Inclusive Early Childhood Education

The Inclusive Early Childhood Education Program (IEC) at Bowling Green State University is a revolutionary program in the state of Ohio that will prepare undergraduate teacher education candidates for employment in inclusive early childhood learning environments.

Multiple Credentials

The Inclusive Early Childhood Education program leads to a Bachelors of Science in Education degree. This is the first program in Ohio where undergraduates earn multiple credentials:

• Early Childhood Education license for pre-kindergarten through 5th grade.
• Early Childhood Intervention Specialist license for pre-kindergarten through 5th grade.

BGSU graduates of the program will be able to teach young children with and without disabilities in inclusive settings.

Sound Philosophy

The IEC program blends the best practices from early childhood education with early childhood special education.  It addresses the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to meet the needs of each child.  Graduates are prepared to provide differentiated, evidence-based instruction to young children from birth through grade 3.  The program is committed to the development of partnerships and scholarly endeavors that reflect the University’s professional values of justice, fairness, and equity.                                         

National education associations support inclusionary practices, and young children across the county are reaping the benefits by experiencing success in inclusive settings.  BGSU’s Inclusive Early Childhood Education program involves professionals from diverse disciplines working together to address the complex learning needs found in all classrooms. We support parents, community members, teachers, and paraprofessionals as partners in the educational process, and each child is a respected member of the learning community.

Interdisciplinary Approach

Faculty from both early childhood education and special education bring knowledge and strong backgrounds to help students gain a diverse and well-rounded foundation for inclusive early education. This professional collaboration includes co-planning and co-teaching courses, modeling recommended practices in early childhood and early childhood special education classrooms today.

BGSU Resources to Support IEC Students

Candidates in BGSU’s teacher education programs enjoy a variety of useful resources that include the Technology and Resources Center in the Education Building, as well as the Curriculum Resource Center in Jerome Library.  Education-related clubs and organizations, including Bowling Green Student Council for Exceptional Children, and Early Childhood Organization, complement social groups, such as Greek Life. BGSU’s Teacher Job Fair, sponsored by BGSU’s Career Services, is one of the largest in the entire country. 

All Inclusive Early Childhood Education majors take a combination of classes from across the university: science, math, arts & humanities, and social & behavioral sciences.  Courses in the major are taken in three primary areas: Human Development and Family Studies, Intervention Services, and Teaching and Learning. In addition to the coursework required, the Ohio Board of Regents requires all licensure candidates to successfully pass the appropriate Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) content specialty test, as well as the appropriate OAE Assessment of Professional Knowledge test. Candidates must apply for the two exams, as well as apply for their teaching licenses. 

Special opportunities exist for students entering teacher education degree programs at Bowling Green State University. These include: (a) Educators in Context and Community (ECCO) learning community, (b) studying abroad in Keele, England, or (c) student teaching with our school partners in Aldine, Texas. 

The Inclusive Early Childhood Education program at Bowling Green State University is an NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) Nationally Recognized Program. It is fully accredited by the Ohio Board of Regents. All Teacher Education programs at BGSU are fully accredited by NCATE (National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education). 

Graduate Programs, Endorsements, and Certificates:

• School of Teaching and Learning Graduate Opportunities
• School of Counseling and Special Education Graduate Opportunities

Contact Information: 

Kimberly A. Christensen, Coordinator
403 Education Building
College of Education and Human Development

Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio 43403
419.372.7299
kchris@bgsu.edu

Students interested in enrolling in the Inclusive Early Childhood Education program at BGSU Firelands should contact:
June Haynes,  jsouthw@bgsu.edu
Trisha Prunty, pprunty@bgsu.edu
BGSU Firelands, Huron, Ohio 44839-5560

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in Inclusive Early Childhood Education are expected to be able to:

• Create, teach and assess child-centered, constructivist learning experiences for all children in inclusive and diverse classrooms;
  
• Engage and collaborate with families, communities and other professionals to support the learning and development of all young children;
  
• Teach and nurture young children based on knowledge of typical and atypical child development, educational psychology and diversity in our society;
  
• Act as inclusive early childhood professionals who are continuous, collaborative and reflective learners, who act using ethical guidelines, and who advocate for all young children and their families.

Accreditation and/or Program/Cluster Review

Bowling Green State University [BGSU] is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.  BGSU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 01/01/1916. The most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was received in 2022 - 2023. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.

The Inclusive Early Childhood Education program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and is in good standing. More information on Accreditation.

Professional Licensure (If applicable)

Bowling Green State University programs leading to licensure, certification and/or endorsement, whether delivered online, face-to-face or in a blended format, satisfy the academic requirements for those credentials set forth by the State of Ohio.

Requirements for licensure, certification and/or endorsement eligibility vary greatly from one profession to another and from state to state. The Inclusive Early Childhood Education program requires professional licensure. More information on Professional Licensure.

Gainful Employment (If applicable)

Under the Higher Education Act Title IV disclosure requirements, an institution must provide current and prospective students with information about each of its programs that prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.

The Inclusive Early Childhood Education program is not a recognized occupation that requires a Gainful Employment disclosure.