Early Childhood Education Program

The early years of a child’s education are filled with wonder, discovery, and development. The foundation of their worldview begins to form even at this early age as they consider their own identity, the value of others, and the importance of learning. How a young child deals with these issues is greatly influenced by their teachers and caregivers. At this crucial period of life, children need teachers and caregivers who are aware of their cognitive and developmental needs and who understand how to meet those needs from a biblical perspective. The Early Childhood Education program provides students with the biblical education and practical experience that is necessary to point young children to Christ. At Baptist Bible College, we know what it takes to prepare successful teachers, and we want you to enter the teaching field prepared and equipped for whatever situation you may face. We not only want you to succeed , we want you to help change the lives of your students and give honor to the Lord.

Early Childhood Education Programs

•  Early Childhood Education (2 years) A.A. Degree

•  Early Childhood Education (4 years) B.S. in Bible Degree

Core Courses in Both Early Childhood Education Programs

BBC gives you a strong foundation to understand and apply biblical truth through extensive Bible and theology courses. A required set of General Studies courses supplement that foundation, enabling you to consider the world in which you will minister. You will then build upon that foundation as you study the specific disciplines of your field and determine how you can best apply your unique strengths, gifts, and abilities. The core courses of this program include the following:

•  Issues in Early Childhood Education

•  Methods and Materials in Early Childhood Education

•  Active Learning in Early Childhood Education

•  Child, Family, and Community

•  Four Field Experiences in Early Childhood Education

Additional Core Courses in the B.S. in Early Childhood Education Program

•  Teaching Science in Elementary Schools

•  Teaching Social Studies in Elementary Schools

•  Teaching Music and Art in Elementary Schools

•  Teaching Physical Education in Elementary Schools

•  Teaching Reading in Elementary Schools

•  Teaching Children’s Literature in Elementary Schools

•  Teaching Language Arts in Elementary Schools

•  Teaching Math in Elementary Schools

•  Educating Exceptional Children

What Happens After Graduation?

BBC’s two-year Early Childhood Education program provides you with your Associate’s degree and the experience to be efficient at meeting the diverse needs of children. You will be prepared to work with children ages birth to third grade, in various settings including schools, churches, pre-school programs, daycares, and certain social agencies.

Upon completion of the four-year program, graduates will have completed coursework equivalent to a double major in Bible and Early Childhood Education and will be awarded a Bachelor of Science in Bible.

You will receive certification from the Association of Christian Schools International to teach children through third grade. You will also be eligible to apply for Pennsylvania state certification, which will allow you to teach in public schools.

The state of Pennsylvania shares certification reciprocity with nearly every state , so you will most likely be able to teach in the state of your choice.

The Early Childhood Education program also prepares graduates for the next step in their academic careers. Many graduates pursue master’s and doctorate degrees immediately following graduation or shortly thereafter. Some graduates have chosen to pursue their studies in one of seven programs offered in Christian School Education at Baptist Bible Graduate School. Other graduates have attended various graduate schools to study a wide range of educational programs including Administration and Curriculum & Instruction.

	Real People “The most beneficial aspect of the Early Childhood Education program is the faculty. I would like to be a Children's Ministry Coordinator in a church, and the professors applied our learning about children, parents, and classroom activities to the local church. They really gave me a desire to work with children and their parents and to serve others.” - Melissa Corey, BBC student
	"My time at BBC left quite an impact on my life and truly prepared me for my career as a preschool teacher. BBC laid the foundation I needed for continued spiritual growth and the desire to love people as Christ would. My time at BBC adequately prepared me to fulfill my teaching responsibilities, but the most important lesson my time at BBC taught me is never to stop learning! - Laura Harding, BBC graduate, Aid at “Here We Grow” Daycare Center, Cortland, NY

For more information about the Early Childhood Education program, contact Education Program Secretary, Carolyn Culver.