Candidates pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to effectively teach young children. Candidates must also have strong problem-solving skills; be reflective practitioners in professional thought and practice; and must be ethically, morally, and professionally responsible.
The central quality of becoming a reflective practitioner, which means that we reflect on the effectiveness of our practice as teachers and modify future decisions based upon learner outcomes, has become the model for every aspect of our program. In particular, we utilize reflection and our understanding of practice as we develop five special qualities. These qualities include: knowledge of learning and teaching, content knowledge, ability to work with diverse groups, development of high ethical standards, and integration of information literacy through technology.
Field-based experiences and instruction, both sequential and incremental, are important components of the EC programs. Our local public schools work closely with the Spadoni College of Education to help provide relevant and productive sites for field placements of education candidates. These schools collaborate with the College to provide the personnel, curriculum, and environments necessary to offer effective instruction for prospective teachers.
Admission to the professional program after 60 hours in the program is obtained through a formal application process requiring a minimum 2.5 grade point average, passing scores on PRAXIS I [OR score of 1100 or higher on OLD SAT, 1650 or higher on NEW SAT (verbal, math, writing), or 24 or higher on ACT], completion of specified introductory courses, and submission of faculty recommendations. Teacher licensure candidates must also pass additional state required exams to demonstrate their knowledge and proficiency in teaching and learning and their chosen content areas of specialty.
Program Progression
The early childhood program follows a specifically designed sequence of courses. Arranged to offer incremental educational experiences, courses should be taken in sequence as stated. Early childhood majors, working with their advisers, should check their program as it is identified in the Coastal Carolina University Catalog and their advisement worksheets for specific course and program requirements.
Course Requirements for Early Childhood Education (PreK-3) Major
