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Introduction to the Online Early Childhood Education Bachelor's Degree

The Online Early Childhood Education Bachelor's Degree (Non-Licensure) is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in early childhood development, focusing on ages birth through age five. This program is ideal for child care professionals seeking to advance their careers in early childhood settings that do not require a teaching license.

Program Overview

• The program is offered 100% online, allowing students to complete their assignments on their own schedule, as long as they meet weekly deadlines.
• Courses are taught by early childhood faculty within Ball State's nationally recognized Teachers College, ensuring students receive high-quality instruction.
• The program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and aligned with the standards outlined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Career Opportunities

The Online Early Childhood Education Bachelor's Degree (Non-Licensure) prepares students for a variety of career opportunities in early childhood settings, including:

• Head Start and pre-K programs
• Child care centers
• Early childhood education administration

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the program, students must:

• Have an associate degree in early childhood education (including a practicum) or at least 45 credits that apply toward the early childhood education degree (approved by the program coordinator)
• Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher of transferable credit
• Meet the admission requirements for the Department of Early Childhood, Youth, and Family Studies

Course Requirements

The program requires students to complete at least 120 credits to graduate, including:

• Early Childhood Education Courses:
  • ECYF 100 Introduction to Early Childhood, Youth, and Family Studies
  • ECYF 202 Child and Family Wellness
  • ECYF 210 Promoting Prosocial Behavior in Young Children: Guidance and Cultural Factors
  • ECYF 250 Family Relations
  • ECYF 252 Creative Experiences for Young Children
  • ECYF 260 Early Childhood Curriculum and Instruction
  • ECYF 275 Child Development
  • ECYF 301 Teaching in the Pre-Kindergarten/Kindergarten Program
  • ECYF 315 Infant Toddler Curriculum and Environment
  • ECYF 320 Leadership and Management in Child Development Programs
  • ECYF 345 Culture and Language in Teaching and Learning
  • ECYF 350 Families in Cross-Cultural Perspectives
  • ECYF 381 Early Childhood Language Arts
  • ECYF 442 Program Administration
  • ECYF 484 Family Stressors and Crisis
  • ECYF 491 Practicum in Early Childhood Education
• Core Curriculum and Transfer Courses: minimum of 70 credits
• General Electives: minimum of 2 credits

Licensure Information

Successful completion of the Online Early Childhood Education Bachelor's Degree (Non-Licensure) program does not lead to certification or licensure in any state. Students seeking licensure should review individual state requirements.

Accreditation

The program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the Higher Learning Commission. Ball State University is also accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.