BS Early Childhood Education

Our program in Early Childhood Education prepares students for careers working in school settings (including as certified public school teachers) with children between birth and kindergarten or nursery and third grade. The program addresses the theories and the physical, cognitive, language, social, emotional, and creative development of young children. 

In our Early Childhood program, you’ll receive extensive professional preparation including site-based observations, real-world fieldwork experiences, and two student teaching semesters in area schools. A key focus of our Early Childhood program is the integration of services for children, including the needs of the family and collaboration with other professions.

Program highlights:

Students have placements with children in pre-k or kindergarten and then, depending upon areas of interest, complete another placement in either birth to pre-k or grades 1, 2, and 3.

Fast-track your education by earning a bachelor’s and master’s degree in only five years in our 4+1 option. You can earn a BS in Early Childhood Education and a Master of Education (MEd) in Special Education Cross-Endorsement in one program. The entire curriculum can be completed in five years, including summer classes after your senior year. 

Connecticut and many other states require teachers to complete a master’s degree in order to maintain their teaching certification. In addition, teachers with master’s degrees typically earn higher salaries than those with only a bachelor’s degree.

The MEd in Special Education Cross-Endorsement is a 36-credit program and includes 14 weeks of student teaching.

Additional benefits:

To transfer into a teacher education program as a college junior (48 credits or more), you must show evidence of having taken the SAT, ACT, or the Praxis Core. In addition, you must have obtained a minimum of a 3.0 (B) grade point average (GPA) in your previous coursework. Your ability to complete the program in two calendar years will depend on the specific courses required and your flexibility regarding summer coursework. Once admitted you must immediately complete the Professional Program Application. We would be happy to review your records and map out a sample plan of study. Please contact the Office of Admission:

Office of Admission
860.768.4296
admission@hartford.edu

Accreditation and State of Connecticut Certification

Certification programs in the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions are accredited based on the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) through the CAEP Accreditation System (CAEP), as well as the State of Connecticut Department of Education. The Educational Testing Service's Praxis II exam is utilized for certification of teachers in Connecticut. See Pass rate.

Professional Licensing Disclosure

Visit Out-of-State Educators to see the Connecticut State Department of Education reciprocity agreement. The NASDTEC website details the interstate reciprocity agreement across states.