Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education Administration

In this foundational course, students explore the principles necessary for achieving personal and career success. GEN 101 serves as a road map, guiding students as they begin their academic journey. Through self-discovery, surveying available resources, connecting with UAGC groups, and engaging with Career Services, students learn the essential skills of planning and goal setting. Students apply their personal strengths, skills, and lifelong learning strategies to develop essential career competencies. By making these meaningful connections students gain a deeper understanding of how their education relates to their desired career path.  Congratulations on embarking on this college journey filled with growth, exploration, and endless possibilities! This course is not available for non-degree seeking students.

This course offers an overview of digital fluency as it applies to personal, academic, financial, and professional success. Students will analyze the impact of digital technology on personal, social, and diversity issues and will develop digital skills that will assist in achieving academic, personal, and career goals. An overview of digital media is introduced with practical strategies for application in personal and professional life.

ENG 121 is designed to introduce students to the standards of writing in both academic and professional settings. The class will operate by first introducing, and then allowing students to practice, several written communication skills. Throughout, we will work to understand writing as a process, one that is strengthened through critical thinking, deepened by research, and built on a foundation of professional standards. As part of this process, students will also consider how emerging technologies influence contemporary writing environments and the ways writers make informed, ethical choices about their use. Students will articulate a sense of their own skills and goals and engage in collaborative conversations with peers and their instructor so as to be able to express their ideas more effectively. During the course, students will use the writing process to scrutinize their own perspectives while challenging them to embrace a wider conversation.

Learn and use key, practical skills that are applicable at home, at work, and in all UAGC courses! As UAGC students progress in their academic journey, strategies for personal, professional, and academic success continue to develop. This introductory course takes a two-pronged approach to setting students on a path to success. It merges fundamental informational literacy concepts with essential resources and skills that prepare students for college and career. Students learn how to identify, locate, evaluate, apply, and acknowledge information obtained through UAGC Library databases and internet search engines. By applying the research process, students sharpen critical thinking skills and learn to use information ethically. The final project is a practical and relevant opportunity for students to apply their learning in personally, professionally, and academically meaningful ways.

In this course, students will develop and expand their research and writing skills to communicate ideas in informed, ethical, and persuasive written documents intended for a range of audiences across a range of situations and contexts. Students will receive instruction and practice in synthesis and analysis, bolstering their written communication skills with a thorough understanding of academic research while honing critical thinking skills and effective work habits. Through writing well-structured, logical, and effective academic essays, students will explore tools and develop topics in a way that is meaningful to academic and professional lives. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ENG 121 or equivalent with a grade of “C-” or better.

This course is designed to aid students in understanding the dynamics of interpersonal relationships. Verbal and nonverbal communication patterns among people in personal, social, academic, and professional settings will be examined, within and between cultures, including both face-to-face and technologically mediated channels.  The nature of these interactions will be evaluated using contemporary communication theory. The course will enable students to identify their interpersonal communication skills and behaviors and to more critically evaluate their own oral communication and that of others. The primary goals of the course are to improve the quality of students’ communication in their personal and professional relationships, to enhance students’ experience and. confidence with oral communication, and increase awareness of the importance of interpersonal communication that is inclusive and equitable.

This course is a study of correct and incorrect reasoning involved in everyday activities. The fundamentals of language and argument, deductive and inductive reasoning and other aspects of practical reasoning are examined. 

In this course, students will explore how human beings create meaning through story, symbol, identity, and culture. The humanities offer powerful ways of knowing that illuminate the complexities of personal and professional life. Through modular, interdisciplinary approaches, learners will engage with timeless questions—about self, community, power, justice, and the future—while connecting them directly to their own field of study. Each week, students will choose a learning pathway tailored to a chosen major (Business Leadership, Criminal Justice, Education, Healthcare, Information Technology, Liberal Arts, or Social and Behavioral Sciences). This flexible design ensures that the course both deepens one’s perspective and stacks meaningfully with the learner’s broader academic and career goals. By the end, students will have described, analyzed, applied, synthesized, and created work that demonstrates how humanistic approaches enrich professional knowledge and practice.

This course introduces students to the interdisciplinary field of social sciences and some of the disciplines that comprise this field, including anthropology, psychology, economics, sociology, political science, and history. In this course, students will learn important social science concepts and theoretical approaches, along with the research methods that social scientists use to study human behavior. They will also learn how research and findings from the social sciences can be applied broadly throughout society. Throughout the course and through a summative assignment, students will examine how social factors shape social behavior and some of the consequences of current social problems.

This course serves as a general survey of U.S. government and political institutions within social, historical, and contemporary context. Students will discuss the basic principles of constitutional democracy within the United States with regard to founding documents, political institutions, the separation of powers, federalism, civil liberties, civil rights, and political participation. Students will also evaluate how the history of the United States shapes contemporary U.S. society and political debates.

This course explores the complex relationship between human societies and natural systems. Students will learn about ecology, natural resources, climate change, energy, sustainable technologies, and environmental justice while investigating sustainable challenges and solutions through an interdisciplinary lens.  Students will research and propose solutions to environmental challenges at both a local and global scale with a focus on applications across multiple economic sectors, careers, and geographic regions.

In this course, students will explore a wide range of Algebra topics. Topics will include study of linear equations, linear relationships, slope, polynomials, and functions, including graphing relations and solving systems of equations. Emphasis will be placed on developing an awareness of historical and current uses of algebra in real life settings, in various careers, and in solving important societal problems.

This course introduces students to education as both a professional pathway and a dynamic social institution. Students will explore the personal, ethical, and professional qualities that define effective educators while examining how cultural, economic, and policy factors shape schooling in diverse societies. Through the lens of the social sciences, students will analyze human behavior, equity, and institutional practices that influence teaching and learning. Emphasis is placed on developing a personal “why” for teaching, fostering culturally responsive mindsets, and understanding how evidence-based instructional models promote access and achievement for all learners.

In this course, learners will be introduced to the developmental theories, learning models, issues, and trends that inform quality early childhood education programs and policies, as well as the qualifications, competencies, and professionalism required for different careers in the field. In addition, students will examine developmental domains, assessment, partnership between educators and families, and the relationship between developmentally appropriate practice and learning environments.

Introduction to Early Childhood Behavior Management will address age-appropriate behavioral expectations and the learning environment as a tool for promoting positive and prosocial behavior. Current research and theory related to managing young children’s behavior and strategies for communicating with and involving diverse families to support positive behavioral outcomes will be examined. Learners will apply knowledge of observing, collecting data, and recording children’s behavior to support and address behavioral challenges in the classroom and develop strategies for responding to challenging behavior.

This course will introduce students to strategies that support and encourage the involvement of families in promoting children's health, safety, and nutrition, as well as the importance of establishing a safe and healthy environment that fosters growth and development in young children. Learners will develop educator philosophies that prioritize children’s well-being and design activities that teach children about health, nutrition, and safety.

Professional Responsibilities in the Early Childhood Environment examines key topics related to ensuring high-quality early learning environments by examining what it means to be an early childhood professional. In this course, students will describe the professional standards and ethical behaviors necessary to maintain a high-quality learning environment. Students will also analyze the concept of professionalism within the context of early childhood education and examine administrative practices for running well maintained early childhood facilities. Additionally, students evaluate the importance of professional development, reflective practice, and lifelong learning for early childhood professionals. Finally, students develop a plan to foster advocacy in the field of early childhood education and care.

This course will provide students with a solid foundation of the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed by leaders in the field of early childhood education. The various diverse expectations, responsibilities, and duties of a leader in a high-quality early childhood education program will be explored.  The course will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the role of the early childhood educator leader in leading a quality early childhood education program. 

This course describes the stages of developmental growth from conception to early childhood. Students will evaluate theory and research that explains the development of young children. Students will describe how biological, environmental, protective, and adverse factors impact children’s development and learning. They will also analyze developmentally appropriate practices supporting growth and development in physical, cognitive, social and emotional, and linguistic domains. Finally, students will analyze how development and learning intersect across developmental domains.

This course offers an examination of language development in children from birth to age eight, emphasizing the integration of research-based strategies to support early language and literacy skills. Special focus is placed on creating developmentally appropriate, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning environments that nurture both typical and atypical language learners. Students will explore methods for supporting dual language learners and collaborate with diverse families to promote strong language foundations.

This course provides an examination of educational approaches and their impact on the practice of creating inclusive learning environments for children with exceptionalities. Students will examine methods of assessment and apply evidence-based instructional methods and strategies to support children with diverse needs in inclusive settings. In addition, students will analyze the collaborative models in inclusive settings that support and serve children and their families. Finally, students will create a professional and ethics-based philosophy of inclusion for children with exceptionalities.

In this course, students will explore how strong, positive partnerships with families and communities can enrich early childhood education and child development. Emphasis is placed on understanding child development within the broader contexts of family, culture, language, and society.  Learners will design inclusive strategies that reflect and celebrate the strengths and values of diverse families and discover ways to connect with resources to enhance learning and foster meaningful community ties. Through collaborative planning, students will apply assessment tools and data-informed practices to support young children’s growth across all learning domains. The course also challenges students to reflect on their role as compassionate educators and advocates, capable of nurturing trusting relationships and leading positive change in the field.

This course will explore the multifaceted dynamics of childhood development within the context of diverse family structures. Students will delve into key theories of family systems, attachment, and child development, examining how these theories impact children's social, emotional, and behavioral well-being. The course will emphasize the importance of building strong, respectful, and collaborative partnerships with families. Students will learn strategies for effective communication and culturally sensitive family engagement. Furthermore, the course will equip students with the knowledge and skills to assess children's developmental needs and explore evidence-based practices for promoting positive behavior.

In this course, learners will explore current research theories and the use of community and virtual resources supporting English language learners and their families. In addition, students will analyze instructional strategies that support learners of diverse cultural backgrounds, academic needs, and proficiency levels, and design learning activities that foster social interaction, linguistic skills, and literacy development for English language learners.

This course provides an overview of research-based concepts and instructional practices for teaching children how to read following the Science of Reading. In addition, the course will review assessments for evaluating the performance of developing readers, including phonemic awareness, letter-sound identification, word reading, and fluency. This course will also cover early literacy principles and the stages and components of early literacy development. Finally, the course will help students draw connections between oral language, phonological awareness, phonemic awareness, phonics, and fluent reading. 

The content in this course will allow students to analyze the purpose of assessment in supporting children across all developmental domains. Using this foundation, students will examine the practical application of assessment tools and utilize assessment strategies to enhance the growth and development of children. Finally, students will synthesize their learning by developing an assessment portfolio that contains a plan for interventions to meet the developmental needs of diverse children.

The course will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the role of the early childhood educator in supporting and promoting the development of children and positive partnerships with families from diverse backgrounds. This course explores the complex dynamics within families and communities and emphasizes the importance of cultural responsiveness, inclusivity, and equity in early childhood education.

This course will provide students with a clear and practical introduction to the leadership foundation including the knowledge, skills, theories, roles, and responsibilities prevalent in early childhood education administration today. This course will provide students with the framework to begin to build their leadership philosophy. Prerequisite: ECE 312.

This course explores fiscal management, policies, and law topics surrounding the field of early childhood education. This course culminates in the development of the student’s personal vision of leadership and a plan for a high-quality early childhood education program. Prerequisite: ECA 400.

The College of Education Capstone is designed to equip students at the end of their academic journey with the tools and strategies necessary for a successful transition into the 21st-century workforce. This course provides essential guidance and support, empowering recent graduates to create a compelling message that showcases their skills and abilities, positioning them as valuable assets to potential employers. The curriculum addresses five key areas vital for students entering the job market: sharing one’s story, resume creation, interview skills, portfolio development, and embedding an elevator pitch and personal brand statement into an easily shared and accessed ePortfolio. By mastering these areas, students will be able to market themselves competitively and effectively navigate their career paths. Prerequisite: Majority of major coursework. Course was previously titled College of Education Capstone. It was changed to Education Capstone on 7/1/2026.

Elective requirements vary by program. Review the Program Requirements section for details about elective credits and degree completion requirements. Elective courses may also provide opportunities to pursue an Emphasis that complements your major and supports your academic or career goals.