The Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a major in Early Childhood Education is a 120-credit-hour 2+2 collaborative degree program with the community college Associate of Applied Science degree in Child Development. Coursework emphasizes children from birth through age five, although several courses will cover children’s learning through the primary grades. This allows them to meet the needs of persons who also work with the school-age population within their programs and to meet National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Teacher Education Accreditation requirements.
Course content will focus on teaching diverse learners, curriculum and assessment, instructional strategies, child development, family and community relations and leadership skills. It will include multiple opportunities for first-hand field-based experiences and will be based on the NAEYC standards.