Bachelor of science Early childhood education & Adolescent development

Union Institute & University’s Bachelor of Science with a major in Early Childhood Education & Adolescent Development prepares you for licensure and to work with children and families in a variety of health, human services, and educational settings. This major encompasses all aspects of human growth and development from birth to adolescence with emphasis on the standards for professional preparation of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Graduates may advance their careers in the early childhood education profession, become an administrator, or even operate an early childhood education program of their own. With the demand for jobs in the early childhood education profession always growing, this degree will empower you to achieve your dream career.

Learning Objectives

120 Total credits

$395 Cost Per Credit Hour

Jun 24 Next Start Date

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Early Childhood Education & Adolescent Development CONCENTRATIONS

Students who choose to major in Child & Adolescent Development may complete a generalized program or select one of the following three concentrations:

Early Childhood Special Education

This concentration provides students with the knowledge and skills to work within the inclusive early childhood classroom setting with children who have special challenges. The concentration is built upon an established need for early childhood educators to enhance their skills in preparing for today’s classrooms where a variety of children with varying needs will be schooled.

The focus of this concentration is on best practice and educational accommodation, modification, disability-related laws and regulations, and professional preparation standards and competencies of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Areas of focus may include working in inclusive early childhood education programs, assist children on the autism spectrum disorder, assist with behavior management plans, becoming involved in advocacy for children with special needs.

Early Childhood Studies

This concentration is for individuals who wish to pursue a career working with young children from birth to age eight, their families, and their communities. Students in this concentration will be expected to understand and apply the standards that serve as the foundation of the early childhood profession. Areas of focus may include infant/toddler programs, preschool settings, home-based service provider, childcare center director/supervisor, family support specialist, or other areas in early childhood education.

Teacher as Practitioner

This concentration is focused on a sound pedagogical foundation and potentially may provide graduates with many of the required courses needed to apply for teacher certification* in their respective states. The area of focus is early childhood education.

*Note: Teacher certification may be known as licensure or credentialing in other states.

Trauma Studies

The Trauma Studies Concentration focuses on the knowledge and skills relevant to working with children or adults suffering from trauma. The concentration examines trauma-informed practice and intervention strategies for early educators and mental health professionals who will then be able to apply the learned skills in trauma detection, behavior guidance, and intervention strategies in their classrooms. This will effectively accommodate the needs of individuals who experienced child abuse, domestic violence, divorce, immigration, war, and death or dying.

Upon completion of the concentration, students will be able to provide trauma-informed care and environments, as well as resources and support to families.

120 credit hour program (minimum)
Full & part-time options
Classes start every eight weeks
Transfer up to 90 credit hours

Cost of Program

Core Courses

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CHD 305

The Integration of Developmental Domains, Theory, and Practice

3+1 credits

In this course, students will integrate their foundational knowledge of children’s characteristics and needs, from birth through adolescence, with the multiple perspectives and theories on child development and learning. Students will analyze multifaceted perspectives on children and families in order to inform practice. Corequisite: CHD1 305, 1 credit hour.
CHD 306

Transforming Learning Standards into Achievement

3+1 credits

In this course, students will explore how to meet children’s individual developmental needs that reflect developmental knowledge, essential content knowledge, and local and state educational standards for learning in early childhood settings. Students will create appropriate and challenging environments for children’s academic and personal success. Corequisite: CHD1 306, 1 credit hour.
CHD 307

Constructing Reciprocal Relationships with Families and the Community

3+1 credits

In this course students will examine the importance of involving the family and community in the young child’s development and learning. Students will learn how to work collaboratively with families and community professionals in support of children’s early education and development. They will learn how to establish respectful, reciprocal relationships with families of young children. An emphasis will be placed on embracing and valuing the diverse and complex characteristics of the family and community. Corequisite: CHD1 307, 1 credit hour.
CHD 405

The Art and Science of Assessing Children and Families

3+1 credits

In this course, students will analyze the goals, benefits, and uses of assessment in early childhood settings. Students will learn how to use effective and appropriate assessment tools using a variety of documentation and data collection strategies and review ethical standards and professional guidelines for assessment. Students will implement assessment data to develop developmentally appropriate strengths-based goals, curriculum, and teaching strategies for each child. Additionally, students will explore the process of establishing and maintaining meaningful partnerships with families and colleagues to build effective learning environments. Corequisite: CHD1 405, 1 credit hour.
CHD 405

El Arte y la Ciencia de Evaluar a Niños y Familia

3 credits

En este curso analizará los objetivos, beneficios y usos de la evaluación. Aprenderá a utilizar herramientas de evaluación eficaces y adecuadas mediante una variedad de estrategias de recopilación de datos y documentación. Implementará datos de evaluación para desarrollar metas apropiadas basadas en fortalezas, currículo y estrategias de enseñanza para cada niño. Además, explorará el proceso de evaluación de asociaciones con familias y colegas para crear entornos de aprendizaje efectivos.
CHD 406

Professional Practices

3+1 credits

In this course, students will review the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and professional guidelines for working with children and families. Students will learn the value of engaging in informed advocacy, as well as continuous, collaborative learning to inform practice in the field of early childhood education. Students will review how to use technology as a professional resource with children and peers. Students will experience the process of integrating knowledgeable, reflective, and critical perspectives as it relates to the education of young children. Corequisite: CHD1 406, 1 credit hour.
CHD 417

Supervised Field Experience

3+1 credits

This course aligns university and child and adolescent development major outcomes and competencies with NAEYC standards for professional preparation programs. The course focuses on the knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions necessary to promote the development and learning of young children across the entire developmental period of early childhood. In at least two of the three early childhood age groups (birth-age 3, 3 through 5, 5 through 8 years), students will complete at least 100 hours of supervised field experience (including weekly sessions with a mentor faculty/teacher) at a high-quality early childhood development program or other educational setting approved by the institution.
The field experience is accompanied by an online class component where students will develop the skills to plan physically and psychologically safe, supportive, developmentally appropriate, and healthy learning environments. Professional behaviors, intentional teaching, relationships with children and families, play-based approaches to teaching, learning, and assessment; and knowledge of curriculum content areas will be emphasized as students design, implement, and reflect on learning experiences that promote growth and development in various settings.

Elective Courses

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CHD 100 / 200 / 300 / 400

Independent Studies

Variable 1-4 credits

Most B.S./B.A. majors provide independent study offerings. If offered by the major, independent studies may be taken up to two times. An independent study course may be proposed by the student in order to complete an in-depth study of a topic not covered by current course offerings. Independent Study is a formalized learning experience that is completed through a learning agreement, under the supervision of a university faculty member. Learning agreements must be proposed and approved by the faculty member in advance of registration. Students are limited to two (2) independent-study courses per department prefix and course number. Refer to the specific major for the acceptance or not of independent studies.
CHD 190 / 290 / 390 / 490

Special Topics

Variable 1-4 credits

Special Topics are individualized special interest courses selected by the student, working with a faculty member. Most B.S. majors provide for special topics courses. Students are limited to one to two special topics courses per department prefix and course number. Refer to the specific major for the acceptance of special topics courses.
CHD 225

Introduction to Technology Skills for Early Childhood Educators- Promoting Social and Emotional Growth

3 credits

This course will provide pre-professional educators the opportunities to understand technology starting from learning basic computer literacy skills through applying technology directly to the classroom. This course is designed around four modules that progress in rigor from an exploration of theoretical concepts to a more hands-on experiential application. Students will develop technology skills while exploring best practices, thereby encouraging students to think in creative ways to include technology that is appropriate to children’s development.
CHD 303

Multicultural Issues in Child Development

3+1 credits

In this course, students will explore child development from a comparative perspective, considering race, gender, and disabling conditions as dimensions of diversity. Students will examine cross-cultural research and challenge the contemporary theories of child development and the implications for educational theory and practice. Students will examine cultural and family factors that shape and influence the contexts in which children develop. They will also participate in the development of multicultural curriculum activities, materials, and environments for children with a special emphasis on applying multicultural education principles to curriculum planning. Corequisite: CHD1 303, 1 credit hour.
CHD 304

The Exceptional Child

3+1 credits

This course covers an analysis of the wide spectrum of abilities and disabilities of the child with special needs, as these needs range from education needs to parent and family needs. The course focuses on understanding the child and will integrate information on the specific needs of the person that include learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, communication disorders, hearing impairment, visual impairment, physical abilities, and giftedness (often not thought of as a component to the area of special needs). Corequisite: CHD1 304, 1 credit hour.
CHD 308

Development of the Adolescent

3+1 credits

This course analyzes the biosocial, cognitive, psychosocial, and growth of the self that occurs during the phase of human development that is commonly referred to as adolescence. Students will investigate some definitions of puberty and a historical understanding of adolescence. Students will gain an understanding of the adolescents in their home, school, and social environment. A more comprehensive analysis of adolescent intellectual, brain, physical, and social development will be available that may help us explain the many stereotypes cast onto adolescent life. This course also investigates theories, scientific evidence, and personal insight. This course finally challenges misconceptions, misperceptions, misrepresentations, and the misreading of adolescent development, especially those relating to raising and living with adolescents and our relationships with them. In challenging our basic ideas and beliefs, we come to find the fictions inherent in them and more importantly come to a much different understanding of this time of human development. Corequisite: CHD1 308, 1 credit hour.
CHD 404

Learning Through Play

3+1 credits

In this course students will explore play as a primary context for children’s learning in early childhood education. Students will discuss the intentional play process and the role of creativity in order to develop a broader repertoire of effective and intentional teaching strategies. Students will learn to create support for coaching children and assessing meaningful play. Corequisite: CHD1 404, 1 credit hour.
CHD 407

Cognitive Development of the Child and Adolescent

3+1 credits

This course is designed to support scientific study of children from conception to adolescence, including intellectual changes and processes that a child experiences and a focus on the development of thought, language, emotions, personality, and social relationships. The principles and theories that underlie child learning are also emphasized. Corequisite: CHD1 407, 1 credit hour.
CHD 412

Language Development of the Child

3+1 credits

This course provides an analysis and evaluation of central concepts, theories, current issues, and research evidence in the development of language and cognition in human beings. The material in this course relies on current and accessible accounts of current views on how thinking and language develop during childhood. Starting from infancy the course explores key aspects of cognitive language development in childhood and adolescence, evaluating brain architecture and function along with the social and cultural bases of learning. Corequisite: CHD1 412, 1 credit hour.
CHD 414

Working with Young Dual Language Learners

3+1 credits

The purpose of this course is to examine the development of dual language learners (DLL) in the context of language and literacy. Students will survey a variety of developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive strategies that support second-language acquisitionin young children. Students will also reflect on the value of the home language and children’s diverse linguistic and cultural experiences. Corequisite: CHD1 414, 1 credit hour.
CHD 415

Sensory Development- Challenges & Opportunities in the Classroom

2 credits

This course covers the sensory development of typically and atypically developing children. The focus is on identifying sensory patterns and behaviors that influence children’s educational, social/emotional, physical, and language development. Strategies to meet the child’s needs in the classroom setting will be explored.

GENERAL EDUCATION AT UNION

General education courses are the foundation of a bachelor's degree and aim to introduce students to the world of critical thinking, written expression, broad philosophical topics, scientific method, quantitative reasoning, and more.

General education at Union Institute & University is different with a purpose. Most colleges have an assortment of “Introduction to….” courses for their general education curriculum - not Union. Our general education courses are topic-based, and they have a direct link to our popular majors. These topics make for a seamless transition from the breadth of general education to the depth of your major.

Explore Our General Education Courses

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the major in Early Childhood Education & Adolescent Development, graduates will be able to:

Demonstrate Knowledge of Child Development and Learning in Context

Know and understand the developmental period of early childhood from birth through age 8 across physical, cognitive, social and emotional, and linguistic domains, including bilingual/multilingual development.
Know and value each child as an individual with unique developmental variations, experiences, strengths, interests, abilities, challenges, approaches to learning, and with the capacity to make choices.
Use multidimensional knowledge- knowledge about the developmental period of early childhood, individual children, and development and learning in cultural contexts- to make evidence-based decisions that support each child.

Establish Family-Teacher Partnerships and Community Connections

Know, understand, and value the diversity of families.
Collaborate as partners with families in young children’s development and learn through respectful, reciprocal relationships, and engagement.
Use community resources to support young children’s learning and development, support families, and build partnerships between early learning settings, schools, and community organizations and agencies.

Apply Child Observation, Documentation, and Assessment

Understand that assessments (formal and informal formative and summative) are conducted to make informed choices about instruction and for planning in early learning settings.
Know a wide range of types of assessments, their purposes, and their associated methods and tools.
Use screening and assessment tools in ways that are ethically grounded and developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate to document developmental progress and promote positive outcomes for each child.
Build assessment partnerships with families and professional colleagues.

Select Developmentally, Culturally, and Linguistically Appropriate Teaching Practices

Understand and demonstrate positive, caring, and supportive relationships and interactions as the foundation of an early childhood educator's work with young children.
Understand and use teaching skills that are responsive to the learning trajectories of young children and to the needs of each child, recognizing that differentiating instruction, incorporating play as a core teaching practice, and supporting the development of executive function skills are critical for young children.
Use a broad repertoire of developmentally appropriate, culturally and linguistically relevant, anti-bias, evidence-based teaching skills and strategies that reflect the principles of universal design for learning.

Combine Knowledge, Application, and Integration of Academic Content in the Early Childhood Curriculum

Understand content knowledge – the central concepts, methods, tools of inquiry, and structure and resources for the academic disciplines in an early childhood curriculum.
Understand pedagogical content knowledge – how young children learn in each discipline – and how to use the teacher knowledge and practices described in Program Learning Outcomes 1 through 4 to support young children’s learning in each content area.
Modify teaching practices by applying, expanding, integrating, and updating their content knowledge in the disciplines, their knowledge of curriculum content resources, and their pedagogical content knowledge.

Prove Professionalism as an Early Childhood Educator

Identify and involve themselves with the early childhood field and serve as informed advocates for young children, families, and the profession.
Know about and uphold ethical and other early childhood professional guidelines.
Use professional communication skills, including technology-mediated strategies, to effectively support young children’s learning and development, and to work with families and colleagues.
Engage in continuous, collaborative learning to inform practice.
Develop and sustain the habit of reflective and intentional practice in their daily work with young children and as members of the early childhood profession.

Applying Your Degree to Real World Experience

Graduates with an Early Childhood Education and Adolescent Development degree from Union excel in a variety of early childhood education careers. With this degree, you’ll be ready to guide the educational and developmental needs of children, from infancy, early childhood, middle childhood, to adolescence.

Early Childhood Educators
Early Childhood Education Program Owners
Early Childhood Education Program Administrators
Home-Visitors

Stay Ahead of State & Federal Mandates

We understand that the changes to state and federally-funded early childhood education programs may seem overwhelming. Union Institute & University is here to help you to stay up-to-date with government mandates and regulations. Earning a degree while working full-time and caring for your family is a balancing act. Our online degree program is flexible, making it possible for you to live your life and learn at the same time.

Meet Our Faculty

Alumni Spotlight

“I wanted teaching experience and a degree where I can work with children and adults or families. I got the job that I wanted because of my degree. I always wanted to be a teacher and now I am in the profession that I love. I am also a first-generation college graduate.”

JENNIFER OCHOA
Graduate and Head Start Teacher

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