BS in Early Childhood Education (Pre K-4)

Why Major in Early Childhood Education?

Eastern University's undergraduate BS in Early Childhood Education prepares excellent teachers and educational practitioners who can serve in a variety of early learning and elementary school settings. Students are trained to communicate effectively, think critically, embrace cultural and linguistic diversity, utilize technology appropriately, practice inclusive interventions, learn independently and collaboratively, and serve competently in their chosen field. This program is designed for students who are interested in obtaining the Certification in Early Childhood Education (PK-4).

Add a Master's in 1 Year!

Complete your BS in 3 or 4 years, then seamlessly add a Master of Education in just 1 additional year!
“Eastern equipped me with the skills I needed to enter the education field while also teaching me how to be the hands and feet of Jesus. I learned and truly believe that educators, especially those who work at the early childhood level, can impact students’ lives in tremendous ways and set them up for an amazing future.”

2020 Distinguished Young Alumna of the Year Christina (Gann) Gomez ’14, MS.  Read More.

Which Program is Right for Me?

    BS in Early Childhood Education (this program) BS in Early Childhood Studies
    Admission GPA Requirement: 3.0 or above Admission GPA Requirement: 2.5 or above
    PDE Basic Skills requirements needed for admission
    (From the period of July 8th 2022 to July 8th 2025, Basic Skills requirements are waived for students entering preparation programs).
    No PDE Basic Skills requirements needed for admission 
    Student teaching required Student teaching not required
    Our Student Teaching Coordinator assists you in obtaining a PK-4 placement Graduates can work toward their certification after graduation

    Why Major in Education at Eastern University?

    Accredited by NAEYC

    naeycThe Early Childhood Education Bachelor's Degree Program at Eastern University received accreditation by NAEYC's Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education ProgramsOur initial accreditation term runs from March 2023 through March 2025.

    Faculty Feature: "The Joy of Teaching"

    Nicole McKeownBy Nicole McKeown, Lecturer in Education and Chair of Special Education Program

    During my fifth year as an elementary school teacher, I had a student— let’s call him Jake—who was considered a “behavior problem.” That year, I started calling every student’s home during the first week to introduce myself and share something positive about their child. When I called Jake’s home, his mother answered and said, “What did he do now?” I told her that I just wanted to call to introduce myself and let her know that Jake did really well on his math assessment. The phone went silent. Then his mother said, “You are the first teacher who has ever called home and said something nice about my son.”  Read the full story.  

    State Authorizations

    Please check the State Authorizations page to determine if Eastern University’s program fulfills your state credentialing requirements. Students who seek similar credentialing in states other than Pennsylvania are advised to contact the appropriate credentialing agency within their home state to seek information and additional guidance about credentialing in your state of residence. Additional state or local district requirements may exist for field placements in this state. Out-of-state student placements cannot be guaranteed by the program or the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. Students are responsible for following all state and local district requirements and regulations for their field placement.