The early childhood education program at CSU Pueblo is focused on teaching children from birth through age 8. We offer two four-year degree programs (both bachelor of science): one with Director Qualification and one with K-3 licensure. Students will acquire a strong foundation in child development and education through a combination of engaging courses and practical field work.

Program Goals

At CSU Pueblo, teacher education is a campus-wide responsibility, and overall program goals reflect components of both a breadth and depth of knowledge of the liberal arts and the pedagogical skills to transform this knowledge into curriculum and instruction for young children.

Expected Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education, students will:

1. Acquire a broad knowledge of the liberal arts and sciences including an understanding of the significant ideas, concepts, structures and values within disciplines and mastering content knowledge in all areas taught in early childhood education: the arts, math, literature and language, social sciences, sciences, and child development and learning.
2. Construct knowledge through critical and analytical thinking, independent thinking, reasoned judgment, mature values, and imagination.
3. Communicate knowledge by effectively writing in academic and practical formats, speaking in a variety of settings, and utilizing technology as a tool for communication.
4. Apply knowledge by using multiple representations and explanations of disciplinary concepts; using different viewpoints, theories, “ways of knowing,’ and methods of inquiry in the teaching of subject matter content; evaluating curriculum for comprehensive­ness, accuracy, and usefulness; engaging students in generating knowledge and testing hypotheses through inquiry; developing and using curricula that encourage students to see and interpret ideas from diverse perspectives; and creating interdisciplinary learning experiences.

Outcomes Assessment Activities

The knowledge and skills of students in the Early Childhood Education major are assessed at three points in their program: admission to education, during the semester prior to the capstone term (student teaching or practicum), and at program completion. Assessment activities include the faculty’s review of:

1. performance documented in students’ eportfolios;
2. scores on standardized tests of general education and content knowledge;
3. ratings of proficiency on program standards by PK-3 classroom teachers, University faculty, and student teacher or practicum supervisors based on direct observation;
4. self-evaluations/ ratings of proficiency on program standards by program completers and graduates one year after teaching; and
5. ratings of proficiency by PK-3 supervisors after graduates have been employed for one year.

Specific Program Requirements

Program Overview

Requirements for admission and retention in the School of Education are included in the description of the School of Education section of this catalog and in the Teacher Education Handbook.

Students must receive a grade of C or greater in all courses listed as requirements; a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.500 in courses completed in the major at CSU Pueblo is required for admission to student teaching.

Planning Sheet

Disclaimer: The Planning Sheet is designed as a guide for student's planning their course selections. The information on this page provides only a suggested schedule. Actual course selections should be made with the advice and consent of an academic advisor. While accurately portraying the information contained in the college catalog, this form is not considered a legal substitute for that document. Students should become familiar with the catalog in effect at the time in which they entered the institution.

Note: Students are not allowed to count the same courses completed for general education requirements as course requirements in the Early Childhood Education major.