Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Childhood Education

SUNY New Paltz

Early Childhood & Childhood Education (ECCE) is a four-year Bachelor of Science program that prepares students for careers as teachers of children from birth through grade six. Graduates of the program are qualified to receive dual certification, i.e., teaching certification in both Early Childhood Education (B-2, birth through grade two) and Childhood Education (1-6, grades one through six). To obtain these certifications, students must complete the program and pass all required New York State Teacher Certification Examinations. Teacher candidates learn the skills required to work effectively with children from different backgrounds and in different settings, including developmentally appropriate teaching practices and curriculum planning. A thorough grounding in child development is part of the program, as is an understanding of a balanced approach to teaching literacy. The program further emphasizes a mastery of mathematics, social studies, and science appropriate to the elementary school years. Throughout the curriculum, we promote an interdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning in the elementary classroom. This is a rigorous program that requires extensive field experiences in sites chosen for their appropriateness by the Office of Field Experiences' coordinator.

School of Education