Are you interested in pursuing a career in early childhood education? Walden University's B.S. in Child Development program with a concentration in Preschool is designed to provide you with the tools to positively influence young learners. You can read more about the B.S. in Child Development program with a concentration in Preschool here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Kind of Program Is It?
Walden University's B.S. in Child Development program with a concentration in Preschool is an online program designed to prepare you for work in early childhood development and education. This non-licensure program is based on standards set by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and includes courses that cover cutting-edge research and trends in early care. The curriculum focuses on all domains of child development and covers nutrition, literacy, special needs, and assessment. Coursework includes Making Connections classes, which focus on current issues affecting young children and their families, as well as the work of early childhood specialists. The preschool specialization includes interdisciplinary teaching methods, advocacy, and the role of play within the learning experience. Estimated time to completion is four years. Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable.
What Are the Prerequisites?
You may have some experience in a day-care or preschool setting and should have an interest in working with children. Applicants to Walden University's programs must be at least 24 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent; or be an active member of the military or a veteran; or have already earned at least 90 quarter hours of credit. Applicants may need to complete additional requirements for some programs.
What Are the Course Requirements?
Degree program curriculum and credits are subject to change; contact Walden University for the most current information before enrolling in a program. Walden's B.S. in Child Development program with a concentration in Preschool requires completion of 181 total quarter credit hours. Some of the required courses are listed below.
Required B.S. in Child Development Core Courses
- Communication Skills For Career Development
- Introduction to Education
- Pioneers and Philosophies of Education
- Making Connections: The Early Childhood Field
- Educational Psychology
- Child Development
- Making Connections: The Developing Child
- Child Health, Safety, and Nutrition
- Child, Family, and Community Relationships
- Making Connections: The Well-Being of Children
- Language Development
- Children's Literature
- Making Connections: The Foundations of Literacy
- Observation and Assessment of the Young Child
- Children With Special Needs
- Making Connections: The Individuality of Children
- Cultural and Linguistic Diversity
- Making Connections: Living in a Diverse World
Concentration Courses
- Professionalism and Advocacy in the Early Childhood Field
- Play and Learning for the Preschool Child
- Making Connections: Foundations of Preschool Teaching
- Guiding Young Children's Behavior
- Inclusive Practices in Classroom Communities
- Making Connections: Effective Learning Environments
- Early Literacy
- Teaching Across Content Areas in Preschool
- Making Connections: Interdisciplinary Teaching and Learning
- Capstone
What Could I Do After I Graduate?
Career Opportunities:
Graduates of Walden University's B.S. in Child Development program with a concentration in Preschool have the opportunity to prepare for careers in early childhood education, including administration or teaching. Positions that graduates may seek include:
- Head Start teacher
- Teacher's aide
- Day-care provider
- Childcare administrator
- Lead teacher in private preschool
- Preschool administrator
Advanced Degrees
In addition to seeking entry-level teaching or administrative positions, graduates of Walden University's B.S. in Child Development program with a concentration in Preschool may choose to continue their studies. Earning a master's degree in child development or education may prepare you for licensure or other career opportunities in the field. Degrees listed are not institution-specific but constitute a sampling of continuing education options for graduates. Degrees graduates could pursue include:
- Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education
- Master of Science in Child Development
- Master of Social Work
Walden offers both state-approved educator licensure programs as well as programs and courses that do not lead to licensure or endorsements. Prospective students must review their state licensure requirements prior to enrolling. For more information, please refer to www.WaldenU.edu/educlicensure.
Prospective Alabama students: Contact the Teacher Education and Certification Division of the Alabama State Department of Education at 1-334-242-9935 or www.alsde.edu to verify that these programs qualify for teacher certification, endorsement, and/or salary benefits.
Prospective Washington state students are advised to contact the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction at 1-360-725-6275 or prof.educ@k12.wa.us to determine whether Walden's programs in the field of education are approved for teacher certification or endorsements in Washington state. Additionally, teachers are advised to contact their individual school district as to whether this program may qualify for salary advancement.
