BS in Early Childhood Studies - Tempo Competency-Based Learning™

While early childhood education continues to be of high importance to parents, policymakers, and the public, many incorrectly identify this critical period as birth through preschool or kindergarten. Although the brain develops the majority of its neurons between birth and age 3, early childhood education is defined as the period of birth through age 8 correlating with the second- or third-grade level.

In terms of human development, the importance of early childhood education can’t be overstated. A child’s early years are the foundation for his or her future development, providing a strong base for lifelong learning and learning abilities, including cognitive and social development. Well-established research continues to emphasize the importance of early childhood education as an essential building block of a child’s future success.

Walden University’s BS in Early Childhood Studies, delivered in a competency-based format, is designed for education professionals who wish to develop the skills necessary to be successful in their career as early childhood professionals. Walden’s degree program includes the following areas of expertise:

• Becoming an Early Childhood Professional
• Early Childhood Development
• Health and Safety for Young Children
• Culturally Responsive Practice
• Children with Exceptionalities
• Child, Family, and Community Relationships
• Social-Emotional Development and Positive Guidance
• Effective Practices for Quality Programs Serving Young Children
• Early Literacy
• Observation, Assessment, and Planning
• Learning and Teaching in Inclusive Early Childhood Settings
• Play, Creativity and the Areas (P–3)
• Effective Practice for Infants and Toddlers
• Meaningful Learning Experiences
• Early Childhood Professionalism
• Professional Skills

The Perry Preschool Project is one of the most famous studies on the effects of attending preschool and is often a core topic in bachelor’s in early education programs.¹ Conducted from 1962 to 1967, the Perry Preschool Project provided a high-quality preschool education to 3- and 4-year-old African American children who were living in poverty and deemed to be at high risk of school failure. By the time these preschool participants were 27–40 years of age, they had a number of successes as compared with the control group of students who had not attended preschool. The Perry Preschool Project showed that preschool attendees:

• Had a 44% higher high school graduation rate.
• Earned a median monthly income that was 42% higher than those who did not attend preschool.
• Were 26% less likely to have received government assistance.
• Encountered 50% fewer teen pregnancies.

¹Source: https://evidencebasedprograms.org/programs/perry-preschool-project

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is a professional organization dedicated to promoting high-quality early learning for all young children. Walden is a proud year-round sponsor of NAEYC, and the coursework in its BS in Early Childhood Studies program is aligned with NAEYC standards.

Integrating technology into the classroom for learning is important for a few different reasons. Not only is this movement cutting costs for textbooks and other classroom materials, it also allows for greater access to a wider range of online educational tools for students. By allowing more access to early childhood education through technology, we’re also preparing our children for our technologically advanced society. Additionally, certain programs and applications can help teachers and administrators track which resources are working best for their students.