Early Childhood Education

Help shape the future of young children, their families and communities with a degree in early childhood education. By being a central figure in the lives of children during their most formative years—ages birth to age 8—you will help build a solid foundation for future learning.

 

Program description

The BAE program in early childhood education prepares students to meet the educational, behavioral and social-emotional needs of children, ages birth to age 8 or grade 3. This program focuses on child development and best practices in early childhood education, including the skills to create inclusive learning environments; conduct instructional design, planning and facilitation; and assess, monitor and report the progress of young children.

Extensive professional experiences are built into this program to prepare students to enter the teaching profession after graduation. Students complete internships prior to a full-time teaching residency. Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College has developed a distinctive approach to teacher-preparation, which includes student participation in internships and residencies while receiving guidance and support from faculty members and highly qualified certified teachers. Professional experiences are designed to prepare graduates to work with mutually supportive colleagues to address the academic and social-emotional needs of learners.

View course list and time to completion

At a glance: program locations

Next steps to attend ASU


This degree qualifies you for Arizona educator certification in:

Early Childhood Education, Birth—Age 8 or Grade 3

You will be required to pass the applicable exams administered by the state. Learn more from the Arizona Department of Education.

This program may also lead to licensure in other states. Learn more


Image of a teacher assisting students at a table

Career outlook

There is a strong demand for early childhood educators in Arizona and nationwide. Many graduates with a degree in early childhood education hold leadership positions in Head Start, private nonprofit and private for-profit center-based programs, and public school early childhood environments.

Career examples include but are not limited to those shown in the following list. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.

  • Kindergarten teacher
  • Preschool Director
  • Preschool Teacher
  • Instructional Specialist

Program contact information

If you have questions related to admission, please fill out the request information form and an admission specialist will contact you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

Paying for college

Admission requirements

Students are required to meet all applicable ASU admission requirements for first-year studentstransfer students or international students

As a transfer student, you can ensure a positive experience by signing up for an ASU transfer pathway program. Find your path to ASU