Early Childhood Education degree programs at Pacific Oaks College

What is Early Childhood Education?

Early Childhood Education (ECE) is a theory of education that ties to young children, generally including preschool, kindergarten, and 1st through 3rd grade. While specific applications vary, much of ECE theory is based on the idea that children learn best through exploration and doing. The scholars Jean Piaget, Erik Erikson, John Dewey, and Lucy Sprague Mitchell were instrumental in guiding ECE to focus on children learning through play. This school of thought emphasizes the idea that playing meets a child’s physical, intellectual, language, emotional, and social (PILES) needs.

If you’re interested in becoming a teacher, pursue an early childhood education program. You’ll need a B.A. in Early Childhood Education and one of several teaching credentials. If you’re more interested in taking on leadership roles in education, look into pursuing an M.A. or Ed.D. in Early Childhood Education.

How do I become a teacher in California?

At a glance

1. Determine which grade level you wish to teach
2. Earn the appropriate teaching credential from an accredited college*
3. Maintain your teaching credential

In California, teachers are required to have their B.A. or M.A. degree, as well as a teaching credential for the level that they wish to teach. Teacher credentialing programs can be part of a blended Bachelor’s degree program or can be stand-alone for those who already have their B.A. degree. Teaching Credentialing requirements vary by state. Some states do maintain reciprocity agreements, allowing people who have been issued certifications in one state to apply for similar credentials in others—although some additional coursework may be necessary.

* Pacific Oaks College is accredited by the WASC of Colleges Senior Colleges (WSCUC). In addition to WASC accreditation, the certification program must also be on the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) approved programs list.

Additional Careers in Early Childhood Education

In addition to teaching, graduates of our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in Early Childhood Education programs can find rewarding careers in public or private schools, child care programs, state agencies, and nonprofits in the following roles:

• Childcare/Preschool Administrator
• Principal (requires a master’s degree)
• Assistant director

Why choose a degree in Early Childhood Education from Pacific Oaks?

Pacific Oaks has been instrumental in shaping the field of Early Childhood Education ever since the U.S. government asked us to launch one of the nation’s first Head Start training programs in 1964.

Our programs in Early Childhood Education programs integrate Pacific Oaks’ transformative approach to early childhood education with a strong grounding in the theory, research, and hands-on experience. Benefiting from Pacific Oaks’ commitment to an education centered on culture, students will be immersed in an environment that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and equality and will emerge with the cultural competencies to provide leadership in a wide variety of educational settings.

Students will have the opportunity to develop their skills while working with children and families from underrepresented and underprivileged areas. They will also have the chance to collaborate with educational administrators and leaders on projects including program evaluation, business process, and creating and implementing policies and practices.

A few things that set us apart

• Benefit from flexibility and convenience: Classes occur on nights and weekends to accommodate the working professional.
• Save time with Credit for Learning from Experience: Bachelor’s students can earn up to 24 transfer credit hours that you can apply toward your degree.
• Take advantage of our scholarships and financial aid: Inquire today to learn about scholarships for incoming students along with other financial aid opportunities.
• Have confidence in knowing we are an accredited, nonprofit institution: Accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), Pacific Oaks College is a leading institution in education and human development.

B.A. Early Childhood Education

• ECE Generalist
• Trauma Studies
• STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics)

Credential Preparation Programs
Concentrations Available Online and On Campus

• B.A. in Early Childhood Education, Dual Teaching Credential
• B.A. in Early Childhood Education, Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
• B.A. in Human Development
• On-Campus Programs
• B.A. in Human Development, Elementary Education

M.A. in Education

• M.A. in Education, Preliminary Education Specialist Teaching Credential
• M.A. in Education, Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential

M.A. Early Childhood Education

• Organizational Leadership and Change
• Trauma Studies

Teacher Credentialing Stand Alone Programs

• Preliminary Education Specialist Teaching Credential (CA)

Pacific Oaks curriculum is aligned to NAEYC standards.