Why Major in Early Childhood Studies?
The early years are a critical time in the life of a young child. During this time children develop physically, socially and cognitively at a phenomenal rate. Children and their families need the support and expertise of skilled professionals who understand this stage of early childhood.
California Baptist University’s innovative Early Childhood Studies (ECS) program, with a specialization in Early Childhood Intervention, prepares students to work with non-disabled and disabled children, zero to eight years of age, in diverse learning environments. Students will learn how to integrate developmental learning theories with practice in early childhood settings.
The ECS coursework focuses on young children’s growth and development including cognitive, social, emotional and perceptual-motor development. Students will also become familiar with various assessments and developmentally appropriate learning environments for young children. The Early Childhood Studies degree will open up other careers beyond teaching and will prepare students to be leaders in those fields, leaders in early intervention, leaders in research, leaders in early childhood advocacy and county offices of education.
Frequently asked questions about the ECS major
Question: What is the difference between the Liberal Studies major and the Early Childhood Studies major?
Answer: The Liberal Studies major is designed to offer both depth and breadth of content. The Elementary Subject Matter Liberal Studies major’s specific purpose is to provide courses aligned with state standards and prepare students for the demands of the classroom. Conceptual, the LBS program is to give students the opportunity to see the big picture, i.e., think well, write well. While the LBS major covers general knowledge, the Early Childhood Studies major focuses on coursework in both early childhood studies and early childhood intervention. This is a very specific major that prepares students to not only teach young children but also grooms them for other fields outside of education.
Question: Are there any prerequisites?
Answer: Yes, students must take English 113 and English 123.
Question: Do students in the EC Studies major have to take the CBEST?
Answer: Only if they want to go into public K-12 teaching.
Question: What about the CSET? I heard the LBS major prepares students for the CSET. Will the EC Studies major prepare them as well?
Answer: The LBS major, specifically ESM majors, may be better prepared to take the CSET, but remember, not all EC Studies will be interested in public school teaching.
What career opportunities does this degree prepare you for?
What can you do with an ECS degree from CBU? Students interested in K-12 teaching can apply to the credential program. Those interested in teaching Pre-K Special Day Classes or working with disabled or developmentally delayed children, 0- 8 years old, may focus on obtaining an Early Childhood Education Specialist credential.
The EC Studies major provides a solid foundation in developmental theory preparing the student for teaching, however, many early childhood studies majors are aware of only a few of their career options. There are many more positions than one might realize that are available to an early education professional. Below are a few positions that show the range of options you have. Remember to network when looking for careers in this field. Every person or association you join is another contact you have. Explore your options by clicking on a career below.
Other Career Paths include Early Childhood Software Developers, Merchandisers, Photographers and Playground/Environment Designers
B.A. Early Childhood Studies Program Coursework
Links to External Career Information Resources
Students who complete the Early Childhood Studies coursework are prepared to plan and implement developmentally appropriate programs in early childhood settings. Upon completion of an undergraduate degree, students will be eligible to apply for a Child Development Permit (link to non-CBU site).
For more information about early childhood education jobs should visit the following Web sites (non-CBU sites):
Watch early childhood education advocacy video produced by Educational Productions (link to non-CBU site.)
ECS Career Descriptions
Child Care Liaison
Job Purpose: The job of Child Care Liaison is done for the purpose/s of providing resources to site staff and providers, providing child care referrals and parenting information and/or eligibility information/enrollment in compliance with county, state and/or federal requirements; providing information on services available to children and families conveying information regarding county office activities and procedures; and referring families to other agencies. [Back]
Child Life Specialist
Job Purpose: The job of Child Life Specialist is done for the purpose/s of providinga direct and consultative service to children and families in a hospital setting. Child Life programming is based on a understanding of normal human development and the impact that illness, injury, disability, and hospitalization have on this process. Child Life is an integral component of the multidisciplinary team treating the “whole child” with proactive and preventive intervention. [Back]
Director-Child Education & Development Services
Job Purpose: The job of Director-Child Education and Development Services is designed for the purpose/s of: planning, organizing, staffing, coordinating, implementing policy, directing, reporting, and conducting overall management and operation of the Child Education and Development Services Division. This is done by supporting the four conceptualized program cornerstones in the Head Start/Early Start program: child development, family development, community building and staff development. [Back]
Director-Preschool
Job Purpose: The job of Preschool Director is designed for the purpose/s of: advocating for the needs of young children and families; developing strong communication lines between faculty, staff and parents; supporting and encouraging faculty to pursue their own professional development opportunities and modeling professionalism in all areas as mentor, colleague, and supervisor. [Back]
Early Childhood Education Center Manager
Job Purpose: The jobs of Center Manager at a community college is designed for the purpose/s of: supervising theEarly Childhood Education Center and ensures quality programming for children, adult students in teacher training, and students in other disciplines; working collaboratively with the Early Childhood Education faculty to ensure smooth integration of Early Childhood course content into center practices and application; joining Early Childhood Education faculty in overseeing and coordinating experiences of adult students in the center, providing a model teaching environment that is developmentally appropriate, culturally sensitive, non-biased, inclusive, and individually responsive; initiating and performs strategic planning, annual program evaluation, marketing, research and advocacy for the center; developing and monitoring annual budget, business plan, generates resources through grant writing and/or program proposals; supervising and evaluating the performance of assigned personnel, plans, coordinates and conducts staff meetings and in-service training, oversees development of daily lesson plans; supervising the assessment of the child’s relationship to and progress in the center program and communicates results to parents, staff, and faculty as appropriate; demonstrating leadership in supporting and promoting early intervention, family centered services, emerging curriculum models consistent with NAEYC guidelines. [Back]
Early Childhood Family Development Specialist
Job Purpose: The job of Family Specialist is designed for the purpose/s of: curriculum planning, family goals development, and implementation of the Early Head Start program with a caseload of infants/toddlers and their families; providing direct service to identified EHS families including children with disabilities through home visits and organized group meetings; building nurturing relationships with families and assisting family members with personal growth and development by identifying strengths and needs and implementing a development service plan to meet those goals; promoting language, cognitive, social, emotional and physical development of children and providing one on one visit in home each week. [Back]
Early Intervention Specialist
Job Purpose: The job of Early Intervention Specialist is designed for the purpose/s of: creating, implementing and adapting activities for language, cognition, fine and gross motor, sensory processing, self-help, and social emotional development for each child to support their Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP); collaborating with parents, supporting ad reinforcing their efforts to maximize their child’s potential; working as a transdisciplinary team with all professionals involved with each individual child; scheduling and administering appropriate and valid developmental assessments. [Back]
Early Childhood Program Development Specialist
Job Purpose: The job of Program Development Specialist, Child Development is designed for the purpose/s of: monitoring of and technical assistance of facilitating Child Development Programs; student success in academic and interpersonal skills through county approved curriculum; and monitoring of multiple sites. [Back]
Early Childhood Quality Management Specialist
Job Purpose: The job of Quality Management Specialistis designed for the purpose/s of: monitoring ongoing compliance with NAEYC's accreditation criteria; handling formal complaints against NAEYC-accredited programs, requests for extension of accreditation, other aspects of maintaining compliance with NAEYC accreditation and participating in verification review groups; communicating with state licensing agencies and legal counsel regarding complaints received and supporting Quality Management Coordinators in their review and processing of annual reports. [Back]
Early Intervention Program Autism Team Supervisor
Job Purpose: The job of Early Intervention Program Autism Team Supervisor is designed for the purpose/s of: providing some direct service, and overseeing a team of therapists; utilizing a variety of approaches to fit the unique need of each child including TEACCH, PECS, Floortime, etc. [Back]
Education Specialist, Head Start
Job Purpose: The job of Education Specialist, Head Start is designed for the purposes of: ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations related to education services, conducting site visits and classroom checklists, providing individualized training and coaching to teaching staff and parents; ensuring implementation of district-adopted curriculum; and developing and providing workshops for instructional staff and parents. [Back]
Site Supervisor Early Childhood Education Program Division of Children and Family Services
Job Purpose: The job of Site Supervisor is designed for the purpose/s of: utilizing proper child development education practices and techniques to assist with the physical and emotional well-being of children; planning and ensuring the care, instruction and supervision of children enrolled in the Early Childhood Education Programs such as Head Start/State Preschool programs; organizing day-to-day operation of multiple site centers; assisting other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of documenting activities, providing written reference and /or conveying information. [Back]