Quick Links

Early Childhood Education Studies

Home Majors Early Childhood Education Studies

Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education, non-licensure

Are you passionate about helping children learn and grow? The new Early Childhood Education and Education Studies major at Beacon College is designed to prepare you for a meaningful, fulfilling career in education.

This versatile, high-impact degree program emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world preparation, opening doors to roles in education both in and out of the classroom.

A co-curricular requirement of this program will be that you’ll become certified as Registered Behavior Technician. This 40-hour training program enhances your knowledge in assessment, skill acquisition, behavior reduction, documentation, and professional conduct. This certification will afford graduates a competitive advantage in the job market.

*Pending accreditation approval. This degree is non-licensure.

What You’ll Learn

As an Early Childhood Education and Education Studies major, you’ll be focused on building foundational knowledge in literacy, child development, and instructional strategies. You’ll be exploring diverse learning styles and inclusive teaching practices. You’ll gain real-world strategies in classroom activities and planning, one-on-one student assistance and support, and addressing behavioral challenges. You’ll be prepared to lead, support, and inspire tomorrow’s learners in a variety of educational settings.

Sample Courses

Foundations of Education

A study of the purpose of education, the relationship of school to the larger community, the social, cultural, and philosophical dimensions of American education, and requirements for entering the teaching profession.

Educational Psychology

An overview of the foundations of educational psychology and theories of learning. Motivation and learning environments will also be presented as well as developmental issues that affect learning. The teaching and assessment process will also be reviewed.

Basic Foundations of Reading

A study of the foundations of reading instruction including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Emphasis is placed on early literacy development and evidence-based practices.

Educating Exceptional Children

A survey of educational, psychological, sociological, and medical aspects of children with disabilities. Attention is given to characteristics, potential capabilities, and methodologies for instruction.

Early Childhood Development

Examines the role of sensory and motor systems in child development and learning. Focuses on strategies to support students with sensory processing and motor coordination differences in classroom settings.

Understanding the Impact of Teaching

An overview of the historical, philosophical, and sociological foundations of education in the United States. This course explores the roles and responsibilities of teachers, current trends in education, and the impact of cultural diversity and policy on schooling.

Career Opportunities

Students with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education can immediately begin working in the field or continue to graduate school for advanced study.

  • Teacher assistant
  • Paraprofessional or instructional aide
  • Tutor
  • After-school program aide
  • Curriculum support specialist
  • Children’s program director (libraries, zoos, aquariums)
  • Early learning specialist

Meet Your Early Childhood Education Instructors

Rosemarie DeJarnett

Dean of Academic Affairs

352-787-0626rdejarnett@beaconcollege.edu

Angel Maldonado

Dean of Curriculum and Innovation

352-315-9269amaldonado@beaconcollege.edu

Dr. Mary-Anne Primack

Assistant Professor

352-787-2912mprimack@beaconcollege.edu

Meet Your General Education Instructors

Jessica Caolo

Assistant Professor

352-315-1082jcaolo@beaconcollege.edu

Christina Hansen

Instructor

352-764-6361chansen@beaconcollege.edu

Dr. Patricia Konovalov

Professor

352-638-9815pkonovalov@beaconcollege.edu

Jodi Livingston

Instructor

352-787-1525jlivingston@beaconcollege.edu

Autumn Welt

Assistant Professor

352-787-1056awelt@beaconcollege.edu

Early Childhood Education Minor

Open to all Beacon students, the Early Childhood Education minor provides a broad interdisciplinary program for students, and it can be combined with a degree in another field, such as Business Management.

Learn More About Early Childhood Education

To schedule a visit, please contact our admissions team at admissions@beaconcollege.edu or call 352-638-9731 or 855-220-5376 (toll-free).

Apply TodayRequest InfoPlan a Visit