Online Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development: Early Childhood Education and Development

Sample Courses

Early Childhood Themes and Lifecycle Issues

Each stage of life poses a task to be accomplished. These tasks appear as challenges and bring the chance for growth, but also a fear of failure and discomforting disequilibrium. Themes that begin in early childhood – attachment, separation, autonomy, accomplishment and failure – recur later in the life cycle. Understanding their beginnings and knowledge of psychosocial developmental theories enable adults to be aware of the resolution of these themes in their own lives, as well as in children’s lives. This bachelor’s degree in child development online class meets the research competency.

Working with Bicultural Children

This early child development course online focuses on the methodological issues as they relate to effectively working with bicultural children. Learning theory and motivational concepts based upon research with bicognitive children will be examined. Bicultural curriculum and bilingual program components will be discussed. Students will be required to participate in several on-site classroom observations in bicultural and bilingual settings. Particular emphasis will be placed on integrating the principles of bicultural development into the practical application of an effective Educational approach.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the online child development degree  B.A. program is open to any person who meets entrance requirements as outlined below. Applicants will be judged on their overall ability to successfully complete an undergraduate degree program. Generally, a high school cumulative GPA of a 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale is required for admission. However, applicants with a cumulative high school GPA below 2.0 will be considered for admission with the submission of additional required documents (see below). Applicants with college-level studies will be expected to demonstrate an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. It is required that transcripts are submitted from all undergraduate schools where credit was received to support the application and request for transfer credit. (See Undergraduate Transfer Credit Policy). Factors and materials to be considered for admission will include:

• Completed application and $55 application fee
• Interview with a member of the Admissions Committee
• Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of Pacific Oaks College
• Personal statement
• Applicants must submit a resume showing three or more years of significant professional or life experience or an official transcript confirming 24 transferable credits from a regionally accredited

Online child development degree applicants must provide proof of the qualifying conferral of high school graduation (or the equivalent) or proof of successful completion of a minimum of 24-semester credits at a regionally accredited post-secondary institution. Proof of qualifying academic history must be provided in one of the following ways:

• Official high school transcript recognized by the S. Department of Education showing an earned high school diploma, 2.0 GPA or higher, and date of graduation. A copy of a high school diploma, if transcripts are not immediately available, can be submitted with a contingency that original transcripts will be on file prior to day 5 of the term/semester of entry. Financial aid will not be disbursed until the compliant documentation is received.
• Official college transcript with 24 credits of transferable credits with a grade of C or
• Official Associate degree transcript from a regionally­ accredited institution showing degree earned and date conferred
• Official college transcript from a regionally accredited institution that contains the high school name and date of graduation
• Official NACES, ACREVS or AICE evaluation of an international diploma that contains the high school name and date of graduation
• High school equivalency completed through home schooling as defined by state law
• Official General Educational Development (GED) A copy of the student’s GED Certificate, or unofficial GED score issued by the state, can be submitted with a contingency that the Official GED document will be on file prior to day 5 of the term/semester of entry. Financial aid will not be disbursed until the compliant documentation is received.
• Official Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) document
• Official High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) document
• Official documentation showing a passing score on a state-authorized exam that the state recognizes as equivalent to high school graduation

Online child development degree applicants with a cumulative high school or undergraduate GPA below 2.0, applicants without three years of significant professional or life experience, or with less than 24 transferable college credits are required to submit additional documentation:

• One letter of support from someone (a non-relative) familiar with your ability to be successful in this program
• An additional essay three pages, double spaced typed (approximately 500-750 words). In your essay, please answer the following question:
  • What life and professional experience do you possess that would enable you to be successful in the Pacific Oaks classroom focused on the application of experience to the course
  • Why it is important to you to study this discipline at a school that emphasizes social justice, cultural humility and respect for every individual (refer to the Mission and Vision statement of Pacific Oaks College).

Additional Requirements for students interested in pursuing Elementary Education and/or Special Education concentrations:
For students entering with 40 or more transfer credits at the time of admission:

• Successfully complete CBEST (California Basic Education Skills Test) or meet the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR)
• Proof of Registration for the CSET (California Subject Examinations for Teachers): Multiple Subjects exams

For students entering with fewer than 40 transfer credits at the time of admission:

Progression to a Credential Program Requirement:
Students who wish to pursue the BA Early Childhood Education degree with the Elementary Education and/or Special Education concentration must pass the CBEST or meet the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR) by the conclusion of 40 GE credits in order to progress into a credential track program.  Students who pass the CBEST or meet the Basic Skills Requirement must also show verification of registration for the CSET exams. For more information on Teacher Credentialing, please see the Credentials Office page under the Resource section of the POC website.

If a student does not pass the CBEST or meet the BSR by the conclusion of the 40 GE credits, they may progress in the BA ECE degree program and attempt the CBEST or BSR until they have successfully passed. At the time a student has successfully passed the CBEST or BSR, they may request a program transfer by completing the Program Transfer form found on the Registrar’s Office webpage.

Passing CBEST or meeting the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR) is the first step into a credential track program.  In order to progress through a credential program and earn a California teaching credential, students will need to meet additional exam and CCTC requirements beyond successful completion of coursework.

Please note: Prior coursework will be evaluated as part of the Admissions process.