Early Childhood Education

Major

Students need to complete the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Early Childhood Development and then the curriculum at Longwood will build on this initial foundation. The Early Childhood Education degree include two concentrations:

• ​Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) and Early/Primary (PreK-3) Licensure concentration
• Non-Licensure concentration​

Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) and Early/Primary (PreK-3) Licensure Concentration

This concentration prepares students to serve as early childhood teachers in both public and private settings working with general education students in PreK to 3^rd grade classrooms and special education students birth to age five.

Sample 2-Year Plan

Early Childhood Education, Teacher Preparation Concentration

(pdf)

Early Childhood Education Non-Licensure Concentration

This concentration prepares students to work with young children in various settings as well as serve in leadership capacities, especially in the private sector.

Minor

The minor in Early Childhood Education provides hands-on experience in early childhood settings and teaches child development skills that are applicable to a variety of careers. Students will have multiple experiences working with young children while gaining the knowledge and skills to support their learning and growth.

The ECE minor requires a series of six courses (18 credits).

ECED 310 - Documentation and Assessment in Inclusive Early Childhood Settings with Practicum 3 credits

ECED 320 - Foundations of Early Childhood Special Education 3 credits

ECED 330 - Language and Literacy Development for Young Children with Practicum 3 credits

ECED 340 - Integrated Literacy and Social Sciences Curriculum and Methods in Early Childhood Education 3 credits

ECED 410 - Collaborating in the School, Home, and Community 3 credits

EDUC 467 - Classroom Management and System Issues (Elementary & Middle) 3 credits

Admissions Requirements

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Early Childhood Development

• Complete the Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development (or within two courses of completion)
• Maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA on the community college transcript
• Earn a C or better in all courses transferring from the community college

Scholarship Opportunities

Students in the Early Childhood Education program may qualify for scholarships from the following sources

Department of Social Services

Pathfinders

Longwood University

Courses

Year 1 Fall Semester Classes

ECED 320 (3 credits) Foundations of Early Childhood Special Education
ECED 330 (3 credits) Language and Literacy Development for Young Children with Practicum
MATH 309 (3 credits) Numeration Systems
ENGL 483 (3 credits) Writing: Theory and Practice for the Elementary Classroom

Year 1 Spring Semester Classes

ECED 310 (3 credits) Documentation and Assessment in Inclusive Early Childhood Settings with Practicum
ECED 340 (3 credits) Integrated Literacy and Social Sciences Curriculum and Methods in Early Childhood Education
MUSC 325 (3 credits) Music as an Agent of Change
SOCL 320 (3 credits) Sociology of Education

Summer Classes

HIST 126 (3 credits) World History II
ECED 350 (3 credits) Medical & Technological Aspects of Early Childhood Special Education
CHEM 301 (3 credits) Applying Chemistry to Society

Year 2 Fall Semester Classes

ECED 410 (3 credits) Collaborating in the School, Home, and Community
ECED 420 (3 credits) Proactive Management and Positive Behavior Supports
ECED 430 (3 credits) Applying Integrated Teaching and Learning
ECED 440 (3 credits) Integrated Mathematics and Science Curriculum and Methods in Early Childhood Education
CTZN 410 (3credits) Symposium on the Common Good

Year 2 Spring Semester Classes

ECED 472 (2 credits) Early Childhood Education Seminar
ECED 482 (10 credits) Directed Teaching in Early Childhood Education
OR
ECED 492 (10 credits) Internship in Early Childhood Education