School of Education
- Early Childhood Development:
- ECD Homepage
- Course Descriptions
- Meet the Faculty
- Course Schedule
- Financial Aid, Admissions & Registration Info
-
Transferring from Community Colleges
- Questions?
- Link to RCC ECD Website
- Association for Childhood Education Internationsl (ACEI)
- National Association for the Education of Young Children
-
Early Childhood Development
Frequently Asked Questions
Who do I talk to if I'm interested in this degree?
You should contact Angela Huftill at 541-552-6332 or 1-800-552-5388 and ask for extension 6332.
Where do I take the lower division course work?
You can take your General Ed courses at SOU or at your local community college. It's important that the lower division (100-200) courses meet SOU's transfer requirements. For information visit the transfer agreement page. Use the drop down menu to select the community college you are currently, or plan to attend.
Are any of the ECD courses delivered on campus?
No, all courses that make up the core & elective courses for this degree are available only online. The upper division general education courses can be taken on campus or online.
When should I start the program or begin working on the 4 year degree?
Ideally, you should begin the coursework during your freshman year combining early childhood courses with your general education requirements. We have transfer agreements with several community colleges that assist students with identifing the required courses. If you decide to begin working on the ECD later in your college career, you would still need to take some lower division early childhood education coursework through your community college. Enrollment at both SOU and community colleges (co-enrollment) is very common and will not affect your financial aid. It is important that if you plan to be enrolled in classes at both a community college and SOU and receive financial aid that you complete a concurrent enrollment form and submit it to your home institution's financial aid office at least two weeks prior to the beginning of each term. The form is available online.
What if I want to be in the online Bachelor's degree program but do not have the necessary lower division early childhood courses?
Based on your previous coursework, they will be reviewed by an advisor and you may be steered into the Interdisciplinary Studies degree. Students in this degree will complete the core ECD upper division courses, but will also need to identify a second area of study (which may not have online courses available).
What if I don't want to delay my graduation by taking the lower division coursework?
You could minor in Education, focuing on ECD courses and majoring in your preferred field.
Can I teach with the ECD?
Yes, you can teach in early childhood settings, for example, HeadStart Programs or in private preschools. If you want to teach in public schools you will need to get a license through an Initial Licensure program. The Elementary Education Bachelor's degree or the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program.
After I earn my ECD, how do I get into the MAT program at SOU?
By letting your advisor know of your plans to pursue the MAT early, they can help you plan your coursework, to assure you have completed the necessary prerequisite courses for the MAT. You will still need to go through the process of applying for the MAT and complete requirements for the MAT - for example; PRAXIS exam, letters of recommendation and practicum in public school settings.
If I'm interested in getting my MAT, when should I meet with an advisor?
Ideally, the beginning of your Junior year you should make an appointment to meet with the MAT program advisor in the Education Dept.
If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to email KC Sam or call her at 541-552-6936.
