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Early Care & Education Bachelor's Degree

IDEA's online early care & education for a mobile society (ECEMS) bachelor's degree completion program prepares you to work with diverse groups of young children, families, and communities in a global society. This bachelor's completion program requires previously completed coursework, allowing you to focus directly on the curriculum that prepares you for rewarding careers in early childhood settings with young children, especially those whose family members are highly mobile.

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Coursework and Degree Requirements 48 - 51 credit hours

Starting fall 2023, the ECEMS program began offering an updated curriculum to better meet the needs of working professionals. The ECEMS program now requires two hands-on, in-person practicum experiences coinciding with coursework. These placements need to be in at least two different settings, with two different age groups, and two different cooperating teachers. Each institution is updating its catalog to reflect these changes so please contact your advisor with any questions you may have.

Pre-Practicum Courses

Prior to enrolling in Practicum Experiences with Young Children students must take six credit hours including:

  • Introduction to Early Care and Education in a Mobile Society (Professional Development)
  • and either (a) Child Development―Birth to 3 (Infant/Toddler) or (b) Child Development―4 to 8 (Early Childhood). The Child Development course not previously taken must be taken concurrently with Practicum.
2024202520262027
CourseCreditsSpringSummerFallSpringSummerFallSpringSummerFallSpringSummer
Child Development - Birth To 3 (Infant/Toddler)3Michelle MathewsMU
Child Development - Ages 4 to 83Chris KiewraUNLUNLUNL
Professional Development3Nikki HuckabayNikki HuckabayOSUOSUOSUOSUOSU

Practicum Experiences with Young Children (Formerly Practicum II) 3 credit hours

Prior to enrolling in Practicum Experiences with Young Children, students must take six credit hours including:

  • Introduction to Early Care and Education in a Mobile Society (Professional Development)
  • and either (a) Child Development―Birth to 3 (Infant/Toddler) or (b) Child Development―4 to 8 (Early Childhood). The Child Development course not previously taken must be taken concurrently with Practicum.
2024202520262027
CourseCreditsSpringSummerFallSpringSummerFallSpringSummerFallSpringSummer
Practicum Experiences with Young Children3Nikki HuckabayChris KiewraMUUNLOSUUNL

Core Courses 30 credit hours

These required courses may be completed anytime during the program.
2024202520262027
CourseCreditsSpringSummerFallSpringSummerFallSpringSummerFallSpringSummer
Administration and Supervision in Early Childhood Settings3Mary BowneMUMUMU
Assessing Young Children and their Environments to Enhance Development3UNLUNLUNL
Child Guidance and Classroom Environments3Holly WrightISUISUISU
Development of Curriculum for Children Ages Birth to 33Kari RainsOSU
Development of Curriculum for Children Ages 4 to 83Candace KastrupUNLUNLUNL
Diversity in the Lives of Young Children and Families3Michelle MathewsMUMUMU
Health, Safety, and Nutrition3Mary BowneOSUOSUOSU
Technology and Young Children3Michelle MathewsMU
Understanding and Adapting for Developmental Differences3Celia Priebe SheddISU
Working with Families3Celia Priebe SheddISUISUISU

Senior Capstone Experience (Formerly Practicum III) 6 credit hours

This course must be completed after the successful completion of all other ECEMS courses. Prior to enrolling in the Senior Capstone, students must have Senior Standing and instructor permission to enroll. Check with your faculty advisor for more information.
2024202520262027
CourseCreditsSpringSummerFallSpringSummerFallSpringSummerFallSpringSummer
Senior Capstone6Celia Priebe SheddCelia Priebe SheddISUISUISUISUISU