Early Childhood (PreK-3rd Grade)

Apply Now!

We understand that the early childhood development of a preK-3rd grade child is not just a job—it’s a calling!

Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood

As an Early Childhood major at Welch College, you will not have to wait until you graduate and get that first teaching job to understand what it takes to be a teacher.

We know that teaching is hands-on, and we believe that allowing you to practice your craft in real classrooms through local teaching opportunities like Junior Achievement and student teaching is the best way to prepare you to manage, teach and assess learners of different ages and learning styles.

To go along with your real-life training, you will gain a strong foundation in a variety teaching methods and theories from professors with decades of experience in the classroom. Our faculty is committed not only to equipping you with best practices of being a teacher, but also to helping you navigate today’s schools as a Christian professional.

Careers in Early Childhood

This program is designed for those who desire to work with young children, and it places emphasis on early childhood development and the teaching of reading and mathematics.

 

Early Childhood programs at Welch College

For full program details, tap below to expand.

Do not delete

do not delete

Bachelor of Science Degree: Major in Early Childhood (licensure for grades PreK-3 and EL or for non-licensure)

Early Childhood major objectives:

(1) Exhibit an understanding of the developmental needs of young children;

(2) Select appropriate materials for specific age groups;

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

(4) Demonstrate competency in the various methods of teaching reading, including phonics, whole language, and other approaches;

(5) Demonstrate competency in the teaching of elementary mathematics; and

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

Requirements: 142 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 course is shared w/ the A/S Core)
  • THE 3101. Christian Doctrines, 3
  • THE 3102. Christian Ethics, 3
  • BIB Elective, 3 (must be at the 4000 level)
    (NOTE: If a 2.75 g.p.a. is obtained in this major, the student may receive licensure in Bible.)

(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
  • 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, 26 hours:

  • EDU 2001. Introduction to Education, 2
  • EDU 2102.  Educational Psychology, 2
  • EDU 3412. Classroom Management, 2
  • EDU 4002. Teaching Strategies for the EL and Regular Classroom, 3
  • 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 4650. Enhanced Student Teaching: PreK-3, 10

(4) Early Childhood Major, 34 hours:

     (a) Concentration in Early Childhood, 17 hours:

  • PSY 2402. Lifespan Development, 3
  • ECE 2702. Creative Development, 2
  • ECE 3251. Administering Children’s Programs, 3
  • ECE 3411. Infants and Toddlers, 3
  • ECE 3512. Teaching Young Children, 3
  • EDU 3801. Teaching the Exceptional Child, 3

     (b) Content Area Focus in Reading and Mathematics, 17 hours:

  • LSC 3012. Literature for Children Through Elementary and Middle Grades, 2
  • MAT 2011, 2022. Mathematics Concepts I, II, 6 (for content purposes, these courses are shared with the A/S Core)
  • 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 Ed. Core and Early Childhood 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
The Associate of Science Degree: Early Childhood

Designed for those who desire to work with young children in childcare facilities or as an instructional aide, this program places emphasis on early childhood development and working with young learners. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will qualify for the certificate for early childhood.

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 Early Childhood major objectives:

(1) Exhibit an understanding of the developmental needs of young children;

(2) Select appropriate materials for specific age groups;

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

(4) Work with teachers in the educational program of young children.

Requirements: 65 hours, with a C average (2.00 g.p.a.) overall and in all segments 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, this course is shared with the A/S)

(2) Arts and Sciences, 25 hours:

  • BUS 1150. Microcomputer Applications, 0
  • ENG 1111, 1122. Grammar and Composition 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 2011. Math Concepts I, 3
  • MUS 1002. Music Introduction and Appreciation, 3
  • PHE 2100. Lifetime Fitness and PHE Activity Elective, 3

(3) Concentration in Early Childhood, 24 hours:

  • ECE 2411. Infants and Toddlers, 3
  • ECE 2512. Teaching Young Children, 3
  • ECE 2702. Creative Development, 2
  • EDU 2001. Introduction to Education, 2
  • EDU 2412. Classroom Management, 2
  • EDU 3801. The Exceptional Child, 3
  • EDU 4111. Language Arts Instruction, 3
  • PHE 3503. Psychomotor Development of Children, 3
  • PSY 2402. Lifespan Development, 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

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

Dr. Greg Ketteman

Dr. Greg Ketteman

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

Ms. Bethany McClain

Ms. Bethany McClain

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

We are a Christian Community of Faith and Learning

At Welch College, we provide a unique setting for preparing student-leaders to serve God in whatever field He is calling them to.

In this Christian community of faith and learning, students find their place in God’s world, and we equip them with the tools to fulfill that calling.

Educating leaders to
Serve Christ.

Explore our 50 programs of study.

Whatever your future occupation may be, we want you to know that life is about God. That’s why we dedicate ourselves to the spiritual formation of our students.

Degrees

Welch Divinity School

Associate’s Degrees

Bachelor’s Degrees

Master’s Degrees

Certificado de Estudios Bíblicos

The Certificate of Biblical & Ministry Studies

ESL Endorsement

Resources

Academic Calendar

Catalog

Populi

Library

Quick Links

Registrar

Contact Academic Office

In-Person. On-Campus.
See You This Fall.

Welch College has announced plans to return to a fully in-person learning and living campus experience this fall.

Explore our safe and thriving in-person community.

Visit Welch

Schedule a Visit

Welcome Days

Senior Days

Resources

#WelchBound

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Apply

On-Campus, Undergrad

Adult and Online

Graduate Degrees

Dual Enrollment

Contact Admissions

Better Together

At Welch College, you will be part of a community where students and professors know who you are.

Our students love it here, and you will too! You will have a great time making friendships that last a lifetime while learning in a safe, wholesome environment.

Campus Life

Christian Service

Community

The Arts at Welch

Athletics

Student Wellness

Resources

Incoming Students

Quick Links

WelchStudent.com

Contact Student Services