QUICK FACTS
Family and Child Major
Students in child life typically have room to declare two concentrations (like a double major) within the Family and Child Major:
This early childhood education program is part of the Major in Family and Child in the department of Early Childhood, Youth, and Family Studies. With a strong foundation in child development, education, and family relations, the program prepares you to work with infants, toddlers, young children, and their families in settings that do not require a teaching license. You will graduate equipped to work as a lead teacher, administrator, home visitor, or coach in early care settings, education programs, child care centers, Head Start locations, or family child care homes. Students who transfer in with an Associate’s Degree in early childhood education or equivalent can complete a fully online version of this program.
Ball State’s non-licensure early childhood bachelor’s degree aligns with the standards outlined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Our early childhood program is nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), and Ball State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Benefits
- Quality Faculty: Our instructors have real-world experience in family and child. Read their bios.
- Hands-on Experience: Our coursework includes hands-on experience in the Mitchell Early Childhood and Family Center.
- Real-World Applications: Our programs offer real-world applications and immersive learning projects that make finding a job after graduation much easier.
- 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.
Student Objectives
- Understand the major theories in child development and appropriately apply to practice
- Understand and critically evaluate the research process and key content knowledge in early childhood and translate research findings and content knowledge into practice
- Understand and demonstrate professional and ethical behavior
- Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills for child development, including the use of technology when appropriate
- Understand the influence of the broader social, cultural, and historical context on children, families, and relationships and apply to practice
- Successfully complete coursework aligned with the six (6) core NAEYC Standards for Early Childhood Professional Preparation:
- promoting child development and learning
- building family and community relationships
- observing, documenting, and assessing to support young children and families
- using developmentally effective approaches to connect with children and families
- using content knowledge to build meaningful curriculum
- becoming a professional
Take the Next Step
If you’d like to learn more about our Early Childhood Education concentration, 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.
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