Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood Education Degree with Licensure | 90% Online
The hybrid Early Childhood Education program is designed for students to swiftly complete their B.S. with birth-to-age-five licensure while continuing to work full-time.
The need for teachers with early childhood education licensure is high throughout Vermont. With courses mostly online, students across the state can benefit from Lyndon’s highly regarded Education program.
- To complete the program in five semesters, an Associates of Arts or bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required.
- 2,000 hours of documented work experience with children age birth-age 5
- Completion of Intro to Early Childhood Education course.
- Easiest transition is made for students from CCV as the course is tailored to students coming from their ECE program.
To finish the program in five semesters, you will need to certify your 2,000 hours of work with children from birth to age five. Click below to fill out the certification form.
Early Childhood Education, B.S.
If you have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, Lyndon’s new Early Childhood Education degree can be completed in only five semesters! This degree is the first of its kind in the Vermont State College system. Courses are 90% online.
This degree is fully articulated to the Community College of Vermont Associates of Arts in Early Childhood degree, aligning the coursework directly and seamlessly to a five-semester completion of a B.S. in Early Childhood Education with licensure.
As part of successful completion of the program, students will obtain a B.S. in Early Childhood Education and be recommended for licensure as a birth-to-age-five teacher in the state of Vermont. They will also complete and pass a Level 1 Licensure Portfolio, take and pass the PRAXIS Core test, and demonstrate their status as a highly qualified teacher in Vermont for birth to age five.
A Degree Designed with You in Mind
- Have an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education? Complete a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education leading to a Vermont Early Childhood teaching license.
- Have a bachelor’s degree? Complete coursework leading to a Vermont Early Childhood teaching license.
- Are you a licensed teacher who would like to add an early childhood endorsement?
This program is for you!
Course Sequence Year to Year
Students completing this concentration would be eligible for licensure in early childhood education (Birth–age 5) in Vermont.
* This assumes students have completed an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education from an accredited institution.
**Students are also required to take at least 9 credits of 3000 and/or 4000 level Liberal Studies courses in addition to the below ECE coursework, if not already earned elsewhere.
Full Course Sequence
| Course number | Course name | Credits | Required year/Semester/Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECE 8880 | Early Childhood Techniques | 3 | 1St Fall 5w1 |
| ECE 8820 | Infant & Toddler Techniques | 3 | 1St Fall 5w2 |
| ECE 8840 | Advanced Early Childhood Development | 3 | 1St Fall 5w3 |
| ECE 8850 | Managing an ECE Classroom | 3 | 1st Spring 5w1 |
| ECE 8860 | Ethical Considerations for Early Childhood | 3 | 1st Spring 5w2 |
| ECE 8870 | Inclusive Teaching for Early Educators | 3 | 1st Spring 5w3 |
| ECE 8920 | Educational Theory for Teachers of Young Children | 3 | 1st Su 5w1 |
| ECE 8940 | Developmentally Appropriate Programming: Infants and Toddlers | 3 | 1st Su 5w2 |
| ECE 8950 | Developmentally Appropriate Programming: Preschool | 3 | 1St Su 5w3 |
| ECE 4020 | Authentic Assessment of Young Children | 3 | 2nd Fall 5w1 |
| ECE 4040 | Using Inquiry for Math and Science with Young Children | 3 | 2nd Fall 5w2 |
| ECE 4080 | Language & Literacy in Early Childhood | 3 | 2nd Fall 5w3 |
| ECE 4250 | e-Portfolio Development | 1 | 2nd Spring |
| ECE 4780 | Student Teaching Seminar | 2 | 2nd Spring |
| ECE 4811 | Teaching Early Childhood Education | 12 | 2nd Spring |
First Year
| Fall | Spring | Summer | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECE 3830 | Early Childhood Techniques (3 credits) | ECE 3850 | Managing an ECE Classroom (3 credits) | ECE 3920 | Educational Theory for Teachers of Young Children (3 credits) |
| ECE 3820 | Infant & Toddler Techniques (3 credits) | ECE 3860 | Ethical Considerations for Early Childhood Educators (3 credits) | ECE 3940 | Developmentally Appropriate Programming: Infants & Toddlers (3 credits) |
| ECE 3840 | Advanced Early Childhood Development (3 credits) | ECE 3870 | Inclusive Teaching for Early Educators (3 credits) | ECE 3950 | Developmentally Appropriate Programming: Preschool (3 credits) |
| 3000 or 4000 level | Liberal Studies (3 credits) | 3000 or 4000 level | Liberal Studies (3-4 credits) | 3000 or 4000 level | Liberal Studies (3 credits) (not required) |
| Semester total: 12 credits | Semester total: 12 credits | Semester total: 12 credits |
Second Year
| Fall | Spring | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Semester total: 9-12 credits | Semester total: 15 credits | ||
| ECE 4020 | Authentic Assessment of Young Children (3 credits) | EDU 4250 | e-Portfolio Development (1 credit) |
| ECE 4040 | Using Inquiry for Math and Science with Young Children (3 credits) | EDU 4730 | Student Teaching Seminar (2 credits) |
| ECE 4080 | Language and Literacy in Early Childhood Classrooms (3 credits) | ECE 4811 | Teaching Early Childhood Education (12 credits) |
| 3000 or 4000 level | Liberal Studies (3 credits) (if not taken in summer) |
Frequently Asked Questions
You've got questions, we've got answers!
What are the requirements to be accepted and then complete the program in five semesters?
- To complete the program in five semesters, an Associates of Arts or bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required.
- 2,000 hours of documented work experience with children age birth-age 5
- Completion of Intro to Early Childhood Education course.
- Easiest transition is made for students from CCV as the course is tailored to students coming from their ECE program.
Is there an application deadline for the program?
- Lyndon has rolling admissions, but the online ECE program only accepts and admits students enrolling for the fall semester.
What will students have to pay for this program?
- Because this program differs from all other Lyndon degree programs, the tuition will be set up differently. Please check with Admissions about tuition costs.
What will a student’s course load look like while they are enrolled in the program?
- To stay on track and complete the program in 5 semesters, students must take at least 9 credits per semester. Each education course is 5 weeks long and semesters are 15 weeks (i.e. 3 courses in 1 semester = 9 credits).
- Students entering with an Associates of Arts degree must take at least 3-4 3000-4000 level classes from liberal studies in order to complete the full program. Students entering with an Associates of Science degree will also have to complete portions of the Lyndon general education requirements. Those liberal studies courses can be taken at any Vermont State College institution. Students must also complete and pass the Level 1 Licensure Portfolio:
- In addition, students must also complete and pass the Praxis Core Exam (originally Praxis 1):
What will students graduate from the program with?
Students will graduate with a B.S. in Early Childhood Education, as well as a recommendation for licensure with children from Birth to Age-5 in the state of Vermont only. Students will not be qualified for licensure with anything over a pre-K level.
What is different about this program compared to others?
This program is designed for students who are working full-time, as it will be much easier to schedule their work around their job. It is 90% online, 10% on-campus seminar which means once a semester on Lyndon’s campus. This is the first and only program of its kind in the Vermont State College system. The need for ECE teachers in Vermont is high, and with Lyndon’s already highly regarded education program, an online degree could be a very convenient way to beef up the resume.
When students come to campus for the Saturday seminar, will it be free to park?
All enrolled Lyndon students are eligible for free, on-campus parking in any of the main Lyndon parking lots as long as they register their vehicle with public safety and receive a sticker to put on their car.
Am I required to attend Lyndon’s summer orientation (SOAR) before beginning online courses?
No, orientation for online ECE students will be a Saturday seminar before the beginning of the semester from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. If childcare is needed during the seminar, Lyndon will offer services to students for a donation.
Is academic support available to online students?
The student’s primary academic support outlet will be their instructor, and will likely be conducted through email or other online mediums (example: Google Hangout, etc.) However, Lyndon’s on-campus Academic Support Center is available to all students.
If it is a computer/online related issue, it is best to contact campus IT services:
- Hours: (Summer) Monday, Thursday, and Friday 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Email: HelpDesk@LyndonState.edu; Phone: 802.626.6456
Are the required courses offered every semester, annually, bi-annually, etc.?
Every course is offered at least once a year (fall, summer, or spring). Due to the intensity of the program, if a student fails a course, they will likely have to wait to retake the course the following year.
Will I be required to complete an internship/fieldwork during the program?
Yes, there will be three classes that will involve 30 hours of fieldwork with children of a specific age. This fieldwork can be completed at the student’s place of work (paid or unpaid). Students will find these opportunities on their own, with some guidance from their academic advisor if problems occur.
What are the requirements for licensure?
Students must pass the Praxis Core test before beginning student teaching. Taking and passing the test is the student’s responsibility and requires an additional fee to be paid by the student. You do not need Praxis II in order to be granted licensure in Vermont. Students must also complete and pass all four sections of the Vermont licensure portfolio. Additionally, 9-12 credits of upper-level liberal studies courses are required (people with B.A./B.S. will already have these completed). Students can take these liberal studies courses at any VSC institution.
Will there be a student teaching requirement?
Yes, it will occur during the last semester (15 weeks) of the 5-semester program. It can be completed in a student’s place of employment (paid or non-paying) as long as the children are ages birth-5. Students will be assigned a mentor to oversee their student teaching requirement. Further information about the student teaching requirement can be discussed with the program advisor.
What will the seminars consist of? Is it possible to be excused from them?
Seminars will take place the Saturday before every semester from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. They will cover topics that will be needed for the upcoming semester, such as times for advising, learning how to utilize the library and/or online databases, required technology, receiving student ID/parking pass, etc. If childcare is needed, it will be provided by Lyndon for a donation. Students can only be excused from a seminar for emergency purposes, and are advised to contact the instructor with any issue.
What types of Financial Aid is available to online ECE students?
Information about scholarships is coming. Contact the Admissions Department directly and ask what scholarships are available to you, as they can be changed and/or updated over time.
Additionally, make sure your FAFSA is complete (Lyndon FAFSA code: 003689). Vermont students should also check with VSAC for additional financial aid help in the form of scholarships and grants.
Tuition and Scholarships
Vermont, In-State Tuition
| Fall 2018 | Spring 2019 | Summer 2019 | |
| In-State tuition (full-time, 12 credits) | $5,472 | $5,472 | $5,472 |
| Student Activity Fee | $143 | $143 | $143 |
| Capital Development Fee | $422 | $422 | $422 |
| Vimeo fee (once annually) | $30 | ||
| Total | $6,067 | $6,067 | $6,067 |
| Fall 2018 | Spring 2019 | Summer 2019 | |
| Tuition (part-time, 9 credits) | $4,104 | $4,104 | $4,104 |
| Student Activity Fee | $108 | $108 | $108 |
| Capital Development Fee | $317 | $317 | $317 |
| Vimeo fee (once annually) | $30 | ||
| Total | $4,559 | $4,559 | $4,559 |
Scholarships for ECE Students
Early Childhood Education students are eligible for scholarship support from Northern Vermont University. Learn more here.
Contact
Admissions Office
Admissions@LyndonState.edu
Vail 305
1.800.225.1998