Early Childhood and Elementary Education Concentration
Program Description
The Early Childhood and Elementary Education Concentration is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree in education leading to teacher certification.
This concentration provides a strong foundation in child development, learning theory, and educational practice across early childhood and elementary grade levels. Students explore how children grow cognitively, socially, emotionally, and academically, while examining the role of schools in supporting diverse learners. Coursework emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and the application of developmental theory to classroom settings.
The program combines a broad behavioral science foundation with focused preparation for students interested in teaching young children from preschool through the elementary grades.
Transfer Information
The Early Childhood and Elementary Education concentration is structured to align with bachelor’s degree programs in early childhood education, elementary education, and related teacher preparation pathways. Students intending to pursue teacher certification should work closely with faculty and Advising & Transfer Services to ensure coursework meets transfer and certification requirements at their intended institution.
Students planning to transfer within New Jersey should explore the “Transfer Programs” feature on NJ Transfer (www.njtransfer.org) to review articulation agreements and institutional requirements.
Because teacher preparation programs often have GPA standards, admission requirements, and testing requirements, early and intentional academic planning is strongly recommended.
Career Information
The A.S. in Behavioral Science and Public Service – Early Childhood and Elementary Education Concentration is designed primarily for transfer. A bachelor’s degree and completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program are required for public school teacher certification.
With further education and certification, graduates may pursue careers such as:
- Preschool Teacher
- Kindergarten Teacher
- Elementary School Teacher
- Curriculum or Instructional Support Specialist
- Youth Program Coordinator
Students are encouraged to consult with faculty and Career Services early in their academic journey to plan transfer and certification pathways.
| Fall One | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| STSC 150 | Student Success Seminar | 2 |
| ENGL 151 | English I | 3 |
| PSYC 172 | General Psychology | 3 |
| SOCI 181 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| EDUC 178 | Introduction to the Education of Exceptional Students | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Spring One | ||
| ENGL 152 | English II | 3 |
| CSIT 110 | Introduction to Computers and Computer Applications | 3 |
| BIOL 161 | General Biology I Lecture | 3 |
| BIOL 161L | General Biology I Lab | 1 |
| HEHP 225 | Contemporary Health | 3 |
| Choose one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| A Survey of Mathematics | ||
| Introduction to Statistics | ||
| Mathematical Modeling | ||
| Finite Mathematics | ||
| Credit Hours | 16-17 | |
| Fall Two | ||
| HIST 173 | United States History to 1877 | 3 |
| ASLN 100 | American Sign Language I | 3 |
| EDUC 261 | Development of the Learner | 3 |
| COMM 154 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| Choose one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| A Survey of Mathematics | ||
| Introduction to Statistics | ||
| Mathematical Modeling | ||
| Finite Mathematics | ||
| Credit Hours | 15-16 | |
| Spring Two | ||
| HEHP 160 | First Aid/CPR/AED | 3 |
| EDUC 277 | The Teaching Profession in America | 3 |
| HIST 174 | United States History from 1877 | 3 |
| GEOG 161 | World Physical Geography | 3 |
| SOCI 231 | Social Problems | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 60-62 | |
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A variety of STSC -Student Success Seminar courses are available.