Early Childhood Care and Education (B.S.)

Graduates of this major are qualified to teach in Head Start settings, Early Head Start settings, Pre-K programs, and private child care settings. They are qualified to work as directors or center coordinators of child care programs, and social service public and private organizations. There is a critical need for well educated teachers working with children from birth to five based on well documented research. This research proves that children in high quality early childhood care and education settings are more likely to be emotionally secure, self-confident, more advanced intellectually, and better able to regulate aggression. Child care providers who receive education in early childhood development are more likely to provide the high-quality care needed to reach these outcomes.  Candidates who complete the UNG B.S. in Early Childhood Care and Education program are caring and reflective decision makers who are committed to maximizing all students’ development as contributing citizens in a diverse and democratic society.  They balance professional dispositions and content knowledge with pedagogical skills as they collaboratively interact with students, families, and the community.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the Early Childhood Care and Education Program, a student must:

1. Complete 60 semester hours of core curriculum credit (Area A – Area F) applicable to the ECCE degree program with an overall grade point average of 2.75 or higher.
2. Area F coursework must carry a grade of C or higher.
3. Area A coursework of the core curriculum must be completed with a grade of C or higher.
4. Provide a passing score or exemption on the GACE Basic Skills Assessment test or its equivalent (see the Teacher Education Department web site for exemption information).
5. Complete an application for admission to the Teacher Education Program. Application deadline is posted on the department web page.
6. Provide an updated fingerprint/criminal background check through a professional agency identified by UNG.
7. Provide proof of liability insurance valid through projected graduation date. This insurance can be purchased through either of the professional education organizations listed on the application form.
8. Submit a letter of intent, write the disposition essay, submit three letters of recommendation.
9. Transfer students applying from another institution for admission into this program will be required to submit a letter of recommendation from an education faculty member in the transferring institution.