Child Development and Learning (K-5th Grade)

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We understand that the development and learning of a k-5th grade child is not just a job—it’s a calling!

Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development and Learning Program

The Psychology degree program at Welch College focuses on counseling from a biblical worldview in order to help you understand God’s intended purpose for mankind. Your studies will include a solid foundation in theological study and psychological theory from a Christian perspective which will help you minister to those in your church and community in need of assistance.

Whether you are looking to attend graduate school or go immediately into casework or administrative services, an undergraduate degree in psychology from Welch College is designed to meet the requirements for entrance into psychology-related graduate programs and meet professional organizational standards.

Careers in Child Development and Learning

This program will prepare the student to teach with competence as a highly qualified teacher in an elementary school or kindergarten, whether in a Christian or public school.

 

Child Development and Learning Program programs at Welch College

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Bachelor of Science Degree: Major in Child Development and Learning (licensure for grades K-5 and EL)

Child Development and Learning major:

(1) Select appropriate materials for specific groups;

(2) Meet the educational needs of students with unique demands;

(3) Demonstrate competency in the various methods of teaching reading in the elementary classroom, and in the teaching of language arts skills;

(4) Demonstrate an understanding of effective teaching of mathematical and science content and processes; and

(5) Implement training and/or theory with practical experiences in at least two diverse classroom settings.

This major requires a concentration in the area of how students develop and learn, as well as a content area focus on language arts and mathematics.

Requirements: 141 hours, with a 2.75 g.p.a. overall, in all majors for licensure, and the Professional Education Core, which is required for admission to the program, admission to Student Teaching, graduation, and licensure. Otherwise, a minimum 2.00 g.p.a. is required in each segment of the degree.

(1) Theological Studies Major, 32 hours

  • BIB 1100. Introduction to Biblical Studies, 2
  • BIB 1250. Evangelism and Discipleship, 2
  • BIB 1011, 1031, 2032, 2062. Bible Survey, 10
  • IDS 1902, 3101, 4101. Christianity, Culture, and Worldview, 6 (for content purposes, these courses are shared with the A/S Core)
  • PHL 3602. Christian Philosophy, 3 (for content purposes, this is shared with the A/S Core)
  • THE 3102. Christian Ethics, 3
  • THE 3101. Christian Doctrines, 3
  • BIB Elective, 3 (must be at the 4000 level)
    (NOTE: If a 2.75 g.p.a. is obtained in Bible Core, the student may receive licensure in Bible.)

(2) Arts and Sciences Core, 42 hours:

  • BIO 1001, 1011. Systems in Biological Science and Lab, 4
  • BIO 3103, 3113. Ecology and Lab, 4, or SCI 2204, 2214. Physical Science and Lab, 4
  • BUS 1150. Microcomputer Applications, 0
  • ENG 1111, 1122. Grammar and Composition I, II, 6
  • ENG 2111, 2122. Masterpieces of World Literature I, II, 6
  • HIS 1011, 1022. History of Western Civilization I, II, 6
  • IDS 1501. Leadership and Calling: Personal Development and Leadership Principles, 2
  • IDS 2102. Foundations for Civic Engagement, 2
  • MUS 1002. Music Introduction and Appreciation, 3
  • PHE 2100. Lifetime Fitness and PHE Activity Elective, 3
  • SPE 1000. Fundamentals of Speech, 3
  • SSC 3101. Marriage and Family, 3

(3) Professional Education Core, 23 hours

  • EDU 2001. Introduction to Education, 2
  • EDU 2102.  Educational Psychology, 2
  • EDU 3412. Classroom Management, 2
  • EDU 4201. School Assessment, 2
  • EDU 4401. History and Philosophy of Education, 2
  • EDU 4450. Introduction to Student Teaching, 1
  • EDU 4500. Student Teaching Seminar, 2
  • EDU 4620. Enhanced Student Teaching: K-5, 10

(4) Child Development and Learning Major, 32 hours

      (a) Concentration in Child Development and Learning, 12 hours:

  • PSY 2402. Lifespan Development, 3
  • ECE 3512. Teaching Young Children, 3
  • EDU 3801. Teaching the Exceptional Child, 3
  • EDU 4002. Teaching Strategies for the EL and Regular Classroom, 3

      (b) Content Area Focus in Language Arts and Mathematics, 20 hours:

  • LSC 3012. Literature for Children Through the Elementary and Middle Grades, 2
  • MAT 1101. College Algebra, 3
  • MAT 2011. Concepts of Mathematics I, 3
  • MAT 2022. Concepts of Mathematics II, 3
  • EDU 3601. Methods of Teaching Reading, 3
  • EDU 4111. Language Arts Instruction, 3
  • EDU 4332. Content Area Reading/Writing, 3

(5) Emphasis in EL, 12 hours (24 total hours counted in this course group for content purposes)

  • ICS 2202. Introduction to Cultural Anthropology, 3
  • LNG xxxx. Modern Foreign Language,  6
  • EDU 4012. Introduction to Linguistics and Second-language Acquisition, 3

The following courses are shared with the Professional Education Core and CDL Major:

  • EDU 3601. Methods of Teaching Reading, 3
  • EDU 3801. Teaching the Exceptional Child, 3
  • EDU 4002. Teaching Strategies for the EL and Regular Classroom, 3
  • EDU 4111. Language Arts Instruction, 3
Associate of Arts in Teaching

This two-year program is recommended for those who plan to enter any area of teaching. Upon completion of this program, students will be prepared for admission into the teaching program of their choice. This will fulfill requirements of the Tennessee Promise, or other similar scholarships, which require a student be enrolled in an Associate’s program. Currently the only Associate’s program in Teacher Education is the Associate of Science in Early Childhood (ASEC). In addition to meeting the specific objectives stated elsewhere for Theological Studies Major, Arts and Sciences Core, and the Professional Education Core, the graduate will also meet specific objectives for the certificate in foundations of teaching:

(1) Students will acquire skills in the foundations of teaching;

(2) Students will learn to select and use appropriate resources for teaching; and

(3) Students will be able to plan and teach lessons with guidance.

All graduates of this program should have accomplished the following:

(1) Completed the basic courses in Theological Studies;

(2) Completed most of the required Arts and Sciences Core;

(3) Completed the two introductory courses in Teacher Education; and

(4) Met the requirements of PRAXIS I for Admission to Teacher Education.

Requirements: 64 hours, with a 2.75 g.p.a. overall. Otherwise, a minimum 2.00 g.p.a. is required in each segment of the degree.

(1) Theological Studies, 16 hours:

  • BIB 1100. Introduction to Biblical Studies, 2
  • BIB 1250. Evangelism and Discipleship, 2
  • BIB 1011, 1031, 2032, 2062. Bible Survey, 10
  • IDS 1902. Christianity, Culture, and Worldview, 2 (for content purposes, these courses are shared with the A/S Core)

(2) Arts and Sciences Core, 38 hours:

  • BIO 1001, 1011. Systems in Biological Science and Lab, 4
  • BUS 1150. Microcomputer Applications, 0
  • ENG 1111, 1122. Grammar and Composition I, II, 6
  • ENG 2111, 2122. Masterpieces of World Literature I, II, 6
  • HIS 1011, 1022. History of Western Civilization I, II, 6
  • IDS 1501. Leadership and Calling: Personal Development and Leadership Principles, 2
  • IDS 2102. Foundations for Civic Engagement, 2
  • MAT 1101. College Algebra, 3
  • MUS 1002. Music Introduction and Appreciation, 3
  • PHE 2100. Lifetime Fitness and PHE Activity Elective, 3
  • SPE 1000. Fundamentals of Speech, 3

(3) Teacher Education, 4 hours:

  • EDU 2001. Introduction to Education, 2
  • EDU 2102.  Educational Psychology, 2

(4) General electives, 6 hours

Meet your Faculty Members

Etta Patterson - Welch College is a Christian Bible College in Gallatin, Tennessee

Dr. Etta Patterson

Professor of Education | Associate Undergraduate Dean, School of Education

Dr. Steven Beck - Welch College is a Christian Bible College in Gallatin, Tennessee

Dr. Stephen Beck

Instructor of Education | Undergraduate Dean, School of Education

Dr. Sarah Bracey

Dr. Sarah Bracey

Assistant Professor of Psychology | Program Coordinator, Psychology

Matthew Bracey - Welch College is a Christian Bible College in Gallatin, Tennessee

Mr. Matthew Bracey

Vice Provost for Academic Administration | Assistant Professor of Theology and Culture | Cross Country Coach

Merinda Parrish - Welch College is a Christian Bible College in Gallatin, Tennessee

Mrs. Merinda Parrish

Adjunct Instructor of Education | Clinical Coordinator of Education

Dr. William Slater - Welch College is a Christian Bible College in Gallatin, Tennessee

Mr. William Slater

Instructor of Education | Dean, Adult and Online Studies

Ms. Bethany McClain

Ms. Bethany McClain

Administrative Assistant for Teacher Education and M.A.T. Program

Dr. Greg Ketteman

Dr. Greg Ketteman

Vice President for Strategic Initiatives | Professor of Education | Graduate Dean of Education