<h2 id="section---FrequentlyAskedQuestions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <h3 id="section---WhatKindOfProgramIsIt">What Kind of Program Is It?</h3> <p>What are the characteristics of early childhood learning environments? Which assessment instruments are used to evaluate early childhood learners? What is the role of an early childhood interventionist? These are among the topics you could expect to explore in the major curriculum of the online Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Studies program at California Baptist University. You will also have the opportunity to study the cognitive, social, emotional, and motor development in infants and young children; behavior management theories and practices; assessment and learning theories in special education; principles of supervising teachers and others in early childhood learning environments; and the spiritual formation of young children. In a two-part series, you will also review managerial responsibilities and administrative processes in early childhood operations, including program development, fiscal management, curriculum design and implementation, behavior management, and staff management. Extensive study and research are also completed on special education policy and program outcomes. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreThePrerequisites">What Are the Prerequisites?</h3> <p>You must have completed coursework in composition and intermediate composition prior to taking required courses in the BA - Early Childhood Studies curriculum. Displaying strong creative, problem-solving, and listening skills is a plus, as these are often skills called upon for professionals working with young children. Applicants to California Baptist University should have a high school diploma or GED; some programs may have additional requirements. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreTheCourseRequirements">What Are the Course Requirements?</h3> <p>To complete the BA in Early Childhood Studies program, you must take 13 upper-division courses totaling 39 credits, one three-credit elective, and two additional Christian-based courses for six credits. In addition, you will be required to earn 40-43 credits in the general education curriculum. </p> <p><u>Upper Division Courses</u> </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Course Code</th><th>Course Title</th></tr> <tr><td>ECH 320</td><td> Cognitive Development in Infancy and Early Childhood</td></tr> <tr><td>ECH 340</td><td> Perpetual Motor Development in Infancy and Early Childhood</td></tr> <tr><td>ECH 350</td><td> Social &amp; Emotional Development in Infancy and Early Childhood</td></tr> <tr><td>ECH 365</td><td> Assessment of Young Children Including Children with Disabilities</td></tr> <tr><td>ECH 370</td><td> Spiritual Development in Young Children</td></tr> <tr><td>ECH 385</td><td> Theories and Models of Understanding Behavior in Young Children with Disabilities</td></tr> <tr><td>ECH 395</td><td> Learning Environments for Young Children Including Children with Disabilities</td></tr> <tr><td>ECH 415</td><td> Consultation &amp; Collaboration in Early Childhood Intervention</td></tr> <tr><td>ECH 435</td><td> Cross Cultural Perspectives of Young Children Including Children with Disabilities</td></tr> <tr><td>ECH 455</td><td> Research Seminar in Early Childhood Including Early Childhood Intervention</td></tr> <tr><td>ECH 460</td><td> Adult Supervision</td></tr> <tr><td>ECH 461</td><td> Administration of Early Childhood Programs I</td></tr> <tr><td>ECH 462</td><td> Administration of Early Childhood Programs II</td></tr> </table><p><u>Upper Division Elective Requirement</u> </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Course Code</th><th>Course Title</th></tr> <tr><td>ECH 360 <br /> <br /> ECH 440</td><td>Early Childhood Curriculum <br /> <b>OR</b> <br /> STEM Integrated with the Arts</td></tr> </table><p><u>Additional Program Courses</u> </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Course Code</th><th>Course Title</th></tr> <tr><td>CST 100</td><td> Overview of the Bible</td></tr> <tr><td>CST 302</td><td> Foundations of Christian Thought</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---WhatCouldIDoAfterIGraduate">What Could I Do After I Graduate?</h3> <h4 id="section---CareerOpportunities">Career Opportunities</h4> <p>Earning the Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Studies degree could help you build the skills and knowledge needed to seek positions in pre-K settings, daycare centers, kindergarten classrooms, community learning centers, or elementary schools. You might be involved in assessing young students' behavior, overseeing intervention programs, developing pre-K or kindergarten curricula, or teaching at the pre-K, kindergarten, or elementary levels. </p> <p>With this BA degree, you could choose to become one of the following: </p> <ul><li>Kindergarten teacher </li><li>Preschool teacher </li><li>Daycare worker </li><li>Elementary school teacher </li><li>Early intervention specialist </li></ul><h4 id="section---AdvancedDegrees">Advanced Degrees</h4> <p>To pursue advanced administrative or managerial positions in some settings, you might be required to hold a graduate degree; if this is your intent, you might continue your studies after completing the BA - Early Childhood Studies program. Graduate studies could provide you with the opportunity to delve deeper into theories and research in early childhood development, learning, and teaching; program evaluation processes; curriculum development; and educational psychology. </p> <p>Graduate degrees that are among the best options include: </p> <ul><li>Master of Education - Early Childhood Education </li><li>Master of Science in Education - Early Childhood Studies </li><li>Master of Science in Education - Transitional Kindergarten</li></ul>