Program Overview

BA in Early Childhood Studies

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.

EDvance Alumni Data

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.

Program Learning Outcomes

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.

Program Curriculum

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.

Lower Division

Year 1

Semester one

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

SEMESTER TWO

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

Year 2

Semester THREE

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

SEMESTER FOUR

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.

Upper Division
PRE-REQUISITES

Introduction to Child Development SBS 140 

Children, Families, and Communities ECS 120

Year 3

Semester FIVE

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

SEMESTER SIX

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

Year 4

Semester SEVEN

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

SEMESTER EIGHT

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.

Application process

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