QUICK FACTS
Student Teaching
You'll participate in a semester of student teaching. You may choose to student teach here in Indiana or pursue an opportunity throughout the U.S. or abroad.
LEARN MORE
Are you passionate about teaching children during their most formative years from birth to 3rd grade? Do you envision yourself as a teacher committed to training the next generation? Then Ball State's licensure in early childhood education is right for you.
The program will prepare you to become an outstanding teacher with a strong foundation in child development theory, research, and developmentally appropriate practice.
What You Will Learn
As part of our early childhood education licensure program, you'll learn concepts surrounding human growth and development for early childhood education, planning for elementary classrooms, educational psychology, and more. You'll also learn:
- how to value the strengths and assets of families and communities
- how to become a culturally responsive teacher committed to social justice
Check out the following four-year course plan for an overview of a common course of study for our students.
COURSE PLAN (PDF)
Program Benefits
- Experienced, Engaged Faculty: You'll learn from and work directly with dedicated faculty members who have at least three years of professional experience in classrooms and other school settings. Read their bios.
- Community Engagement: We prepare teachers who are culturally responsive and committed to social justice through engagement with the community.
- Immersive Learning and Study Abroad Opportunities: Our programs offer real-world applications and immersive learning projects, in which you'll gain valuable, hands-on experience working alongside community organizations such as museums, childcare centers, and community agencies. You also have a variety of opportunities to travel and learn, including studying abroad in England and student teaching in Texas or Germany.
- Living Learning Community: As a freshman, you’ll live in North West Hall with other Early Childhood, Youth, and Family Studies students. Our Living-Learning Community will allow you to get to know your classmates and connect with our campus through team-building activities that promote higher academic achievement. Learn more.
- Field Experiences: Through Ball State's Professional Development Schools program, we partner with a number of elementary schools and early childhood centers to provide placements for our practicum students and student teachers. Our Urban Experience, which has been running for more than 20 years, will allow you to take all of your courses off campus at a school in the Indianapolis area. See more opportunities.
Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education Dual Major
In addition to being qualified to teach typically developing children in a preschool or school setting, would you also like to be able to work with children with special needs and disabilities from birth to age 5? Check out our Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education Dual Major.
Take the Next Step
If you’d like to learn more about our Early Childhood Education licensure program, complete our online form. Or one of the best ways to get a true feel for Ball State is to see it for yourself, so schedule a visit today! And if you’re ready to apply, review our admission requirements and complete our online application.
Have Questions?
Contact the Department of Early Childhood, Youth, and Family Studies so we can help.
CONTACT US