+ Early Childhood Studies

206 Johnston Hall, 419-372-2026
365 Education, 419-372-7372

The undergraduate early childhood studies (ECS) program prepares graduates to work with young children and their families in a variety of settings, including public and private schools, child care and Head Start, and is approved by the Ohio Department of Education to prepare teachers of young children in pre-kindergarten through grade three. Upon completion of the major, students are licensed to work with children who are typically developing, at-risk, gifted or who have mild/moderate special needs. The ECS curriculum is based on standards for early childhood programs and teacher preparation programs promulgated by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the content specified in the Ohio Model Curriculum guidelines (OMC).

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in early childhood studies are expected to:

• Demonstrate knowledge in child development from prenatal development through age 10 that is based on the most current research and theory, and that emphasizes important ecological contexts including family, community and school;
• Explain and consistently use developmentally and individually appropriate practices that are based on the professional guidelines established by the National Association for Education of Young Children and the Ohio Model Curriculum, and that are based on knowledge of individual children, their families and communities;
• Demonstrate critical and reflective thinking as well as analytic abilities, facility in oral and written communication, and management skills;
• Understand and appreciate multiple aspects of diversity of individuals, families, cultures and communities in educational and other ecological settings;
• Show understanding of the importance of developing collaborative partnerships with parents and other professionals to enhance their work with children and families.

This is a highly competitive four-and-a-half year program that requires meeting the following admission criteria:

1. Completed at least 45 hours at BGSU (transfer students must have completed at least 15 semester hours at BGSU);
2. Attained a minimum overall grade point average of 3.2 at BGSU;
3. Completed the following five courses with a grade of "C" or better: ENG 112, IPC 102, EDHD 201, MATH 213, HDFS 106.

Students meeting the admissions criteria are reviewed and admitted to the program in January and June of each year. Students are notified of admission by mail at their home address. Consult the Undergraduate Student Services office, 365 Education, or the School of Family and Consumer Sciences advising office, 105 Johnston Hall, for further information.

A graduate completing the early childhood major, with at least a 2.5 accumulative grade point average and successfully completing the Praxis Examinations, is eligible for an early childhood certificate/license. Early childhood majors meeting these criteria qualify for a pre-K through three (ages 3-8) certificate/license. Admission to the program requires completion of 45 hours of credit, a "C" or higher in ENG 112, IPC 102, EDHD 201, MATH 213 and HDFS 106 and an overall GPA of 3.2.

Content (54-55 hours)

• BIOL 101 or 104 (3-4)
• ARTE 244 (2)
• EDIS 448 (3)
• EDTL 203, 300, 302, 320, 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 326 (30)
• ENG 342 (3)
• HDFS 301, 322, 420, 421 (12)
• KNS 242 (2)
• MATH 213 (3)
• MUED 246 (2)

Professional education (48 hours)

• FCS 389 (3)
• EDAS 409 (3)
• EDFI 302, 408, 429 (9)
• EDHD 201 (2)
• EDIS 435 (3)
• HDFS 106, 220, 221, 423, 491 (20)
• EDTL 491 (8)