Early Childhood Education
Bachelor of Arts in Education (B.A.E.)
Quick Facts
Main Campus (Tucson)
In Person
Support the learning and development of young children from birth to age 8 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education in Early Childhood Education. As an educator in this critical stage of life, you will nurture children’s growth through responsive, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate practices. You'll design meaningful learning experiences that help children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally while fostering strong connections between home, school, and community. Our Early Childhood Education degree emphasizes equity, relationships, and advocacy, preparing you to be a reflective and compassionate leader in the lives of young children and their families.
Qualify for an Arizona Teaching Certification for birth-grade 3 with an English as a Second Language (ESL) or a Bilingual endorsement.
Two full years of field experience - one in a birth-preschool classroom and one in a K-3 classroom.
Learn to build meaningful, culturally-responsive connections with students and families.
This degree will prepare you for careers in many fields, including:
- Preschool education
- K-3 education
- Education policy
- Early Childhood Director
- Early Childhood Consultant
- Infant and Toddler Teacher
- TLS 301: Child Guidance and Classroom Management (Birth-Age 8)
- TLS 312: Early Language Acquisition and Literacy Development
- TLS 411: Cultural Pluralism for Young Children
- TLS 319: Language Arts and Literacy Practices for the Young Child
Want to be a PreK-3 educator in any Arizona classroom?
In addition to a Bachelor of Arts in Education, students also take classes toward an ESL (English as a Second Language) endorsement. With ESL expertise, students have the unique teaching skills necessary to teach all children, including English language learners. This cohort is the default program for our Early Childhood Education students on our Tucson campus.
Become a Bilingual Early Childhood Educator
Make a difference in the lives of dual-language youth by majoring in Early Childhood Education with a bilingual endorsement to teach in English and an additional language. This credential allows students to teach in bilingual or dual-language classrooms or traditional settings. Courses, required practicum and student teaching are held at local school sites, where students gain firsthand experience connecting theory and practice through fieldwork. At the placement site, they immerse themselves in the language they have built proficiency in and gain teaching experience with diverse language learners.
Are You a Future Educator from a Tribal Community?
The Indigenous Teacher Education Program (ITEP) is dedicated to developing critical/justice-oriented and culturally-sustaining educators who promote strength and well-being within Indigenous communities. ITEP teacher candidates examine their own cultural identities in relation to the making of an Indigenous teacher while they pursue a BAE Early Childhood Education or BAE Elementary Education with an ESL endorsement.
Testimonials
“The ECE program taught me how to connect with every child’s unique culture and language. I felt prepared and supported from day one.” – Maria, Class of 2024
How to Declare an Early Childhood Education Major
Students can apply to the Early Childhood Education program after they have completed approximately 60 credits (usually at the end of their 4th semester). To be eligible to declare this major, students must have completed all composition and math requirements. Admission requires two professional letters of recommendation and an Identity-Verified Prints (IVP) card issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
Learn more about professional admission and professional preparation
Ready to learn more?
Every student has an assigned advisor to help you with your academic journey. Get in touch with a College of Education advisor.