Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and Administration

Program Overview

Take the first step in preparing to shape young minds, focusing on child development theory, curriculum, and leadership training.

Program Format

On-Campus

Degree Options

Four-Year BS Program

Time to Complete

  • Full Time: 4 Years
  • Transfer Pathways: 2 Years

Why Major in Early Childhood Education and Administration at AIC?

The landscape of education is ever-evolving, and each day we discover new ways that learning plays a critical role in children’s development. High-quality early childhood education can have profound and lasting effect on a child’s cognitive, social, and emotional development and it is apparent that early childhood education is linked to long-term academic success, making it a priority for many communities.

This coupled with a diverse landscape reflects varying cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic backgrounds of children and families requiring the need for creating equitable learning environments. Educators who are trained in these areas can better support all children, including those with special needs, and other at-risk populations. The focus on inclusion not only benefits the individual child but also enriches the learning environment for all students, promoting empathy, understanding, and collaboration among peers.

The Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and Administration at American International College is designed to address the need for trained professionals who can implement effective educational practices. While teaching is a crucial aspect, there is an equally important need for skilled administrators who can oversee operations, staff development, budgeting, and community engagement.

This program will ensure that educators are well-equipped with the pedagogical skills, knowledge of child development, and practical strategies necessary to meet this growing demand with the goal of improving educational outcomes for children.

What to Expect

  • Real-world learning: Engage in classroom observations and experiences in model classrooms within the local schools. These opportunities provide students with direct exposure to real world experiences in the public-school setting.
  • Chart your own path: This degree program can prepare individuals for diverse roles in leadership and administration, equipping them with skills in strategic planning, program evaluation, and staff mentoring.
  • Bachelor’s-to-master’s pathway: The Early Childhood Education and Administration bachelor’s program serves as a gateway to several AIC Master of Education and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study programs. Begin graduate licensure preparation immediately following your bachelor’s to enter the classroom sooner.
Timothy Allen, EdD '13, Associate Professor of Education at AIC

Here at AIC, we’re going to teach you the skills that you need to be a teacher. But then we’ll have you out in classrooms a lot of the time. So you’ll learn the skills here at AIC, and then you’re in local schools and you’re seeing those skills in action right away.”

Timothy Allen, EdD, Associate Professor

Program Details

AIC’s Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and Administration prepares you for success as a future educator, through a combination of traditional coursework and firsthand practical experiences.

  • Demonstrate understanding of typical and atypical child development from birth through age eight, including cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and language development.
  • Apply developmental theories and research to create supportive learning environments for young children.
  • Design, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate curriculum for young children using evidence-based practices.
  • Incorporate play-based, inquiry-based, and culturally responsive approaches into early childhood education programs
  • Utilize various observation, documentation, and assessment tools to monitor children’s progress and inform curriculum planning.
  • Implement ethical and effective assessment practices that support individual children’s development.
  • Respect the diversity of family structures and cultural backgrounds in educational settings
  • Implement policies and practices that ensure the health, safety, and nutrition of young children in early learning environments.
  • Promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being through curriculum and classroom management strategies.
  • Understand and adhere to local, state, and national laws and regulations governing early childhood education settings
  • Demonstrate knowledge of organizational leadership, program management, and administration in early childhood settings.
  • Manage and lead early childhood programs, including staff development, budgeting, and strategic planning
  • Promote an inclusive environment that respects and supports children and families from diverse backgrounds.
  • Understand the role of public policy in shaping early childhood education practices and opportunities.

Major Courses: In addition to AIC Plan for Excellence (APEX) requirements, students must complete all courses listed here to receive a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and Administration:

  • EDU2200: Foundations in Education
  • EDU2055: Explorations in Social-Emotional Learning
  • EDU2100: Explorations in Special Education
  • EDU2103: MTEL Preparation
  • EDU3340: Techniques and Strategies for Teaching Mathematics
  • EDU2400: Teaching Methods for Communication and Language Arts
  • EDU3200: Principles of Education
  • EDU4300: Literacy and Inclusive Excellence
  • EDU3700: Practices of Equity, Intersectionality, and Inclusion in the Classroom
  • EDU3500: Classroom Management & Behavior Analysis for Teachers
  • EDU1300: Child Growth and Development
  • EDU3650: Teaching Methods for Inquiry-Based Social Studies, History and Science
  • EDU2300: Foundations of Multicultural Education and Diversity
  • EDU4847: Senior Capstone Project
  • SRM3203: Sports Psychology
  • SRM3211: Legal Issues in Sports and Recreation Management

Please reference the current catalog for all course descriptions.

Individuals interested in studying Early Childhood Education and Administration at AIC—or exploring related studies in The Education Hive—will apply for admission as a first-year, transfer, or international student.

Review tuition rates and fees for the upcoming academic year.

Scholarships

Grants and scholarships are awarded based on both need and merit.

AIC’s transfer partnerships with Holyoke Community College (HCC) and Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) provide an uninterrupted path from community college to our bachelor’s in Athletics Administration and Leadership program, as well as a $4,000 per year joint admissions scholarship.

If you have questions on transferring from one of our partner schools, please contact the admissions office at 413.205.3201.

Encouraging holistic involvement, AIC’s campus culture allows everyone to find their place to build connections and fuel their passions:

  • All student groups: Pursue a hobby or embrace your identity while managing a club’s resources, funds, and goals. Browse all student organizations.
  • Leadership development: Through groups, athletics, service, and outreach, Yellow Jackets explore the art of taking charge and how objectives are achieved through motivation, engagement, and vision. Learn more about leadership development.

Have a Question?

Contact our advising officer or email admissions@aic.edu for general college admission requirements.

Abbie Rudnyai, MEd
Advising Officer, School of Education

Phone: 413.654.1726
Email: abbie.rudnyai@aic.edu
Hours: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Abbie Rudnyai

Academic and Career Support

AIC gives you the space to explore your interest while preparing you for life after college. Throughout, you’ll work with advisors and mentors to define your academic and professional goals and the ways to achieve them.

What Can You Do with an Early Childhood Education and Administration Degree?

Job Titles

A bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education and Administration prepares you for roles as an:

  • Academic advisor
  • Family education specialist
  • Family engagement specialist
  • Instructional aide
  • Paraprofessional
  • Youth program coordinator

With a master’s in a related area, our students qualify to take the MTEL and begin careers as elementary, middle, or high school teachers or school counselors.

Salary Expectations

Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, median salaries for careers in the education field include:

Where Our Graduates Work

Engage and drive learning outcomes in:

  • Community and municipal organizations
  • Community education programs
  • Non-profits
  • PK-12 schools
  • Post-secondary settings
  • Social service agencies

Related Programs

Whatever type of leadership role you want to pursue, AIC’s programs offer real-world experience to set you on your path:

Ready to Take the Next Step?

At AIC, your passions will lead you on the path to professional success: