Early Childhood Education (P-5) (Teaching Certification) (B.S.)

To be eligible to receive the initial four-year teaching certificate in Georgia, a student must complete a bachelor’s program designed to meet the needs of teachers in a specific teaching field and be recommended by the institution whose program has been completed. The Early Childhood Education Program develops expertise for teaching students from pre-school through the fifth grade. Candidates in the B.S. in Early Childhood 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.  It prepares the teacher candidates to be effective teachers: subject-matter expertise coupled with an understanding of how students learn and develop; skill in using a range of teaching strategies and technologies; sensitivity and effectiveness in working with students from diverse backgrounds; the ability to work well with parents and other teachers; and assessment expertise capable of discerning how well children are doing, what they are learning, and what needs to be done next to move them along. The Program is designed to create instructional leaders who orchestrate learning experiences in response to curriculum goals and student needs, and who challenge students to high levels of independent performance.

Entrance Requirements

1. Complete all GSC general institutional admissions requirements.
2. Declare a major in Early Childhood Education.
3. Completion of Core Curriculum Areas A, B, C, D, E* (42 hours).
4. Complete all courses in Area A of the core curriculum with a grade of “C” or better.
5. Complete EDUC 2110, EDUC 2120, EDUC 2130, ISCI 2001, ISCI 2002, and MATH 2008 with a grade of “C” or better.
6. Physical Education - Two courses including PHED 1020 (3-4 hours).
7. Complete associates degree (or equivalent) with a grade point average of 2.75 or higher.
8. Successfully complete the Regents’ Test (transfer students from non-USG institutions must complete the Regents’ Test during their first semester enrolled at GSC).
9. Post a passing score on the GACE Basic Skills test (or proof of exemption).
10. Complete an application for admission to the Teacher Education Program including three letters of recommendation, a letter of intent, and a signed liability insurance form.
11. Agree to request a criminal background check.

* PSYC 1101 is strongly recommended in Area E because it is a prerequisite course for EDUC 2130.