Program Overview

Introduction to the Early Childhood Education P-3 Option, BAE

The Early Childhood Education P-3 Option, BAE program at Western Washington University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in early childhood development, teaching methods, and field experiences. This program leads to teacher licensure in Pre-K through third grade and prepares students to work in various early childhood education settings, including childcare centers, preschools, Head Start programs, and primary grades in elementary schools.

Program Features

• Students attend classes with other early childhood education students as a cohort group throughout the program.
• Students gain experience in teaching children in three age groups (infant/toddlers, pre-primary, and primary) and in a variety of settings.
• Students are taught to understand and respect intercultural/familial diversity as they learn to develop partnerships with families.
• Students learn to use inquiry tools and processes for developing meaningful and integrated learning experiences for young children.

Admission and Declaration Process

Admission to both Western Washington University and the Early Childhood Education program is required before a student may begin taking courses in the professional sequence. Requirements for consideration of an application include:

• Completion of a minimum of 45 credits.
• Cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher for the last 45 credits.
• Meeting the basic skills requirement, which may be met by taking the West-B exam, SAT scores, or ACT scores.
• Completion of an English composition course with a grade of B- or higher.

Program Requirements

The program requires 124 credits, including major and professional program courses. Required courses include:

• ECE 390 - Infant and Toddler Practicum and Seminar
• ECE 391 - Preschool Practicum and Seminar
• ECE 430 - Creativity & Play in ECE
• ECE 431 - Fundamentals of Early Childhood Education
• ECE 434 - Environments for Early Learning
• ECE 435 - Advocacy and Healing-Centered Perspectives in Early Childhood
• ECE 436 - Child Guidance: Principles and Practices
• ECE 438 - Family and Community Relationships
• ECE 439 - Curriculum Planning in Early Childhood Education
• SPED 443 - Early Development Variations
• SPED 444 - Assessment and Intervention in Early Childhood Special Education

Additional Requirements

The Early Childhood Education Professional Program requires 81 credits, including:

• ECE 380 - Foundations of Literacy for Early Childhood Education
• ECE 471 - Primary Internship Seminar
• ECE 495 - Internship - Preschool
• ECE 496 - Internship - Primary
• ECE 498 - Seminar in Early Childhood Education
• ELED 310 - Education, Culture, and Equity
• ELED 311 - Understanding Washington State Tribal History, Culture, and Government: Since Time Immemorial Curriculum
• ELED 425 - Social Studies for the Elementary School
• ELED 470 - Developing Teaching
• ELED 480 - Literacy: Beginning Communicators
• ELED 491 - September Experience
• IT 344 - Foundations of Technology in Teaching and Learning
• IT 442 - Digital Decisions: Technology for Educators
• MATH 381 - Teaching K-8 Mathematics I
• MATH 382 - Teaching K-8 Mathematics II
• MATH 383 - Teaching K-8 Mathematics III
• PE 345 - Physical Education for Elementary School
• SCED 480 - Science Methods and Curriculum for the Elementary School
• SCED 490 - Laboratory/Field Experience in Elementary Science
• SPED 364 - Teaching Each Student

University Graduation Requirements

• General University Requirements
• Writing Proficiency Requirement (WP)
• 180 Minimum Total Credits
• 60 Minimum Upper Division Credits
• Residency Requirement
• Minimum Grade Requirements
• Final Quarter Requirement

Conclusion

The Early Childhood Education P-3 Option, BAE program at Western Washington University provides students with a comprehensive education in early childhood development, teaching methods, and field experiences, preparing them for a career in early childhood education. The program requires 124 credits, including major and professional program courses, and includes a variety of field experiences and internships to provide students with hands-on experience in the field.