Bachelor of Science
in Early Childhood
Development
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Early Childhood Development Program Details
Total Credits
120
Transfer Credits
84
Program Duration
4 Years
Location
- Washington, DC
- Falls Church, VA
- Online
MSCHE Accredited University
University of the Potomac is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Experienced, Enthusiastic Educators
You’ll study with instructors who have taught young children in the real world—instructors who are just as excited about teaching you as they are about teaching pre-K–3 students.
Designed for Your Life
You can take classes online or on campus in Washington, DC or Falls Church, Virginia—the choice is yours.
Early Childhood Development Program Overview
Our early childhood development programs are designed to equip you with the skills you need to assist or teach children from pre-K to grade 3.* Whichever program you choose, you’ll gain insight into human development, planning and delivering lessons, and fundamentals of teaching reading and mathematics. Graduate prepared to promote curiosity and a love of learning in young children.
*Teacher credential requirements vary by state and territory. Check with your state or territorial teacher licensing board to determine whether this program meets requirements before you apply.
What You Will Learn
Bachelor’s Degree
Our bachelor’s degree builds on the associate degree curriculum with more content geared toward assessing, planning for, and meeting special educational needs. It also covers working with families, curriculum planning, behavior management, and administration.
Courses and Curriculum
Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development - 120 Credits
- COMP 110 Computer and Office Applications
- ENGL 101 English Composition I
- ENGL 102 English Composition II
- GNED 112 Student Success Strategies
- MATH 106 College Mathematics
- MATH 110 College Algebra
- ECD 101 Introduction to Early Childhood Development
- ECD 102 Growth and Development I
- ECD 202 Growth and Development II
- ECD 105 Guidance and Classroom Management
- ECD 110 Family and Community Relations
- ECD 125 Health, Safety and Nutrition
- ECD 130 Creative Experiences
- ECD 135 Language Arts Concepts
- ECD 137 Science and Math Concepts
- ECD 202 Movement and Music for Children
- ECD 210 Principles of Ethics and Leadership in Early Childhood Education
- ECD 220 Methods and Materials
- ECD 240 Supervised Field Experience for Infants and Toddlers
- ENGL395 Research and Report Writing
- MATH323 Research and Statistical Analysis
- PSYC201 Principles of Psychology
- SCIE312 Environmental Science and Sustainability
- ECD 300 Curriculum Planning and Design for Early Learners
- ECD 301 Administration and Supervision
- ECD 303 Best Practices in School-Age and Youth Care
- ECD 305 Exceptional Children
- ECD 308 Socialization and Group Care of Infants and Toddlers
- ECD 335 Children’s Literature
- ECD 355 Understanding Behavior and Family Dynamics
- ECD 401 Inclusive Care of Infants and Toddlers
- ECD 403 Early Childhood Intervention
- ECD 405 Children and Families in a Diverse Society
- ECD 425 Behavior Management for Special Needs
- ECD 428 Methods of Teaching Special Needs Students
- ECD 430 Supervised Field Experience
- ECD 431 Supervised Field Experience for Special Needs Students
Students in the bachelor’s degree program also complete six upper-division credits (two courses) in electives of their choice.
Requirements and Outcomes
Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development will be able to:
- Apply knowledge of learning and development theories and learners’ characteristics, learning preferences, experience, and motivation to inform appropriate practices.
- Cultivate a culture of high expectations; practice informed, targeted, and reflective instruction; facilitate a community of learners; and assess learning in a variety of ways towards continuous improvement in teaching and learning.
- Develop and demonstrate a reflective mindset and habits of effective communication, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, professional practice, ethics, and ethos.
- Integrate the discovery, analysis, and use of evidence-based literature, successful practices, and data, to inform educational practice.
- Promote curiosity among students; make inquiry a central part of teaching practice; seek professional growth opportunities and apply new learning to educational practice.
Applicants must complete the following steps to apply:
- Submission of a completed application for admission.
- Submission of a signed attestation of high school (or equivalent) completion.
- Equivalencies can include GED certificates or international credentials that meet our international admissions standards. Home-schooled students must present a diploma that meets the high school graduation requirements of the state in which it was issued.
- Arrange for official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended to be submitted to the Office of Records and Registration, University of the Potomac.
- Submit grade reports or scores from any recognized college-equivalency examinations (e.g., CLEP, DANTES, and Advanced Placement).
- Submit certificates from any corporate education training or professional development programs. (Note: An ACE evaluation form may be required to determine appropriate credit for corporate educational training.)
- Submit military training documents. (Note: An ACE military evaluation form may be required to determine appropriate credit for military training.)
- Complete an admissions interview (in person or virtual).
Tuition is calculated per credit hour. Most courses are worth three credits each. Costs below are for domestic (U.S.-based) students only:
- Bachelor’s Degree Tuition: $240 per credit hour
Additional fees apply. Financial aid is available to those who apply and qualify. Learn more about affording your degree here.
Ready to Get Started?
Start preparing for a future supporting young learners. Talk to a University of the Potomac admissions advisor today!