Program Overview
Prepare to support young learners during some of their most important developmental years with a Bachelor of Science in Education in Early Childhood Education P-3 from the University of North Alabama. This undergraduate program is designed for students who want to become knowledgeable, effective, and compassionate educators for preschool through third grade learners.
Why Choose This Program?
- Prepare for P-3 teacher certification. The program is an Alabama State Board of Education-approved Class B Program for P-3 certification.
- Gain classroom-focused experience. The curriculum includes laboratory experience, classroom management, reading and language arts, early childhood methods courses, and a 12-hour Early Childhood Internship.
- Learn in a department focused on educator preparation. UNA’s Department of Teaching, Learning, and Leadership offers undergraduate programs that can lead to recommendations for Alabama Professional Educator certification.
Curriculum & Coursework
The BSEd in Early Childhood Education P-3 includes general education coursework, professional studies, teaching field courses, and internship requirements. Students complete foundational coursework before advancing into courses that require admission to the Teacher Education Program. A minor is not required.
Sample Courses:
- ED 292 Preprofessional Seminar and Laboratory Experience
- EED 324 Instructional Technology
- EEX 340 Introduction to Students with Exceptional Learning Needs
- ECE 309 Introduction to Early Childhood Education
- ECE 262 Child Development
Career Paths & Outcomes
Graduates of the Early Childhood Education P-3 program are prepared to pursue teaching roles and related education careers serving young children and early elementary learners. Successful completion of the program qualifies candidates for recommendation for the appropriate Alabama Class B Professional Educator Certificate.
Common Career Paths:
- Preschool teacher
- Kindergarten teacher
- First grade teacher
- Second grade teacher
- Third grade teacher
- Early childhood classroom teacher
- Early learning program educator
Student Experience
Early Childhood Education P-3 students gain experience through education coursework, field and laboratory experiences, early childhood teaching field courses, classroom-focused preparation, and a required Early Childhood Internship. Students develop practical knowledge in child development, infants and toddlers, children’s literature, reading and language arts, mathematics, classroom management, instructional technology, and student diversity.
Opportunities Include:
- Preprofessional Seminar and Laboratory Experience
- Early Childhood Internship
- Courses focused on infants, toddlers, and early childhood development
- Reading and language arts preparation
- Mathematics, science, and social studies methods coursework
- Instructional technology coursework
- Classroom management preparation
- Undergraduate advising and faculty mentoring
Meet the Faculty
Dr. Joy Brown
Professor
jmbrown@una.edu
Dr. Lisa Clayton
Professor
lhclayton@una.edu
Dr. Jeff Cornelius
Professor
jdcornelius@una.edu
Dr. John Gurley
Lecturer; University Investigator
jgurley3@una.edu
Dr. Felecia Harris
Professor
fyharris@una.edu
Dr. Rebecca Hopkins
Associate Professor
rhopkins@una.edu
Dr. Hanna Howell
Assistant Professor
hhowell1@una.edu
Dr. Lorie Johnson
Associate Professor
ljohnson15@una.edu
Dr. Natasha Lindsey
Professor
nslindsey@una.edu
Dr. Ellen Lowery
Lecturer
elowery3@una.edu
Dr. Lamont Maddox
Professor
lmaddox@una.edu
Dr. Gary Padgett
Professor
gpadgett@una.edu
Dr. Mary Ann Parker
Assistant Professor
mparker23@una.edu
Ms. Chelsea Scott
Lecturer
cburgess@una.edu
Dr. Beth Sewell
Professor
bsewell@una.edu
Dr. Becky Smith
Associate Professor
rsmith27@una.edu
Ms. Valerie Speth
Senior Administrative Assistant, TLL
vspeth@una.edu
Dr. Sabrina Stanley
Assistant Professor
sstanley5@una.edu
Ms. Jackie Templeton
Lecturer
qtempleton@una.edu
Dr. Lauren Wagner
Assistant Professor
lwagner@una.edu
Dr. Leah Whitten
Senior Lecturer
lswhitten@una.edu
Dr. Hongxia Zhao
Assistant Professor
hzhao2@una.edu
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