Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
The Bachelor of Science in Early childhood Education consists of 120 credits. In addition to the early childhood core courses required for the associate degree, students must complete 34 credits of early childhood specialty courses, a practicum and develop an area of emphasis within early childhood. Completing this degree meets the training requirements for Level VI on the Montana Early Care and Education Career Path.
Practitioners completing the Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education will be prepared to assume leadership roles as early childhood teachers, parent educators, early childhood program administrators and early childhood trainers in a variety of settings. General Education courses, early childhood core courses and early childhood specialty courses combine to provide the student with a background in liberal studies together with extensive early childhood course work and experiences. The area of emphasis allows students to develop an area of specialization within early childhood.
This degree is designed to be accessible to both traditional students and place -bound practitioners who are currently working in the early childhood field. Many General Education courses are offered online by Montana Western as well as other campuses within the Montana University System. Early childhood core courses are included in Western's Associate of Applied Science: Early Childhood Education degree program and are currently offered in Billings, Bozeman, Butte, Great Falls, Hamilton, Havre, Helena and Missoula. Early Childhood specialty courses are offered through online and intensive (weekend, week-long) coursework.
GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENT ..32 Credits
EARLY CHILDHOOD CORE .24 Credits
ED 142 Intro to Early Childhood.......................................1
ED 143 Intro to EC Lab....................................................1
ED 144 Creating an Environment for Learning....................2
ED 145 Creating Environment for Learning Lab..................1
ED 240 Positive Child Discipline.........................................2
ED 241 Positive Child Disc Lab.........................................1
ED 242 Meeting Need of the Family ..................................2
ED 243 Meeting Need of the Family Lab ...........................1
ED 250 Child Growth and Development ............................3
ED 251 Child Growth and Development Lab .....................1
ED 320 EC Curriculum I ...................................................2
ED 321 EC Curriculum I Lab ............................................1
ED 324 EC Curriculum II ..................................................2
ED 325 EC Curriculum II Lab ...........................................1
ED 344 EC Professional ....................................................2
ED 345 EC Professional Lab .............................................1
Early Childhood Specialty Courses .44 credits
Course rotation and prerequisites are shown in italics.
ED 326 I/T Development and Group Care ..................4
Spring
ED 341 Exceptional Learner .......................................3
Fall/Spring
ED 346 Early Literacy ................................................3
Fall ED 320,321,324,325
ED 348 Math & Science in EC ...................................3
Fall ED 320,321,324,325
ED 352 Enhancing Physical Skills/EC ..........................1
Summer ED 320,321,324,325
ED 354 Foster Social Competency in the Early Yrs .....3
Spring ED 240,241
ED 421 Creativity & the Young Child: Exploring Reggio Emilia
& the Project Approach
Summer......................................................................3
ED 422 Family, Communities, Culture .........................3
Fall
ED 424 EC Assess/Outcomes ....................................3
Fall ED 251
ED 455 Child Development Theories and Research .....3
Fall/Spring
ED 457 Coaching/Mentoring Adults ............................3
Spring
ED 496 EC Practicum .................................................6
Fall/Spring/Summer
Creative Arts Course ..................................................3
Safety, Health and/or Nutrition ....................................3
Area of Emphasis......... .12 Credits
In consultation with advisor, complete courses in a selected specific area of emphasis
with in early childhood education.
Course Credits University/College
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Total Related Area Credits ___________
Electives 8-9 Credits
Grade Course Credits
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