Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education: Elementary Education and Special Education (MS & SPED/MM)
The curriculum for Pacific Oaks’ Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education: Elementary Education and Special Education includes facilitating cognitive development, nurturing language, motor skills, psychosocial learning, and problem-solving. Students in this Elementary Education and Special Education on-campus program are qualified to teach both general education students grades K-12 in a variety of subjects as well as students with mild or moderate disabilities in self-contained classrooms. After completing early childhood development coursework for the B.A. Early Childhood Education: Elementary Education and Special Education degree program, students will be qualified for the California Preliminary Education Specialist Instruction Credential (mild to moderate disabilities) and the Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. Please note: All School of Education programs are taught in eight-week sessions: Fall I and II, Spring I and II, Summer 1 and II. All on-campus courses are “blended,” with 30 hours of face-to-face/in class instruction and 15 hours of online instruction.
Other Early Childhood Education Specializations and Teaching Credentials
Licensure
- The California Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential qualifies candidates to teach preschool, K-12, or in classes organized primarily for adults in a self-contained classroom.
- The California Preliminary Education Specialist Instruction Credential (Mild to Moderate Disabilities) qualifies candidates to teach students with mild to moderate disabilities in grades K–12 and in classes organized primarily for adults through age 22.
- Pacific Oaks College is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
- For more information on the credentialing process, please visit the Pacific Oaks Credentials Office web page.
Sample Early Childhood Education Courses
ED 305: Social, Political, and Economic Foundations of Education
ED 305 will provide the teacher candidate with the theory, philosophy, and examples of the social, political, and economic foundations of education. The emphasis will be on historical, legal and ethical, philosophical and political issues that will occur in both general education and special education settings. In addition, ED 305 explains the teacher certification process in California and will focus on broad educational issues of structures, policies, equity, and what it will mean to be a teacher in a public school. Specifically, candidates will investigate the following general and special education topics: federal, state, and local structures, governance and demographics, education finance, standardized testing, teacher associations, California laws, school reform trends, and professional development.
SPED 331: The Student with Special Needs
This special education course, SPED 331 will provide candidates with a comprehensive understanding of the atypical human development conditions associated with various disabilities and risk conditions. The course will explore the impact of various disabilities on development and learning and how different cultural settings may impact both exceptional groups of learners and students with disabilities. An introduction to the process of understanding and developing Individualized Educational Programs (IEPs) will also be discussed, explored, and applied including the role of a Case Manager. Furthermore, candidates will learn about principles of IDEA. To best serve children in public or private schools, teachers must learn to integrate constructivist approaches, standards-based instruction, and technology within a challenging and interesting curriculum.
Undergraduate Admission Requirements
- Completed Application for Admission
- Application fee
- Personal statement
- Identification verification
- Proof of academic history
- Work or Volunteer Experience Summary showing three or more years of significant professional or life experience or an official transcript confirming 24 transferable credits from an institutionally accredited institution with a grade of C or better
- Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of Pacific Oaks College
- Any degree specific requirements
Applicants with less than 24 credits of transferrable college coursework who do not demonstrate three years of significant professional or life experience outlined on their Work or Volunteer Experience Summary, 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 (500-750 words). In your essay, please answer the following questions:
- 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 content?
- Why it is important to you to study this discipline at a school that emphasizes social justice, cultural humility, and respect for every individual? (Please refer to the mission and vision statements of Pacific Oaks College).
- Interview with a member of the Admissions Committee
For more information about the admissions process for Teacher Credentialing, visit here or contact the Credentials Office.
Pacific Oaks College prepares you to make an impact in a variety of high-demand careers. Below, you will find possible career options and salaries associated with this degree.
Data is pulled by a third-party tool called Lightcast, which includes data from sources including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. Census Bureau, online job postings, and other government databases. The information below represents a regional and national career outlook related to this degree program*. Pacific Oaks College is dedicated to assisting you in achieving your career goals.
*Many degree programs are intended to fulfill licensure requirements in specific states. The data shown here may not represent the state where you currently reside. For more information on how this program is applicable to the requirements of your state, please speak with your admissions counselor.
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