Looking to earn an early childhood education degree? Check out the Pacific Oaks' B.A. in Early Childhood Education. Find out more about the degree program visit http://www.pacificoaks.edu/Schools_Programs/School_of_Education/BA_Early_Childhood_Education

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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,

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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.