Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education (Birth-Grade 3)

Originally founded as the Addison Teachers Seminary in 1864, the university has a 150-year track record of producing some of the most qualified teachers in the country.

More than a dozen CUC graduates have been recognized by the highly prestigious Golden Apple Foundation for outstanding teaching, which speaks volumes about the level of training you will receive.

Students who major in early childhood education learn how to teach children from infancy through second grade. Hands-on experience is a cornerstone of our program. You are required to gain at least 100 hours of field experience observing, assisting and teaching in the classroom. Our 16-week student teaching semester is four weeks longer than most programs, providing our graduates with additional experience and confidence.

CUC offers extensive graduate-level programs in education, with options for advanced degrees and additional certificates—supporting your professional development needs throughout your teaching career.

Your core courses will focus on communication, mathematics, natural sciences, humanities and fine arts,and social and behavioral science. Other coursework includes human and cognitive development, educational technology, teaching in diverse classrooms and teaching exceptional learners. All early childhood candidates also complete an ESL endorsement meeting the State of Illinois requirements.

You will take methods classes that teach you how to teach art, music, literacy, movement, play, infant toddler care, math, science and social science to young children. You will also learn how to develop and organize curriculum for the early childhood classroom. You will observe and teach in classrooms throughout the program. This provides experience in teaching students in actual classroom settings.We provide you with the tools needed to help students thrive in a nurturing environment.