BSc in Early Childhood Education in Ames United States | Iowa State University

Overseen by the Department of Human Development and Family Studies and the School of Education, culminating in a Bachelor of Science degree.

The early childhood education unified (ECE) program equips graduates to educate young children and collaborate with their families. This Iowa Department of Education-approved curriculum fulfills requirements for PK-3, Inclusive Settings teaching endorsement, enabling graduates to teach both general and special education from birth through third grade. Career opportunities include teaching positions in public or private early childhood classrooms (preschool to third grade) or home-based programs.

Prospective ECE students must apply and gain admission to the teacher education program before taking advanced courses.

Further guidance is available through academic advisors.

ECE candidates must demonstrate proficiency in teacher licensure standards, evaluated through coursework artifacts like assignments, projects, and practicum involvement. These assessments align with Iowa's early childhood endorsement standards (1001 and 262), covering: (1) fostering child development and addressing learning differences, (2) establishing family and community connections, (3) assessment practices for children and families, (4) developmentally appropriate engagement strategies, (5) curriculum development through content mastery, (6) professional ethics, and (7) practical field experiences. The program mandates pre-student teaching placements in three distinct settings and student teaching in two different environments.