Early Childhood, B.A.
Mission
The mission of the Early Childhood major at Biola University is to equip early childhood Christian educators with developmentally, spiritually, culturally, and linguistically appropriate research-based best practices, preparing them to step into professional educational roles that serve young children and their families in a variety of learning spaces including schools, children’s ministry, hospitals, and home environments.
Degree Program
The Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood is an undergraduate degree program designed for students who desire an in-person academic program with some courses online that focuses on combining the best practices in education, the most current and applicable research in education, and integration of biblical principles and Christian worldview.
This degree will produce high quality, early childhood educators who will ensure all young children, aged 0-8, have equitable access to developmentally, culturally and linguistically appropriate early learning, so that they can thrive and learn in an environment dedicated to ensuring they reach their full potential.
This degree prepares students for the recommendation of up to five California CTC-approved Child Development Permits in California or the recommendation for California CTC-approved PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Instruction teaching credential.
Early Childhood Program Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of the Early Childhood B.A. major or PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Instruction credential, students will be able to:
- Plan developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate practices to ensure a high quality learning environment for all students (ULO 3).
- Promote child development and learning through play-based experiences that engage caregivers (ULO 3).
- Develop appropriate adaptations to maximize learning by identifying students’ diverse needs (ULO 3).
- Apply faith integration to teaching and leadership (ULO 2).
- Understand foundational spiritual formation of young children as supported by research from related fields, clinical observations, biblical perspectives, and interviews (ULO 1 & 2).
- Demonstrate effective pedagogical skills related to the foundational knowledge of Developmentally Appropriate Practice and the understanding of subject matter content (ULO 1).
Each Program Learning Outcome (PLO) listed above references at least one of the University Learning Outcomes (ULO 1, 2, 3), which may be found in the General Information section of this catalog.
Writing Competency
Every Biola student must fulfill the Writing Competency Requirement (WCR). Students fulfill the WCR by passing ENGL 3134 with a C+ or better. If they fail to meet this requirement, they must consult with their major advisor for an alternative WCR pathway. For more information, see the section titled "Writing Competency Requirement" under the Admission, Enrollment and Graduation Requirements section.
Curriculum Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Program Courses Meeting Core Curriculum Requirements | ||
| Behavioral Science: | ||
| PSYC 200 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| English: | ||
| ENGL 3134 | Writing in the Disciplines for Educators | 3 |
| Integration Seminar: | ||
| BBST 4652 | Integration Seminar: Christian Philosophy of Education | 3 |
| Program Courses - Major | ||
| APSY 425 | Psychology of Marriage and Family Life | 3 |
| LEDU 335 | Child Development: Birth through Adolescence | 3 |
| LEDU 342 | Introduction to Spiritual Formation for Educators | 3 |
| LEDU 355 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| LEDU 356 | Early Childhood Curriculum | 3 |
| LEDU 357 | School/Family/Community Partnerships in Early Childhood Urban Settings | 3 |
| LEDU 358 | Classroom Management in Early Childhood Settings | 3 |
| LEDU 359 | Observation and Assessment of Young Children | 3 |
| LEDU 370 | Language, Literacy and Biliteracy in Early Childhood | 3 |
| LEDU 389 | Spiritual Formation for Young Children | 3 |
| Program Course Requirements: 39 credits | ||
| Concentrations | ||
| In addition to the program courses, each student must complete a concentration, which consists of approved coursework in one of the following subject areas: Child Development or PK-3 Teacher Preparation. Please see requirements listed below. | 9 | |
| Core Curriculum Requirements 1 | 65 | |
| General Electives 2 | 7 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
- 1
See Core Curriculum Program section for details.
- 2
General electives can be lower-division if the 24 upper-division credit requirement within the major has been met.
Concentrations
Child Development
This concentration is for students seeking to earn the California Child Development Permits.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Courses | ||
| LEDU 360 | Early Childhood Practicum | 3 |
| LEDU 361 | Issues in Special Education | 3 |
| LEDU 371 | Developing and Administering Early Care and Education Programs | 3 |
| Total Credits: | 9 | |
PK-3 Teacher Preparation
This concentration is for students seeking to earn the PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Instruction Preliminary Credential.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Courses | ||
| LEDU 347 | Early Childhood Reading and Language Arts | 3 |
| LEDU 439 | Early Childhood Mathematics Curriculum and Methods | 3 |
| Select 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
| Elementary Math/Science Methods | ||
| Performing Arts in Education | ||
| Elementary Health Curriculum and Methods | ||
| Elementary History-Social Science Curriculum and Methods | ||
| Children's Literature | ||
| Elementary Art Workshop | ||
| Elementary Physical Education Methods and Activities | ||
| Elementary Music Workshop | ||
| Total Credits | 9 | |
California Child Development Permits
The Early Childhood program in Biola’s School of Education offers state-approved coursework required for five of California’s Child Development Permits. After completing the early childhood coursework, permit candidates will be prepared to provide service in the care, development, and instruction of children in a child care and development program.
After successfully completing the required early childhood coursework and the associated requirements, permit candidates make an appointment with a credential analyst in the School of Education at Biola University and apply for the California Child Development Permit(s) from the State of California's Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
The Early Childhood degrees leading to California Child Development Permits at Biola University are subject to change in response to new legislation and for accreditation/reporting purposes. Please see a credential analyst for current information on completing the requirements for child development permits.
Professional PK-3 Teacher Preparation Program
Preliminary PK-3 ECE Specialist Instruction Credential
A Professional Teacher Preparation Program is available for the PK-3 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Specialist Instruction Credential and is accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).
The PK-3 ECE Specialist Instruction Credential authorizes the holder to teach all subjects in a self-contained general education classroom setting and to team teach or to regroup students across classrooms in preschool through grade three. This credential also includes authorization to teach English Language Learners in English within the subject area and grade level authorization of the PK-3 ECE Specialist Instruction credential.
Teacher Preparation Requirements
Admission Application
Candidates who wish to complete the undergraduate Teacher Preparation Program must formally apply for admission to the Teacher Preparation Program during LEDU 355.
PK-3 Teacher Preparation Courses
All candidates for the PK-3 Teaching Credential must complete the following undergraduate PK-3 teacher preparation courses with a grade of C or higher, and the overall GPA in the PK-3 teacher preparation courses must be a 2.75 or higher.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LEDU 335 | Child Development: Birth through Adolescence | 3 |
| LEDU 355 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| LEDU 356 | Early Childhood Curriculum | 3 |
| LEDU 357 | School/Family/Community Partnerships in Early Childhood Urban Settings | 3 |
| LEDU 358 | Classroom Management in Early Childhood Settings | 3 |
| LEDU 359 | Observation and Assessment of Young Children | 3 |
| LEDU 347 | Early Childhood Reading and Language Arts | 3 |
| LEDU 370 | Language, Literacy and Biliteracy in Early Childhood | 3 |
| LEDU 439 | Early Childhood Mathematics Curriculum and Methods | 3 |
| Early Childhood Student Teaching Seminars I and II (12 credits) may be taken as a graduate student and are not required for undergraduate graduation. Please meet with an advisor in the School of Education. | ||
| Early Childhood Student Teaching Seminar I | ||
| Early Childhood Student Teaching Seminar II | ||
| Total Credits | 27 | |
Taskstream Subscription
Candidates must have a paid subscription to Taskstream while taking PK-3 Teacher Preparation courses and student teaching.
Certificate of Clearance and Tuberculosis (TB) Test
Candidates must obtain a Certificate of Clearance prior to taking LEDU 355 course in order to participate in the required fieldwork in the major. Fees required.
Candidates must also submit valid TB tests results prior to taking LEDU 355 course and may be required multiple times in order to participate in the required fieldwork and student teaching. Fees required.
Minimum Grades and GPA Requirements
All PK-3 teaching credential candidates must maintain an overall cumulative 2.75 grade point average (GPA) in their major. A 2.75 cumulative GPA must be achieved in the PK-3 teacher preparation courses. Students must receive a grade of C or higher in all PK-3 teacher preparation courses and score an 83% or higher in all key assignments in order to be formally recommended for a PK-3 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Specialist Instruction Credential.
Subject Matter Competency Requirement
Candidates must prove subject matter competency by completing 24 credits in early childhood or child development coursework. These requirement must be passed prior to applying for student teaching.
Recommendation
Candidates must be recommended by the faculty of the School of Education as having all requisite professional qualities to be successful as a teacher.
Professional Dispositions and Competencies Evaluations
Candidates must demonstrate high performance in each Professional Dispositions and Competencies Evaluation for PK-3 teacher preparation coursework in order to remain in the PK-3 Teacher Preparation Program. Evidence of unaddressed concerns (scores of 1 or 2), or failing to meet a professional disposition may lead to dismissal.
Fieldwork Evaluation
Candidates must obtain good to excellent scores in each fieldwork evaluation for PK-3 teacher preparation coursework, including student teaching.
CPR
Candidates must show verification of current training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) — infant, child and adult — that meets the standards of either the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross CPR course when applying for the PK-3 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Specialist Instruction Credential.
Advisor Contact
Candidates are required to meet regularly with their early childhood major advisor to ensure that all requirements are met.
Applying for a Credential
Credential candidates complete their student teaching the second semester of their senior year or the semester after they graduate with their bachelor's degree. After successfully completing student teaching and the associated requirements, candidates make an appointment with a credential analyst in the School of Education at Biola University and apply for the PK-3 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Specialist Instruction Credential from the State of California's Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
The PK-3 Professional Teacher Preparation Program leading to a California Teaching Credential at Biola University is subject to change in response to new legislation and for accreditation/reporting purposes. Please see a credential analyst for current information on completing the requirements for a teaching credential.
NOTE: The course sequence table is designed by the major department and is one way that the classes will work out properly in sequence for your major. However, there are alternative or flexible ways to rotate some of the classes within the same year/level and sometimes between year levels. Please contact your major department advisor to discuss flexible alternatives in scheduling the sequence of your classes.
Taking coursework during the summer session may also be an option to accelerate your degree path.
See Core Curriculum Program section for a list of approved Core Curriculum courses.
Early Childhood, B.A.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BBST 103 or 165 | 3 | BBST 103 or 165 | 3 |
| ENGL 100 or 112 | 3 | HIST 100 or 101 | 3 |
| GNST 102 | 1 | Communication (see Core Curriculum) | 3 |
| KNES 107 | 1 | Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum) | 4 |
| PSYC 200 (required Core Curriculum Behavioral Science) | 3 | KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum) | 1 |
| Fine Arts (see Core Curriculum) | 3 | Philosophy (see Core Curriculum) | 3 |
| Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum) | 4 | ||
| 18 | 17 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BBST 209 or 210 | 3 | BBST 209 or 210 | 3 |
| LEDU 335 | 3 | BBST 251 | 3 |
| LEDU 355 | 3 | HIST 200, 201, or POSC 225 | 3 |
| Science (see Core Curriculum, BIOS105 recommended) | 3 | LEDU 356 | 3 |
| General Elective1 | 3 | LEDU 357 | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BBST 354 | 3 | BBST 300/400 Bible Elective | 3 |
| LEDU 358 | 3 | BBST 365 | 3 |
| LEDU 359 | 3 | ENGL 3134 (fulfills ENGL 313 Core Curriculum requirement) | 3 |
| Literature (see Core Curriculum) | 3 | LEDU 342 | 3 |
| LEDU 370 | 3 | Math (see Core Curriculum, MATH 117 recommended) | 3 |
| Writing Competency Requirement | |||
| Graduation Application due in Registrar's Office | |||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| APSY 425 | 3 | BBST 4652 (fulfills BBST 465 Integration Seminar requirement) | 3 |
| LEDU 389 | 3 | BBST 300/400 Bible Elective | 3 |
| Concentration Course2 | 3 | Concentration Course2 | 3 |
| Concentration Course2 | 3 | General Elective1 | 3 |
| General Elective1 | 1 | ||
| 13 | 12 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
- 1
General electives can be lower-division if the 24 upper-division credit requirement within the major has been met.
- 2
Concentration: Early Childhood majors must complete 9 credits of coursework in one specific concentration (see options in catalog).
NOTE: The course sequence table is designed by the major department and is one way that the classes will work out properly in sequence for your major. However, there are alternative or flexible ways to rotate some of the classes within the same year/level and sometimes between year levels. Please contact your major department advisor to discuss flexible alternatives in scheduling the sequence of your classes.
Taking coursework during the summer session may also be an option to accelerate your degree path.
See Core Curriculum Program section for a list of approved Core Curriculum courses.
Early Childhood, B.A.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HNRS 101 | 4 | HNRS 105 | 4 |
| HNRS 102 | 4 | HNRS 106 | 4 |
| GNST 102 | 1 | Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum) | 4 |
| KNES 107 | 1 | KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum) | 1 |
| PSYC 200 (required) | 3 | Science (see Core Curriculum, BIOS 105 recommended) | 3 |
| Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum) | 4 | ||
| 17 | 16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HNRS 210 | 4 | HNRS 230 | 4 |
| HNRS 215 | 4 | HNRS 231 | 4 |
| LEDU 335 | 3 | LEDU 356 | 3 |
| LEDU 355 | 3 | LEDU 357 | 3 |
| Math (see Core Curriculum, MATH 117 recommended) | 3 | General Elective1 | 1 |
| 17 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HNRS 324 | 4 | HNRS 337 | 4 |
| HNRS 326 | 2 | HNRS 339 | 2 |
| LEDU 358 | 3 | ENGL 3134 (fulfills ENGL 313 Core Curriculum requirement) | 3 |
| LEDU 359 | 3 | Concentration Course2 | 3 |
| LEDU 370 | 3 | ||
| 15 | 12 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HNRS 443 | 4 | HNRS 458 | 4 |
| APSY 425 | 3 | HNRS 467 | 2 |
| BBST 4652 (fulfills BBST 465 Integration Seminar requirement) | 3 | Concentration Course2 | 3 |
| LEDU 342 | 3 | Concentration Course2 | 3 |
| LEDU 389 | 3 | ||
| 16 | 12 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
- 1
General electives can be lower-division if the 24 upper-division credit requirement within the major has been met.
- 2
Concentration: Early Childhood majors must complete 9 credits of coursework in one specific concentration (see options in catalog).
