Dec 30, 2024  
Catalog/Handbook 2024-2025 
    
Catalog/Handbook 2024-2025

Early Childhood Education, BS


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Program: S6300

The Polk State College Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education degree program is a state-approved initial teacher  preparation program that prepares the graduate to teach children ages three to eight years old, with emphasis on the social, emotional, cognitive, and linguistic components of child development. Through coursework and field experiences the participant integrates theory with teaching practice to demonstrate evidence-based instructional competencies that are appropriate for all students, including those from diverse cultures, of varying exceptionalities, within all performance levels, and in various educational settings. The program graduate is eligible for Florida Pre-Kindergarten Primary Teacher Certification (Age 3 to Grade 3), as well as endorsements in Reading (Kindergarten to Grade 12) and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL: Kindergarten to Grade 12).  

The graduate of this program may seek employment opportunities teaching in a pre-kindergarten through third-grade setting, Head Start program, voluntary pre-K program (VPK), or a Florida public or private school. This degree can also lead to an administrative or leadership position in an early childhood education program or agency, such as a voluntary pre-K lead teacher, or a specialized leadership or teaching position within in a Head Start program.  

Admission Criteria

Program admission requires an Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education (or a related field), or an Associate of Arts degree (or the equivalent) from a regionally accredited school or college, with a minimum 2.5 grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0-point scale in all previous coursework. If the student’s associate degree is from a non-regionally accredited institution, but one that is accredited by a body that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, a course-by-course evaluation is done according to Polk State College’s transfer practices and policies. 

Additionally, the State of Florida requires completion of EDF 1005 Introduction to the Teaching Profession with a grade of C or better. The program strongly recommends the completion of EME 2040 Introduction to Technology for Educators and EDF 2085 Introduction to Diversity for Educators

Note: Fingerprinting and a Level-2 criminal background check are required before the student may enroll in courses with mandatory field experiences in local schools.  

Course Progression for the Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education

The Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education curriculum is provided in a flexible format. The student is not required to complete all lower-division courses before enrolling in upper-division courses; however, a preferred pathway is designed for the program. This format accommodates the working adult who typically must balance part-time class enrollment with work and family responsibilities.  

Note: A full-time classroom internship is required for 12 weeks of the final semester. The student must receive a passing score on the General Knowledge Test, as well as the Professional Education (PEd) and Pre-Kindergarten/Primary Pre-K to Grade 3 Subject Area Examination (SAE) components of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam (FTCE), before permission is granted to register for EDG 4940 Final Education Program Internship. 

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
Upon successful completion of this program, the graduate is able to: 
PLO 1: Demonstrate Florida Educator Accomplished Practices (FEAPs). 
PLO 2: Demonstrate Competencies and Skills for Teacher Certification (Pre-Kindergarten to Grade Three). 
PLO 3: Demonstrate Florida Reading Endorsement Competencies
PLO 4: Demonstrate Florida Teacher Standards for ESOL Endorsement. 

General Education Requirements (36 Credits Required)


Note: A student who has completed an AA degree at a public Florida college has met the General Education requirements. A student who has completed an AA degree outside of Florida, or who has earned an AS degree, but has General Education courses that vary from the requirements below, should consult with an advisor to determine if acceptable substitutions may satisfy some or all of Polk State College’s General Education requirements. More information is provided via the Associate of Arts program listing and the Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education Pathway.

Mathematics (6 Credits Required)


One course must be from List A; the other can be from List A or B.

Program Requirements


AS Student  
Technical Credits from AS degree 42
General Education Credits from most AS degrees 18
Additional General Education Credits 18
*OR*  
AA Student  
Elective Credits from AA degree 24
General Education Credits from AA degree 36
Technical Credits in Early Childhood Education 18

 

Total Credits for Bachelor of Science Degree: 120


Civic Literacy Competency


Pursuant to Rule 6A-10.02413 of the Florida Administrative Code, effective in the Fall 2022 Semester, competency in civic literacy is a requirement for each student receiving an Associate in Arts or baccalaureate degree. Competency in civic literacy must be demonstrated through one of the two options listed below:

Option 1:

   AND

  • Successful completion of the Florida Civic Literacy Examination with a score of 60% or better.

Option 2:

Completion of one of the following assessments with the score indicated:

  • The Advanced Placement (AP) Exam in U.S. Government and Politics with a score of three or better.
  • The Advanced Placement (AP) Exam in United States History with a score of four or better.
  • The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) American Government Exam with a score of 50 or better.

Note: All approved accelerated credit is listed in Credit-By-Exam Equivalencies. The Credit-by-Exam section of the Florida State Articulation Committee website provides further details.

Graduation Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education Degree Program:


  • Receive a passing score on the Florida Teacher Certification Exam (FTCE): General Knowledge (GK), Professional Education (PEd), and the Prekindergarten/Primary Pre-K-Grade 3 Subject Area Examination (SAE).
  • Complete credits as outlined above, including a professional portfolio demonstrating the program outcomes and the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices.
  • Earn an overall cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher.
  • Earn a C or better in all upper-division coursework.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language through any of the following means: completion of two years of high school instruction in the same foreign language, completion of a minimum of eight college-level credits in one foreign language, achievement of a minimum score on a foreign language proficiency exam approved by the Registrar’s Office, or completion of a high school diploma in a foreign country where the student studied in a language other than English.
  • Complete 25 percent (i.e., 30 credit hours) of the degree program at Polk State College.
  • Complete at least 25 percent (i.e., 10-11 credit hours) of the upper-division courses required for the baccalaureate program at Polk State College, including EDG 4940 Final Education Program Internship.

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