- Placement rate is approximately 100 percent
- Low student-to-teacher ratio
- Accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
- Approved by National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
- Pre-kindergarten practica and students teaching in in the NAEYC-accredited Melba S. Lehner Children’s School
- Preparation for teaching pre-kindergarten through third grade
- Collaboration with the Department of Teacher Education
- Optional double major in early childhood education and elementary education
Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
Our BS in early childhood education prepares you to teach children from pre-K through third grade. You also have the option to add an elementary education major to your degree program to increase your employment potential.
Why Choose Early Childhood Education?
What You’ll Learn
Upon graduation, you will be an expert in working with young children.
Specifically, your coursework will focus on:
- Childhood development, from birth to 8 years old
- Historical roots of early childhood education
- Theories and developmentally appropriate practices
- Types and efficacy of early childhood programs
- Political issues and ethical conduct within the early childhood profession
- Age- and culturally appropriate curriculum for young children
- Characteristics of exceptional children and children at risk
- Working with parents
- And more...
Employment Opportunities
When you complete your degree, you will be prepared to teach in programs that serve children from infancy through 8 years of age. Most graduates take positions in public school kindergarten or primary classrooms. If you decide to double major in early childhood education and elementary education, you may earn double licensure (first through sixth grade).
The average starting salary is $35,000 with the potential to increase after several years of service and additional education.
Visit WSU Career Services for current listings.
The Children’s School
As a early childhood education major, you may take part in practica and student teaching at the Melba S. Lehner Children's School, which provides education and care for children of Weber State University students, faculty and staff.
To participate, fill out the application and return it to the Children’s School.
Call 801-626-6277 if you have additional questions.
Degree Resources
Declare Your Major
Future Educators Association (FEA)
Apply to WSU
Course Requirements
Suggested Course Sequence
Advising
Admission Requirements
Teacher Education Program
If you're interested in pursuing a degree in early childhood education, you must apply and be accepted into the Teacher Education program. The program has a competitive admissions process. A limited number of applicants are admitted in March for fall semester and in October for spring semester. Admission to the Teacher Education program is a separate process from your Weber State University admission.
Fingerprinting
Before enrolling in CHF 2600 (Introduction to Early Childhood Education), CHF 2610 (Guidance Based on Developmental Theory) or CHF 2620 (Planning Creative Experiences for Young Children), you must be fingerprinted and have a background check. If your background check reveals misconduct, you will not be allowed to enroll in these courses or any others that include field experiences, practica or student teaching. This is in compliance with Utah State Law. Allow for an eight-week response time from the state.