4/15/2014 B.A. Early Childhood Education | Pacific Oaks College

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Program Description

Pacific Oaks' B.A. in Early Childhood Education is designed to equip graduates with the skills and teaching

methodology they need to create and implement optimal learning environments for children birth through

age eight. Students in the B.A. program may also choose to complete specific elective coursework and

specialized practica to also meet the course requirements for the California Preliminary Multiple Subject

(MSEL) Teaching Credential.

As actively engaged participants, students will learn strategies for facilitating each child's cognitive

development and nurturing the emergence of abilities in language, motor skills, psychosocial learning, and

problem solving. Grounded in the principles of diversity and inclusion, the program prepares students to

tailor learning experiences to the cultural needs of all children and to model an appreciation of individual

differences that values and reinforces what each child and family has to offer.

To transfer into the B.A. program, students must have a minimum of 60 credits from a regionally

accredited 2- or 4-year college or university. Students may petition to have a maximum of 15

additional credits accepted for transfer if they are in related disciplines.

Students pursuing the on-ground course of study may also have the opportunity to enroll in online

courses.

Coursework qualifies students for the California Preliminary Multiple Subject (MSEL) Teaching

Credential.

Pacific Oaks College is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

Locations

Pasadena

Online

School

Education

Specializations

California Preliminary Multiple Subject (MSEL) Teaching Credential

Total Credits

· 60 units

Licensure

· The California Preliminary Multiple Subject (MSEL) Teaching Credential qualifies candidates to teach in K-

12 multiple subjects in self-contained classrooms.

Fieldwork Requirements

The program requires three (3) units of fieldwork, including observation in various early childhood

education settings; and six (6) units of supervised practicum experience.

Prerequisites

Completion of an associate's degree or a minimum of 60 semester credits with a grade of "C" or higher

from a college or university accredited by regional commissions.

Applicants may also take CLEP (College Level Exam Program) tests to acquire credits. A maximum of 30

credits may transfer.

Sample Courses

English Learner Methodologies in a Diverse Classroom

Focuses on the historical, theoretical, and practical aspects of English Language Development (ELD) and

Specially Designed Academic Instruction in English (SDAIE) in early childhood education. Students will

explore language, literacy, and content acquisition for English learners through readings, discussions,

4/15/2014 B.A. Early Childhood Education | Pacific Oaks College

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activities, reflection, and classroom observations. The unique needs of children with special needs will be

addressed throughout the course. Key topics include primary and second language acquisition, the role of

language in learning, SDAIE strategies, lesson planning, inclusion, student assessment, differentiation of

instruction, enrichment versus deficit models of schooling, and analysis of classroom discourse.

Integrating the Curriculum: Science, Social Studies, and the Arts

Explore the concept of using science, social studies, and the visual and performing arts as a frame for the

rest of the curriculum. Topics in social studies and science will be approached through hands-on learning,

critical thinking, and using the community as a real-world text. Students will be introduced to state

frameworks and standards and will have opportunities to examine standard texts, curricula and materials

used in early childhood education. Emphasis will be placed on the inclusion of English language learners

and children with special needs, and students will analyze the impact of biases and misconceptions on

children's learning.

Family, School, and Community in Early Childhood Education

Examines the requisite knowledge and skills for successfully establishing, supporting, and maintaining

respectful collaborative relationships between today's diverse families, schools/centers, and community

resources. Students will also be introduced to inclusive programs for children and schools that serve young

children with and without special needs.