Student teacher talking with child

The Early Childhood Bachelor of Science degree program prepares students to be highly qualified and effective teachers of children in grades PreK-4. You will also have the option to apply for early admission to the MEd in Literacy/Reading Specialist program, which includes Certification in PreK-12

This program emphasizes literacy as it prepares students to be professional educators who are well qualified to use developmentally effective instructional technique strategies to expand children's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. A variety of field experiences give students the opportunity to apply their knowledge and engage in authentic learning experiences as they teach young children. Students who successfully complete this program will be certified to teach grades PreK-4 in Pennsylvania.

In the semester in which they earn 60 credits, qualified teacher candidates in this program are given the opportunity to apply for early admission to the MEd in Literacy/Reading Specialist program and begin taking coursework in literacy that fulfills both the Early Childhood Bachelor of Science in Education and the Master of Education in Literacy degrees. Candidates are required to follow the School of Graduate Studies and Research Early Admission to Graduate Program Policy, found in the Graduate Catalog.

The MEd in Literacy/Reading Specialist program is nationally recognized by the International Literacy Association. Candidates in this program gain authentic teaching experiences in literacy assessment, diagnosis, and instruction. Students will become certified as reading specialists in grades PK-12 upon the successful completion of 27 credits of required coursework and awarded a Master of Education degree in Literacy upon the successful completion of three additional credits of required coursework, for a total of 30 credits.

Contact the Coordinator

More information regarding the Early Childhood program may be obtained by contacting its coordinator, Sarah Brown (sarah.brown@iup.edu). Information regarding the MEd in Literacy/Reading Specialist program may be obtained by contacting its coordinator, Julie Ankrum (jankrum@iup.edu).