 More for Your Future:
Introducing Park's Online Bachelor of Science Degree in Education Studies with Emphasis in Early Childhood Education
Chances are you’re a busy, multi-tasking, time-crunching adult who wants to make a difference in the world by focusing on the needs of one of its most precious resources – young children. Unfortunately, that commitment often complicates your desire to carve out a better future for someone equally important – yourself.
Great news! Now you can complete course requirements online* at Park University for a Bachelor of Science degree in Education Studies with emphasis in Early Childhood Education Teaching Young Children (birth to age 5) or Early Childhood Education and Leadership. Designed especially for educators in accredited early childhood programs, Head Start programs, preschools and infant/toddler centers, the degrees combine a solid academic curriculum with the flexibility of online learning. The program also features observation and practicum opportunities so you can apply what you learn in your classes to your daily work with children.
*Although the coursework can be completed online, 95 percent of the education courses require interaction and/or observation with young children, educators and the community. Practicum courses and internships are “hybrids.” Seminars are online but the coursework takes place in the field with young children, educators and the community. Diversity of experiences is necessary for a well-rounded educator. As a result, some observations will occur outside the student’s place of employment.
Why Now?
New national standards for early childhood educators will go into effect soon, requiring early childhood educators to have more extensive professional preparation than ever before. These requirements have an important purpose. One of the largest national studies on early education showed that teacher education is the strongest predictor of quality in programs for preschoolers (Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development, National Institute for Child Health and Human Development).
For teachers:
The National Association for the Education of Young Children for Young Children (NAEYC) has mandated that at least 75 percent of early childhood teachers must hold a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Beginning in 2011, a higher proportion of Head Start teachers in center-based programs nationwide must have a bachelor’s or advanced degree in Early Childhood Education (or comparable coursework and experience teaching preschool-age children). By 2013, at least 50 percent of Head Start teachers must meet that requirement.
For directors:
Directors in NAEYC-accredited programs must have a bachelor’s degree that includes 24 credit hours in early childhood and 9 credit hours in leadership, administration and management.
With either degree, Park offers you:
Quality
Park is one of the very few institutions in the country to offer online Early Childhood Education Bachelor of Science degrees and the only one at a comprehensive not-for-profit institution. We bring 134 years of academic excellence and innovation to the world of virtual education. We’re accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and all degree requirements are aligned with NAEYC standards for early childhood teachers. Learn more about our mission.
 Comprehensiveness
The Education Studies emphasis Early Childhood Education-Teaching Young Children degree encompasses solid academic coursework in child development, family and community relationships, assessment and teaching strategies with a special focus on teaching children from birth to age five.  Learn more.
The Education Studies emphasis Early Childhood Education and Leadership degree includes the same comprehensive curriculum as the Education Studies emphasis Early Childhood Education-Teaching Young Children degree with additional coursework in leadership, financial aspects, human resources, program planning and evaluation methods
Learn more.
Although the degrees do not lead to Missouri teacher certification (birth to grade three), these degrees are unlike many child development degrees, which focus mainly on child psychology. Park’s degrees were developed within the teacher education program and most courses are cross-listed with the early childhood certification degree.
The difference between Park’s non-certification degrees and early childhood certification degree includes a 17-credit-hour block of courses focusing on kindergarten-third grade teaching and a directed teaching experience with a pre-primary and early elementary experience. Other requirements include general education courses to meet state certification requirements, a college basics competency exam and professional licensure exam.
Expertise
The Education Studies Bachelor of Science Degree Program with emphasis in Early Childhood Education is a cooperative venture of Park’s highly respected School for Education, one of the top teacher preparation programs in the region, and the School for Online Learning, nationally recognized as a leader in virtual education. Faculty oversight is provided by highly qualified Park faculty with advanced degrees and extensive experience as teachers or administrators in early childhood programs and schools. All of our faculty members also stay connected to the real-world needs of early childhood education through volunteer service in centers, schools and programs.
Flexibility
As an online student at Park, you can take classes at a place that is convenient for you. At Park, you’ll be part of unique community with individualized interaction between instructors and students. Your assignments will tap into the expertise you’ve already achieved as an early childhood educator and will have an immediate impact on your classroom. Even practica and directed teaching requirements can be fulfilled at a site that is convenient for you, which may be your place of employment. **
** Practica and internships are arranged with your Park University instructor. Sites must be pre-approved. Centers must be fully licensed and preferably accredited. A qualified individual must be onsite who can provide mentorship throughout the semester.
Cost
Personal and family finances are stretched tight enough these days. More than 85 percent of our undergraduate students who qualify receive some sort of financial aid. Take a look at our tuition and you’ll see that our rates are comparable to most state schools.
Services for Military Families
Because of our long-standing commitment to flexible, economical higher education programs, Park is in a unique position to serve the special needs of military spouses and their dependents who are interested in Early Childhood Education. Learn more.
International Options
Park University’s online degree programs in Early Childhood Education are based in the United States and with U.S. Department of Defense Schools overseas. Although not currently available at other international locations, our long-term goal is to ultimately offer the programs at multiple sites around the globe.
Commitment
We’re committed to your individual needs and will help you navigate your way through the virtual environment. We know that life can be a tightrope, especially for adults who juggle work and family obligations. The pace of life may never slow down but Park is here to make the balancing act less complicated and more rewarding for someone very important – you.
For more information, call
1-(877) 505-1059
Email: pssc@park.edu
Or visit Park Student Success Center
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