Our bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Studies (ECS) is a 120-unit program designed to be completed in four years for full-time students. Students are required to complete all 120 units with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher to be eligible for graduation. Students are also required to complete two senior projects with a C or higher as a graduation requirements: 1) a Capstone Project which is a comprehensive inquiry project providing students with an opportunity to investigate an early childhood education issue using a culmination of skills learned; and 2) a Professional Portfolio which showcases a collection of the student’s work demonstrating mastery of concepts and skills over a period of time.
Unlike most programs, our curriculum is designed to meet students where they are and accommodate the reality of having to juggle life’s obligations–family, work, and school. Courses are offered remotely and at convenient times for working students with guaranteed course availability and a realistic workload. Graduates of our program are qualified to serve in a variety of roles and capacities in the early childhood field. Over 90% of our alumni are employed in the early childhood field a year after graduation.
In a 2020 Alumni Survey 62% were employed in a classroom working with young children; 15% were employed in another role within the ECE field; 15% were employed as an administrator of a program that has direct care of young children; 8% were not currently employed in the early childhood field.
Our BA Degree in Early Childhood Studies was intentionally designed to develop high quality, workforce-ready educators. Upon completion of the ECS BA Degree, students will be proficient in the following outcomes:
Explains the role of policy, advocacy, and organizing in early childhood education to act as leaders and agents of change.
Describes and applies scientific inquiry principles for observing, assessing, documenting, and interpreting children’s development.
Describes the early childhood education field and profession with a particular focus on concepts and competencies, working conditions, management, history, systems and structures, and ethical, legal, and professional standards.
Demonstrates and applies subject-specific pedagogy and developmental processes of domain learning.
Demonstrates professional communication skills using verbal, written, and visual forms to build positive, collaborative relationships with families, children, colleagues, and the community.
Describes, practices, and promotes equitable approaches to create positive learning opportunities for children and families with a strong focus on language learning and inclusion.
Plans, develops, articulates, and implements theoretically-underpinned interventions and curriculum to create positive and healthy learning environments.
Demonstrates and elevates a culture of reflective practice.
Our curriculum is designed to provide students with general education and ECE content and skills via an intentional mix of instructor-led remote sessions and independent learning activities. We believe in using dynamic and efficient pedagogy so students feel engaged and excited to learn. Courses are taught over a 15-week semester and are specifically designed for the ECE workforce.
Introduction to Curriculum Development
ECS 100 - 3 units
Introduction to Child Development
ECS 110 - 3 units
Child, Family and Community (Writing Development)
ECS 112 - 3 units
Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children CORP
ECS 121 - 3 units
Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children Practicum
ECS 121A - 3 units
Inclusive Development in Infant and Toddler Settings
ECS 200 - 3 units
Observation and Assessment (Writing Development)
ECS 212 - 3 units
Brain Development in Young Children
ECS 220 - 3 units
Infant + Toddler Development CORP
ECS 221 - 3 units
Infant + Toddler Development Practicum
ECS 221A - 3 units
Language, Literacy, Art, and Music (General Education)
AC 250 - 3 units
Introduction to Multilingual Learners: A JEDI+B Framework
ECS 240 - 3 units
Exploring US History through Children’s Literature (General Education)
SBS 282 - 3 units
Language and Literacy Curriculum Development CORP
ECS 161 - 3 units
Language and Literacy Curriculum Development Practicum
ECS 161A - 3 units
Early Relational Health (General Education)
CF 252 - 3 units
Sensory Integration and Motor Skills
ECS 270 - 3 units
Mathematics for Early Childhood Educators (General Education)
SIQR 260 - 3 units
Mathematics Curriculum Development CORP
ECS 281 - 3 units
Mathematics Curriculum Development Practicum
ECS 281A - 3 units
* Pathway courses and sequence are subject to change at the discretion of EDvance College.
Introduction to Child Development SBS 140
Children, Families, and Communities ECS 120
Social-Emotional Learning and Teaching
ECS 310 - 3 units
Determinants of Health and Development in Children
ECS 312 - 3 units
Introduction to Inclusive Development
ECS 320 - 3 units
Introduction to Communities of Reflective Practice CORP
ECS 321 - 3 units
Introduction to Communities of Reflective Practice Practicum
ECS 321A - 3 units
Research in the Context of Language and Literacy
ECS 330 - 3 units
Professional Communication and Advocacy
ECS 332 - 3 units
Language and Literacy Development for Language Learners
ECS 340 - 3 units
Strategies for Language and Literacy Development CORP
ECS 341 - 3 units
Strategies for Language and Literacy Development Practicum
ECS 341A - 3 units
STEAM Concepts in ECE
ECS 430 - 3 units
Equity in Action: Policy, Advocacy, and Organizing in Early Childhood
ECS 432 - 3 units
Supporting Children’s Creativity through Curriculum Development
ECS 450 - 3 units
Pedagogical Approaches in STEAM CORP
ECS 451 - 3 units
Pedagogical Approaches in STEAM Practicum
ECS 451A - 3 units
Capstone Project
ECS 520 - 6 units
Professional Practitioner in ECE CORP
ECS 531 - 6 units
* Pathway courses and sequence are subject to change at the discretion of EDvance College.
Instead of open admissions, EDvance’s unique partner model works directly with local education agencies as Employer Partners to recruit cohorts of students. This allows for a more intentional learning experience that puts student success and workforce readiness first. Prospective students are invited and guided through the application process by Student Success Advocates. To learn more about our admissions, click below.
Admissions