Early Childhood Development Major, B.S. (PreK-3 Concentration)

Department Information

Department of Early Childhood Education
PO Box 70548
Phone: (423) 439-7688
Web Address: www.etsu.edu/coe/eced/

Dr. L. Kathryn Sharp, PreK-3 Program Coordinator
email: sharplk@etsu.edu
Phone: (423) 439-7608

The Department of Early Childhood Education in the Clemmer College of Education and Human Development offers an interdisciplinary undergraduate program leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in early childhood development with two concentration choices. The concentrations are designed to provide academic preparation in the growth and development of young children (0-8), their families, and environmental factors influencing their development. The PreK-3 concentration leads to an Integrated Early Childhood PreK-3 teaching license and prepares candidates to work in a public school setting. The Early Care and Education concentration prepares candidates to work in the field of early childhood education not requiring a license (e.g., childcare, community settings/agencies.) In addition, the early childhood education department offers a minor in early childhood education, a minor in emergent inquiry, and opportunity for adding an early childhood endorsement (PreK-3) to existing education licenses.

The PreK-3 program in Early Childhood prepares candidates to obtain the Integrated Early Childhood PreK-3 licensure in the state of Tennessee. Teacher candidates are then able to teach in PreK-3 general and special education early childhood settings. It includes courses in integrated early childhood development, a professional education component, and residency teaching experiences in PreK-3^rd grade.

Graduate Study: The Department of Early Childhood Education offers a graduate program leading to a master’s degree in early childhood education with three concentrations (Initial Licensure, Early Care and Education, Researcher). In addition, a Ph.D. in early childhood education is offered beyond the master’s degree. Also available are two online graduate programs, a Master’s Certificate in Emergent Inquiry and M.A. degree, Early Care and education. Further information on this program may be obtained from the School of Graduate Studies. https://www.etsu.edu/gradstud/

Teacher Licensure Progression: Students wishing to pursue a course of study leading to an Early Childhood Education (PK-3) teacher licensure may declare the major at any time. When declared, the student is admitted into the teacher licensure program after they have met the 2.75 GPA and background check requirement. The teacher candidate then proceeds through the established program of study meeting the detailed progression requirements in order to proceed. Failure to meet the established progression requirements will prevent a student from moving forward toward completing the degree/licensure. Each student will be advised throughout their program of study by either an advisor in the Clemmer College of Education and Human Development Office of Student Services or a faculty advisor in the department of the major.

Transfer Students: Transfer students should apply for admission into the program and meet with an Early Childhood Development advisor to plan their program. These students must meet the requirements of the university regarding transfer and program admission.

Degree Requirements: 120 credits

Compass Core Curriculum	40-43 credits
Major Total Requirement	79 credits
Major Core	(27 credits)
Professional Education Requirement	(15 credits)
Concentration	(37 credits)
Free Electives	0-1 credit
TOTAL	120 credits

Compass Core Curriculum

These requirements include earning 40-43 credits in Strengthening Foundations, Understanding Natural and Social Worlds, Exploring Connections, Cultivate Artistic Awareness, and Growing as an Individual and Global Citizen categories.

Major Specific courses listed in Compass Core Curriculum Requirements:

Total Requirements for Early Childhood Development Major: 79 credits

Grade Requirement: Must have earned a grade of “C” or higher in all courses included in the major.

Early Childhood Development Major Core: 27 credits

ECED 2110 - Infant/Child/Toddler Development (3 credits)
ECED 2180 - Foundations of Language and Literacy for Young Children (3 credits)
ECED 3150 - Creative Development of Young Children (3 credits)
ECED 3160 - Body/Brain-based Learning Environments (3 credits)
ECED 3210 - Evidence-Based Literacy for PreK-3 (3 credits)
ECED 3302 - Guiding & Managing Behavior in Integrated PreK-3 Classrooms (3 credits)
ECED 3303 - Learning Environments for Integrated Early Childhood PreK-3 (3 credits)
ECED 3322 - Introduction to Diverse Learners in Integrated Early Childhood PreK-3 (3 credits)
ECED 4517 - Family, School, Community Involvement (3 credits)

Professional Education Requirement: 15 credits

PreK-3 Concentration: 37 credits

ECED 4161 - Assessment & Lesson Planning II in Integrated Early Childhood PreK-3 Settings (3 credits)
ECED 4427 - Pre-Residency: The First 6-weeks of School (1 credit)
ECED 4450 - Constructivist Inquiry Approach to Science/Math for Young Children (3 credits)
ECED 4451 - Foundations of Mathematics Instruction and Assessment for Pre-K-3rd (3 credits)
ECED 4617 - Residency I: Assessment Driven Literacy Instruction for PreK-3 (3 credits)
ECED 4627 - Residency I: Writing Process, Assessment, and Strategies for PreK-3 (3 credits)
ECED 4637 - Residency I: Instructional Strategies for Math and Differentiated Instruction PreK-3 (3 credits)
ECED 4680 - Residency I: Clinical Experience and Seminar in PreK-3 (3 credits)
ECED 4750 - Residency II: Seminar in PreK-3 (3 credits)
ECED 4751 - Residency II: Supervised Field Experience (9 credits)
MATH 1410 - Number Concepts for Teachers (3 credits)

No Minor Required

Free Electives: 0-1 credits

Additional Information

Click here to view Degree and Graduation Requirements for all ETSU students.

CSCI 1100 or Proficiency exam: Must be completed to meet Bachelor’s Degree Requirements. CSCI 1100 has a required lab course, CSCI 1150 .

Most minors range from 18-24 credits. Those few minors with more than 24 credits may affect the number of free electives allowed.

Clemmer College of Education and Human Development Licensure Information and Policy

Click Clemmer College of Education and Human Development for more information on non-teaching programs, add-on endorsements, educator preparation at ETSU, Title II report information, educator preparation in Clemmer College of Education and Human Development, graduation requirements, secondary education minor, transfer students, teacher education progression requirements, admission to teacher licensure program, and requirements for entry into residency, etc.