Through the early childhood education major at Cornerstone University, you are prepared to teach birth-K and grades PK-3, influencing young minds to grow during some of their most formative years.

Several school districts in the state of Michigan require an early childhood endorsement for lower elementary positions. At Cornerstone University, you’ll prepare to receive that endorsement through our rigorous, award-winning program in early childhood education. Through a well-rounded exploration of subjects like early reading, visual and performing arts and physical and health education, early childhood education students are equipped to serve in a number of capacities in early childhood education, from developmental kindergarten to elementary school.

Students in this program take Cornerstone core classes to supplement their elementary education courses and toward the end of their program participate in a student teaching practicum.

DESIGNED TO CULTIVATE

Your calling is unique. That’s why, as an early childhood education major, you have options to help you grow and thrive in yours. With different certifications and concentrations to focus on, you can develop your program to meet your career goals.

Admission Requirements

• Application
• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• Official college and/or military transcripts
• International Students: TOEFL or IELTS score

Program Learning Outcomes

The early childhood education program reflects our commitment to developing students’ knowledge, skills and attitudes in five distinct yet interconnected areas.

Specialized Knowledge

Students will demonstrate knowledge of and proficiency in the terminology, theories, concepts, practices and skills specific to the field of education.

• Demonstrate knowledge of and proficiency in discipline-specific pedagogy.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of educational theory.
• Develop a specialized knowledge of diverse learners.

Applied Knowledge and Collaborative Learning

Students will exhibit competency in applying your knowledge in instructional planning, classroom management and soft skills in a classroom setting.

• • Plan and implement learning experiences that accommodate and meet the needs of diverse learners.
  • Demonstrate effective implementation of instructional theory and pedagogy.
  • Assess students’ current competency of knowledge and skills.

Intellectual Skills

Students will demonstrate your ability to integrate both traditional and non-traditional cognitive skills, including analytical inquiry, information literacy, quantitative fluency and communicative fluency.

Civic and Global Learning

Students will demonstrate intercultural competence in addressing civic, social, environmental and economic issues.

Biblical Worldview Intergration

Students will articulate a Christ-centered worldview and its personal, professional and communal embodiment through Christian virtues.

Careers

A wealth of opportunities is available to early childhood education majors. Here are some of the diverse educational contexts you’ll be prepared to teach in as a program graduate.

Opportunities

• Public Elementary Schools
• Child Development Centers
• Preschools
• Montessori Schools
• Head Start Programs
• Directors of Before and After School Programs