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 (pending CTC approval) 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:

  1. Plan developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate practices to ensure a high quality learning environment for all students (ULO 3).
  2. Promote child development and learning through play-based experiences that engage caregivers (ULO 3).
  3. Develop appropriate adaptations to maximize learning by identifying students’ diverse needs (ULO 3).
  4. Apply faith integration to teaching and leadership (ULO 2).
  5. Understand foundational spiritual formation of young children as supported by research from related fields, clinical observations, biblical perspectives, and interviews (ULO 1 & 2).
  6. 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

Program Courses Meeting Core Curriculum Requirements
Behavioral Science:
PSYC 200Introduction to Psychology3
English:
ENGL 3134Writing in the Disciplines for Educators3
Integration Seminar:
BBST 4652Integration Seminar: Christian Philosophy of Education3
Program Courses - Major
APSY 425Psychology of Marriage and Family Life3
LEDU 335Child Development: Birth through Adolescence3
LEDU 342Introduction to Spiritual Formation for Educators3
LEDU 355Introduction to Early Childhood Education3
LEDU 356Early Childhood Curriculum3
LEDU 357School/Family/Community Partnerships in Early Childhood Urban Settings3
LEDU 358Classroom Management in Early Childhood Settings3
LEDU 359Observation and Assessment of Young Children3
LEDU 370Language, Literacy and Biliteracy in Early Childhood3
LEDU 389Spiritual Formation for Young Children3
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 165
General Electives 27
Total Credits120
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.

Concentration Courses
LEDU 360Early Childhood Practicum3
LEDU 361Issues in Special Education3
LEDU 371Developing and Administering Early Care and Education Programs3
Total Credits:9

PK-3 Teacher Preparation 

NOTE: This concentration is pending approval by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Requirements are subject to change.

This concentration is for students seeking to earn the PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Instruction Preliminary Credential.

Concentration Courses
LEDU 347Early Childhood Reading and Language Arts3
LEDU 439Early Childhood Mathematics Curriculum and Methods3
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 Credits9

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

Note: The PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Instruction Credential program is pending approval by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Requirements are subject to change.

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.

LEDU 335Child Development: Birth through Adolescence3
LEDU 355Introduction to Early Childhood Education3
LEDU 356Early Childhood Curriculum3
LEDU 357School/Family/Community Partnerships in Early Childhood Urban Settings3
LEDU 358Classroom Management in Early Childhood Settings3
LEDU 359Observation and Assessment of Young Children3
LEDU 347Early Childhood Reading and Language Arts3
LEDU 370Language, Literacy and Biliteracy in Early Childhood3
LEDU 439Early Childhood Mathematics Curriculum and Methods3
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 Credits27

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
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 103 or 1653BBST 103 or 1653
ENGL 100 or 1123HIST 100 or 1013
GNST 1021Communication (see Core Curriculum)3
KNES 1071Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4
PSYC 200 (required Core Curriculum Behavioral Science)3KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)1
Fine Arts (see Core Curriculum)3Philosophy (see Core Curriculum)3
Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4 
 18 17
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 209 or 2103BBST 209 or 2103
LEDU 3353BBST 2513
LEDU 3553HIST 200, 201, or POSC 2253
Science (see Core Curriculum, BIOS105 recommended)3LEDU 3563
General Elective13LEDU 3573
 15 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 3543BBST 300/400 Bible Elective3
LEDU 3583BBST 3653
LEDU 3593ENGL 3134 (fulfills ENGL 313 Core Curriculum requirement)3
Literature (see Core Curriculum)3LEDU 3423
LEDU 3703Math (see Core Curriculum, MATH 117 recommended)3
 Writing Competency Requirement
 Graduation Application due in Registrar's Office
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
APSY 4253BBST 4652 (fulfills BBST 465 Integration Seminar requirement)3
LEDU 3893BBST 300/400 Bible Elective3
Concentration Course23Concentration Course23
Concentration Course23General Elective13
General Elective11 
 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
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 1014HNRS 1054
HNRS 1024HNRS 1064
GNST 1021Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4
KNES 1071KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)1
PSYC 200 (required)3Science (see Core Curriculum, BIOS 105 recommended)3
Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4 
 17 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 2104HNRS 2304
HNRS 2154HNRS 2314
LEDU 3353LEDU 3563
LEDU 3553LEDU 3573
Math (see Core Curriculum, MATH 117 recommended)3General Elective11
 17 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 3244HNRS 3374
HNRS 3262HNRS 3392
LEDU 3583ENGL 3134 (fulfills ENGL 313 Core Curriculum requirement)3
LEDU 3593Concentration Course23
LEDU 3703 
 15 12
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 4434HNRS 4584
APSY 4253HNRS 4672
BBST 4652 (fulfills BBST 465 Integration Seminar requirement)3Concentration Course23
LEDU 3423Concentration Course23
LEDU 3893 
 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).