framework of current theory, contemporary perspectives, and sound research findings. You’ll gain the knowledge, skills, practice, reflection, and field experiences needed to become efficient, competent, and an effective professional in the field. You’ll learn to design appropriate learning environments, individual and adaptive curricula, and instructional strategies and techniques to maximize learning outcomes.

Degree Requirements

To receive a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education degree, students must complete at least 180 quarter units as articulated below.

National University awards credit in quarter units, with each academic year divided into four 12-week quarters. 

Each quarter is made up of three 4-week classes, with one class per month. Under the current policy, 4.5 units of credit are awarded for courses.

  • 45 quarter units must be completed at National University
  • 76.5 of which must be completed at the upper-division level, and the University General Education requirements

In the absence of transfer credit, additional general electives may be necessary to satisfy total units for the degree. Refer to the section on undergraduate admission procedures for specific information regarding admission and evaluation.

Preparation for the Major

4 Courses

4.5 Quarter Units

Overview of major and theoretical frameworks and perspectives. Focus on gender and cultural impact on biological, physical, cognitive, social, moral, emotional and behavioral aspects of development for effective educational practices.

4.5 Quarter Units

Focus on the influence of family, school and community on development and education of the young child. Special emphasis on the role of nutrition, positive home and school environments and community resources.

4.5 Quarter Units

Focus on cultural pluralism and its impact on development and education in regards to teaching and learning strategies. Emphasis on self-examination, reflection, and integration of current processes involved in interactions and relationships in society.

4.5 Quarter Units

Focus on the eight components for coordinated health for young children in out-of-home care. Health, physical education, health and nutrition services, health promotion for the staff, counseling and psychological services, a safe healthy environment, and family involvement, and community resources and personnel will be addressed. Attention will be directed towards children with special needs and challenging behaviors as well as legal and ethical issues in the field of early childhood.

Requirements for the Major

12 Courses

4.5 Quarter Units

Focus on local, state and federal statutes and regulations in early education settings. Emphasis on ethical codes of conduct, including analysis of legal and ethical dilemmas and practice.

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: ECE 201; ECE 210; HED 220 and ECE 211

Inquiry into the nature and tasks of early cognition including social, cultural and biological foundations. Attention paid to current research implications for learning theory, individual differences and classroom instruction.

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: ECE 330

Focus is on infants and toddlers in group care settings. Emphasis is on close, caring relationships in the cultural context of the child and family, understanding developmental milestones, the identification of special needs, and current issues of health, safety and nutrition.

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: ECE 330

Focus on acquisition and developmental aspects of language related to emergent literacy skills. Emphasis on current research regarding language experiences that contributes to literacy acquisitions, including assessment and instruction.

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: ECE 330

Focus on essential elements of curriculum design including writing of goals, learning outcomes, developmentally appropriate activities, assessment measures and integration of the arts. Alignment with national and state standards stressed.

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: ECE 330

Focus on identification, design and delivery of developmentally age appropriate experiences that encourage active math, science and technology inquiry. Inquiry related to emerging notions of mathematical and scientific processes is basis for activities along with the inclusion of technology as a strategy.

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: ECE 330

Focus on play as the primary learning modality for young children. Theoretical basis for play as a means of teaching, role in learning and as a means of assessment emphasized.

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: ECE 330

Focus on acquiring and enhancing skills in the selection, administration, scoring, interpretation, reporting of screening assessment instruments. Emphasis on designing and implementing curricula based on assessment results.

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: ECE 330

Exploration of variations in child development and identification of specific disabilities in young children. Inclusive early childhood programs, specific strategies for adaptation and accommodation of the core curriculum to meet the social, emotional, and academic needs of children who are at-risk or have special needs are examined.

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: ECE 330

Focus on observation, identification, description, and assessment of challenging behaviors. Designing and implementing effective teaching and learning strategies to successfully guide these behaviors within a social and cultural context.

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: ECE 330

Focus on acquiring knowledge through current research and developmental theories to plan responsive environments that strengthen family-school partnerships. Will explore through case studies optimum communication techniques for building and maintaining positive relationships with family members.

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of all core courses with an average grade of “C” (2.0) or better in the core.

Participation in a collaborative field/academic experience to reflect and actively practice material covered in core classes. Field experience must be in approved setting and arranged by student. Grading is S or U only.

Upper-Division Electives

Select 4 Courses

4.5 Quarter Units

Focus on enriching and enhancing young children’s learning through the creative arts. Emphasis on integrating creative experiences within core subjects to create developmentally appropriate experiences.

4.5 Quarter Units

A survey of literature for young children in preschool through first grade. Emphasis on effective read aloud and story telling strategies for the developing language and listening skills, for developing concepts of print and vocabulary and for fostering a love of reading and early literacy skills.

4.5 Quarter Units

Focus on authentic informal and formal assessments for infants and toddlers, and the use of case study to develop observation skills leading to the promotion of responsive environments.

4.5 Quarter Units

Focus on infant and toddler development and the role of the adult in supporting optimal outcomes through routines, curriculum planning, and implementation. Candidates will examine the primary components of quality care and education.

4.5 Quarter Units

Focus on understanding the value of providing opportunities for infants and toddlers to engage in sensory art exploration as well as experimentation with culturally diverse music and dance. Emphasis is on creating experiences indoors and outdoors focusing on the aesthetic process of experiencing various rhythms, tones, textures and color.

4.5 Quarter Units

Focus on administration of early childhood programs. Emphasis on working with boards, staff, parents and volunteers. Highlights include hiring, assessing, and supervising staff and volunteers. Attention to designing staff and volunteer professional development programs.

4.5 Quarter Units

Focus on financial policies and management of resources in early education settings. Emphasis on accounting fundamentals of preparing, recording and monitoring funds.

4.5 Quarter Units

Understand the impact of crisis, trauma and abuse on young children’s development. Examine research-based classroom strategies to support and mitigate the impact on young children. Focus on building resilience through collaborative partnerships, community resources and advocacy.

4.5 Quarter Units

Guidelines on planning, designing and organizing physical learning environments for young children. Understanding, comparing, integrating theoretical frameworks on indoor and outdoor environments.

Career Outlook

Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics. Lightcast derives its data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES). While accurate and reliable, this data reflects general labor market trends and may not represent individual outcomes or specific local conditions. For more details on Lightcast’s methodology, visit their Data Overview.

The Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (BAECE) degree will prepare you for careers such as:

  • Top Jobs in this field
  • Median Salary (USA)
  • JOB Openings (USA)
  • Preschool Teachers
  • $36,603 avg. salary (USA)
  • 66,920 job openings (past yr.) past year
Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.
Median Salary:
$36,603 annual -23% below US average
Job Openings:
66,920 past year
Salary Range:
  • Low
    $27,383
  • Medium
    $36,603
  • High
    $61,582

Most desired skills

  1. Preschool Education
  2. Child Development
  3. Lesson Planning
  4. Early Childhood Education
  5. Working With Children
  6. Classroom Management
  7. Special Education

Top companies hiring for this role

  • Unclassified
  • KinderCare Education
  • Bright Horizons
  • Cadence Education
  • Learning Care Group
  • La Petite Academy
  • Learning Experience
  • Kindergarten Teachers
  • $62,612 avg. salary (USA)
  • 14,516 job openings (past yr.) past year
Teach academic and social skills to kindergarten students.
Median Salary:
$62,612 annual +30% above US average
Job Openings:
14,516 past year
Salary Range:
  • Low
    $45,534
  • Medium
    $62,612
  • High
    $100,498

Most desired skills

  1. Lesson Planning
  2. Classroom Management
  3. Early Childhood Education
  4. Curriculum Development
  5. Child Development
  6. Learning Styles
  7. Primary Education

Top companies hiring for this role

  • Unclassified
  • Clark County School District
  • IDEA Public Schools
  • Primrose School
  • Wake County Public Schools
  • Pasco County Schools
  • The Goddard School
  • Kindergarten Teachers
  • $62,612 avg. salary (USA)
  • 14,516 job openings (past yr.) past year
Teach academic and social skills to kindergarten students.
Median Salary:
$62,612 annual +30% above US average
Job Openings:
14,516 past year
Salary Range:
  • Low
    $45,534
  • Medium
    $62,612
  • High
    $100,498

Most desired skills

  1. Lesson Planning
  2. Classroom Management
  3. Early Childhood Education
  4. Curriculum Development
  5. Child Development
  6. Learning Styles
  7. Primary Education

Top companies hiring for this role

  • Unclassified
  • Clark County School District
  • IDEA Public Schools
  • Primrose School
  • Wake County Public Schools
  • Pasco County Schools
  • The Goddard School

Program Learning Outcomes

Learn the key skills to help you excel in your field of study.

  • Identify essential concepts, inquiry tools, and structure of content areas and resources for early childhood education
  • Develop oral, written, and technological skills for communicating with families and very young children
  • Create environments that are healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging for young children
  • Use systematic observations, documentation, and other assessment strategies in partnership with families and professionals to positively influence children’s development and learning
  • Implement a curriculum that promotes development and learning outcomes for diverse young children
  • Demonstrate ethical, legal, and professional standards in early childhood education
  • Create positive relationships and supportive interactions with young children
woman smiling at man taking notes

Admissions

Next start date: December 1

Year-round enrollment

Transfer Students Welcome

More about transferring to NU.

Enrolling in a university is a big decision. That’s why our dedicated admissions team is here to guide you through the admissions process and help you find the right program for you and your career goals.

To that end, we’ve simplified and streamlined our application process, so you can get enrolled in your program right away. Because we accept and review applications year round, you can begin class as soon as next month, depending on your program and location of choice.

Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, military, and international student admissions, plus admissions information for transfer students. You can also learn more about our tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.

To speak with our admissions team, call (855) 355-6288 or request information and an advisor will contact you shortly. If you’re ready to apply, simply start your application today.

woman smiling at man taking notes

Scholarships and Financial Aid

National University is dedicated to making higher education affordable, as well as accessible. Through NU scholarship offerings, eligible students are able to reduce the financial burden of college, start classes sooner, and finish their programs faster while focusing on achieving their goals.

Accreditations

WASC Senior College and University Commission logo

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.

woman with toddler smiling

Why National University?

We’re proud to be a Veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners.

Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 240,000 alumni worldwide.

headshot of Francisco, class of 2016

“This degree will help me to make an impact in my community by providing me with the appropriate tools, methods, theories, and practices in the Early Childhood Education field to provide my current and future classes with the highest quality of education I can provide them.”

Lisa Alcantara,

Class of 2022

What makes a degree
with National University unique?

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Flexibility meets quality education with our online and in-person learning options.

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Military Friendly

Committed to serving those who serve — diverse resources and support for veterans and family. Military and Veteran Admissions.

Mentoring Network

Individual student and alumni career guidance, professional development opportunities, and customized career support.

Transfer Students Welcome

NU makes it easy to get your degree, even if you started it with another university. Learn more about transferring to NU.

Accelerate Your Career With NU

At National University, you’re part of a family. As a student, you’ll have the support of staff, faculty members, students, and alumni who will be there with you every step of the way, cheering you on as you pursue your goals.

Our network of 240,000 alumni is a large global community that provides our graduates with the professional connections to get a leg up in your new career.

man and woman in graduation cap and gown smiling among other graduating students

FAQs

A bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education opens doors in a variety of industries, including preschool education, preschool and daycare administration, recreation, elementary and secondary education and community family service organizations. * Employers in this field are looking for skills in teaching, communications, first aid, leadership, planning, management, operations, research, and customer service.

With this bachelor’s degree from National University, you will be prepared to seek roles in the education field such as:

  • Preschool Teachers
  • Pre-K Teachers
  • Summer Camp Teachers
  • Child Care Teachers
  • Early Childhood Teachers
  • Toddler Teachers
  • Infant Teachers
  • Head Start Teachers
  • Home Day Care Provider/Owner

*SOURCE: Emsi Labor Analyst- Report. Emsi research company homepage at https://www.economicmodeling.com/company/ (Report viewed: April, 2022). DISCLAIMER: The data provided is for Informational purposes only. Emsi data and analysis utilizes government sources to provide insights on industries, demographics, employers, in-demand skills, and more to align academic programs with labor market opportunities. Cited projections may not reflect local or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Current and prospective students should use this data with other available economic data to inform their educational decisions.

The BA in Early Childhood Education curriculum at NU is very rigorous and empowering, with a unique structure focused on three foundations: play, practice, and policy. Throughout the program, you will work with faculty mentors who are also practicing professionals in the field who are able to provide real-world insights and up-to-date knowledge. This also means they share your passion for bettering the lives of youth through meaningful early education.

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to gain hands-on experience, which will prove to be extremely valuable as you pursue a fulfilling career. Upon completion of the program, you’ll have the confidence and ability to make a lasting impact.

Earning you Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education will help you remain competitive in the job market, and many schools and centers today require a bachelor’s degree for consideration. Early childhood education is a critical period for child development and is becoming increasingly important, as it has proven to have positive lasting impact. This is a rewarding career path for individuals who care about children and their future.

With this degree, you’ll be qualified to pursue rewarding careers such as preschool teacher, kindergarten teacher (BA in ECD with ITL needed), childcare center director, preschool director, and many others. You’ll also be primed to earn a solid income.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 124,300 openings for kindergarten and elementary school teachers open up each year. In May 2021, the median annual wage for elementary school teachers was $61,400, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $99,420. Their kindergarten colleagues earned about the same.*

*SOURCE: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm#tab-5

Overall, if you want to have a career that involves teaching and helping young children, an early childhood education degree might be the best choice for you.

ECE units refer to early childhood education units. They are essentially units of measure akin to credits for courses related to early childhood education or early childhood development.

Early childhood education (ECE) focuses on the academic, social, and cognitive skills that develop in children from birth through age 8 according to NAEYC. Elementary education refers to the primary education that comes after preschool but before middle school (typically kindergarten through fifth or sixth grade.)

Online elementary education degree programs that can prepare you to become a kindergarten teacher are available, though you’ll need to complete a student teaching requirement in person. NU does offer a BA in ECD with ITL, which can prepare candidates to meet the TK requirement as well as obtain the multiple subject credential. Read about online bachelor’s degree programs in elementary education and their typical course requirements.

Program Disclosure

Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.

Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.

NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.

All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.

National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.

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