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Early Childhood/Childhood Education Program | Fredonia.edu
Early Childhood/Childhood Education Program | Fredonia.edu
Early Childhood/Childhood Education
Program at Fredonia
What we offer
Bachelor of Science in Education
Who to contact
Education
edu@fredonia.edu
716-673-3701
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Apply Now
Start Strong: Teach, Inspire, Transform
Choosing a career in education is a bold commitment—and the Early Childhood/Childhood Education program at Fredonia gives you the strongest possible start. This dual-certification Bachelor of Science program prepares you to teach children from Birth through Grade 6, opening doors to in-demand teaching positions across New York State and beyond. From your very first semester, you’ll step into real classrooms, connect theory with practice, and learn what it takes to genuinely shape young minds. Backed by the
Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP)
, a nationally recognized accrediting body, and decades of alumni success, Fredonia’s program is both an inspiring path for future educators and a reliable investment for families seeking a meaningful, stable career for their student.
What You’ll Gain
Dual Certification
– Earn credentials in Early Childhood (Birth–Grade 2) and Childhood Education (Grades 1–6), expanding your employment opportunities.
Authentic Classroom Experience
– Enter real classrooms in your first semester to apply instructional strategies, gather pupil data, and reflect on teaching practice.
Theory-to-Practice Integration
– Connect coursework directly to fieldwork through four structured, well-supervised clinical experiences.
Instructional Confidence
– Plan, teach, assess, and adapt lessons in general education settings under close faculty mentorship.
Professional Readiness
– Graduate prepared for student teaching placements, certification requirements, and immediate entry into the workforce.
Global Perspective
– Access study-abroad and exchange opportunities—including the long-running U.K. exchange—to deepen your understanding of diverse learning environments.
Career Pipeline Support
– Gain access to internship and student-teaching partnerships that lead directly to job opportunities.
Financial Advantage
– Benefit from scholarships made available through nearly two dozen education endowments.
Transfer Students: Complete Your Early Childhood/Childhood Education Degree Online
Transfer students may be able to complete the Early Childhood/Childhood Education program in a flexible online format.
Designed for students with prior college coursework
Transfer credits evaluated individually
Online options vary based on academic background
Learn more about transferring to Fredonia
Professional Licensure Disclosure
Career Opportunities for Early Childhood/Childhood Education
Assistant Principal
Curriculum Specialist
Early Childhood Educator
Elementary Educator
Special Education Teacher
Childcare Center Director
District Administrator
Educational Program Director
Instructional Coach
School Principal
What is Trauma-Informed Care?
What does a 4-year degree look like?
Early Childhood-Childhood Education, B.S.Ed
Sample Degree Map
The
Early Childhood-Childhood Education, B.S.Ed
degree prepares graduates to become certified in New York State to teach children from Birth to Grade 6. The Early Childhood/Childhood Education program prepares candidates to assume the role of the general education teacher with specific understanding of the unique needs of children across this age range. They are prepared to link and apply knowledge of child development content and teaching strategies to match children’s ways of learning. Through a series of early field-based experiences, program candidates have multiple opportunities to plan, instruct, reflect, and respond to learner needs - setting the foundation for future success.
The State University of New York at Fredonia is committed to doing our part to provide each student a clear path to graduation. This four-year degree plan is a sample map for fulfilling requirements in the major, the Fredonia Foundations (FF), and other supporting courses. The pathway that you take to your degree may differ somewhat from this illustration, depending on where you start and the detours and side trips you may take along the way. If you are committed to completing your degree in four years, we encourage you to consider signing up for the Fredonia in 4 program. For complete information about this degree program, please consult the university catalog at
www.fredonia.edu/catalog
Sample Degree Plan
First Year
Fall Semester
Course
Title
Credits
EDU 105
Intro. to Contemporary Inclusive Edu.
EDU 106
Practicum in Inclusive Ed I
Concentration Course
ENGL 100
Craft of Writing
FF
Course
FF
Course
TOTAL
16
Spring Semester
Course
Title
Credits
EDU 225
Child Development
MATH 201
Concepts of Foundational Math
Concentration Course
Concentration Course
FF
Course
TOTAL
15
Second Year
Fall Semester
Course
Title
Credits
EDU 221
Intro. to Early Childhood Education
EDU 222
Practicum in Early Childhood
EDU 295
Intro to Educational Assessment
MUED 215
Music, Play, and Self
Concentration Course
FF
Course
TOTAL
16
Spring Semester
Course
Title
Credits
EDU 250
Intro to the Exceptional Learner
EDU 251
Practicum in Inclusive Ed II
EDU 276
Literacy/Tech in Inclusive Edu.
MATH 202
Concepts of Foundational Math II
Concentration Course
FF
Course
TOTAL
16
Third Year
Fall Semester
Course
Title
Credits
EDU 305
Cultural Diversity in the Classroom
EDU 313
Practicum in Inclusive Ed III
EDU 349
Educational Psychology
Concentration Course
Concentration Course
TOTAL
13
Spring Semester
Course
Title
Credits
EDU 303
SAVE/DASA/Fire & Arson
EDU 304
Safe Schools & Healthy Students
EDU 315
Early Childhood Curriculum Development
Concentration Course
Concentration Course
Concentration Course
TOTAL
14
Fourth Year
Fall Semester
Course
Title
Credits
EDU 402
Teaching Math in Inclusive Ed
EDU 403
Teaching Science in Inclusive Ed
EDU 404
Teaching Social Studies in Inclusive Ed
EDU 405
Teaching Literacy in Inclusive Ed
EDU 406
Literacy & Assessment in Inclusive Ed
TOTAL
15
Spring Semester
Course
Title
Credits
EDU 416
Capstone Seminar
EDU 438
Student Teaching, B-2
EDU 439
Student Teaching, 3-6
TOTAL
15
GRAND TOTAL:
This Sample Degree Map is based on the requirements published in the
University Catalog
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Transfer JCC-to-Fredonia: Childhood Education, A.S. to Early Childhood-Childhood Education, B.S.Ed.
Sample Degree Map
The
Early Childhood-Childhood Education, B.S.Ed.
degree prepares graduates to become certified in New York State to teach children from Birth to Grade 6. Students are prepared to assume the role of the general education teacher with specific understanding of the unique needs of children across this age range. They are prepared to link and apply knowledge of child development content and teaching strategies to match children’s ways of learning. Through a series of early field-based experiences, program candidates have multiple opportunities to plan, instruct, reflect, and respond to learner needs - setting the foundation for their future success in schools. There are seven concentrations available in English, Math, Music, Natural Science, Social Sciences, STEM, and World Languages.
The State University of New York at Fredonia is committed to doing our part to provide transfer students a clear path to graduation. This four-year degree plan is a sample map for fulfilling requirements at your Community College and Fredonia. The pathway that you take to your degree may differ somewhat from this illustration, depending on where you start and the decisions you make along the way. Equivalent transfer courses are listed on the map with additional transfer notes provided at the end. Visit our
Transfer Credit Equivalency page
for additional transfer course information. For complete information about this degree program, please consult the Fredonia University catalog at
www.fredonia.edu/catalog.
Information regarding completion of an AA/AS degree should be directed to your Community College.
Sample Degree Plan
First Year
- JCC
Fall Semester
Course JCC
Fredonia Equivalent
Credits
EDU 1510
EDU 105/106 Intro Contemp Inclusive Ed/Practicum I
PSY 1510
PSY 129 Foundations of Psychology
Prog Core Spec Elect
Concentration Course
ENG 1510
ENGL 099 Non Major Transfer Elective
World Lang: Rec ASL 1510/SPA 1510/FRE 1510
ASL 110 Intro to Sign Lang/SPAN 1TR 100 Level Elect/FREN 1TR 100 Level Elective
TOTAL
15
Spring Semester
Course JCC
Fredonia Equivalent
Credits
PSY 2520
EDU 225 Child Development EC/CH
Prog Core Spec Elect
Concentration Course
Math Elective - MAT 1500 or MAT 1540
MATH 099/STAT 200
ENG 1530
ENGL 100 Craft of Writing
World Lang: Rec ASL 1520 SPA 1520 or FRE 1520
ASL 215 Interm Sign Lang, SPAN 110 Essential Spanish or FREN 110 Essential French
TOTAL
15
Second Year
- JCC
Fall Semester
Course JCC
Fredonia Equivalent
Credits
Prog Core Spec Elect
Concentration Course
Prog Core Elect - EDU 2450/EDU 2460*
EDU 250 Intro to Except. Learner/EDU 251 - Practicum II*
HIST 1530 or 1540*
HIST 222 Surv Early US Hist or HIST 223 Surv Modern US Hist*
Elective Recommend: HIST 1510*
HIST 243 Pre-Modern Global History*
Prog Core Spec Elect - MAE 2510*
MATH 201 Concepts Found Math I*
TOTAL
16
Spring Semester
Course JCC
Fredonia Equivalent
Credits
Prog Core Spec Elect*
Concentration Course*
Prog Core Elect - EDU 2500**
EDU 276 Literacy & Tech Inc Educ**
Science Elective -BIOL 1510
BIOL 099 Non Major Elective
Elective - MAE 2520*
MATH 202 Concepts Found Math II*
Elective - EDU 1290*
EDU 221/222 Intro Early Childhood ED/Practicum*
TOTAL
15
Third Year
- Fredonia
Fall Semester
Course Fredonia
Fredonia Equivalent
Credits
EDU 303
SAVE/DASA/Fire and Arson
EDU 304
Safe Schools & Healthy Student
EDU 349
Educational Psychology
MUED 215
Music, Play and Self
Concentration Course
Concentration Course
Concentration Course
Upper Level Concentration
Concentration Course
Upper Level Concentration
TOTAL
17
Spring Semester
Course
Title
Credits
EDU 295
Intro to Educational Assessment
EDU 305
Cultural Diversity in the Classroom
EDU 313
Field Experience
EDU 315
EDU 315 Early Childhood Curriculum Development
Concentration Course
Upper Level Concentration
Concentration Course
Upper Level Concentration
TOTAL
16
Fourth Year
- Fredonia
Fall Semester
Course
Title
Credits
EDU 402
Teaching Math in Inclusive Ed
EDU 403
Teaching Science in Inclusive Ed
EDU 404
Teaching Social Studies in Inclusive Ed
EDU 405
Teaching Literacy in Inclusive Ed
EDU 406
Teaching Literacy, Gr 3-6
Concentration Course
Upper Level Concentration
TOTAL
18
Spring Semester
Course
Title
Credits
EDU 416
Capstone Seminar
EDU 438
Student Teaching Birth-2
EDU 439
Student Teaching Gr 3-6
TOTAL
15
GRAND TOTAL:
*Students must earn a B or higher in EDU 1510 (105/106), PSY 2520 (EDU 225) , EDU 1290 (221/222) and a B- or higher in EDU 2450/2460 (both 2450 and 2460 must be taken to earn credit for EDU 250/251)
*Students have a minimum 3.0 cumulative average for admission to the department.
*Note - Second Year, First Semester -
Both EDU 2450 and EDU 2460 must be taken to earn credit for EDU 250/251
*Note - Second Year, First Semester -
HIS 1530 or 1540 US Hist I/II to satisfy a SUNY Gen Ed requirement
*Note - Second Year, First Semester -
Fredonia recommends taking HIST 1510 (JCC) = HIST 243 (Fredonia) as an elective
*Note - Second Year, First Semester -
Fredonia recommends taking MAE 2510 (JCC) = MATH 201 (Fredonia), as a Program Core Special Elective
**Note - Second Year, Second Semester -
Fredonia recommends taking EDU 2500 (JCC) = EDU 276 (Fredonia) as a Program Core Elective. EDU 2500 (EDU 276) should be taken at JCC but can be taken at Fredonia if needed.
*Note - Second Year, Second Semester -
Fredonia recommends taking MAE 2520 (JCC) = MATH 202 (Fredonia) as an Elective.
*Note - Second Year, Second Semester -
Fredonia recommends taking EDU 1290 (JCC) = EDU 221/222 (Fredonia) as an Elective.
* A concentration is a minimum of 30 credit hours. Depending on the concentration selected, it may take longer than 4 semesters to complete the BS degree. Or, students may opt to take more than 15 credits a semester.
Concentrations:
Students must select a concentration for the major and should take a minimum of 12 credits in the concentration at JCC. Concentrations are listed below.
: ENG 1540 (ENGL 106) is a required course for the major and should be taken at JCC
- A maximum of 6 additional credits will transfer to Fredonia at the 200 level; students may transfer courses that transfer as ENGL or WRTG subject codes
- The following courses transfer as upper level ENGL courses (9 credits maximum):ENG 2570 (ENGL 315), 2660 (3TR), ENG 2870 (ENGL 408), ENG 2890 (ENGL 363)
*MATH:
MAE 2510 (MATH 201); MAE 2520 (MATH 202), MAT 1710/1720/2650 (MATH 122/123/223); additional course: MAT 2670 (MATH 231)
*MUSIC:
MUS 1570 (1MT in place of MUS 101); MUS 1580 (1MT in place of MUS 102), MUS 1630 (MUS 113); MUS 1680 (MUED 210); MUS 1700 (MUED 211), MUS 1530 (MUS 350)electives: MUS 1510 (MUS 115); MUS 1590 (MUS 262); MUS 1730 (MUED 291). ) A total of 6 ensemble credits may be applied to the concentration.
NATURAL SCIENCE
: Students will complete courses in THREE science fields: Physical, Life, or Earth/Space Science
Physical Science
: 6 credits from: PHY 1610 (PHYS 121/123), PHY 1620 (PHYS 122/124); any Chemistry course
Life Science
: 6 credits from: BIO 1500 (BIOL 110), BIO 1570 (BIO 133/134), BIO 1580 (BIOL 131/132), and one of the following: BIO 1550/1551 or BIO 2570 or ANT 2600 or CMM 2600 or PHL 2570 all equate to ESCI 105
Earth/Space Science
: 6 credits from: GLG 1510 (GEO 165/169), GLG 1810 (GEO 160), AST 1510 (PHYS 118)
9 elective credits at any level from the Natural Science Disciplines listed above
*SOCIAL SCIENCES:
Students must take HIS 1510 (HIST 243); and HIS 1530 (HIST 222) AND/OR HIST 1540 (HIST 223)
12 credits can transfer at the lower division (100/200) and 12 credits can transfer at the upper division (300/400) from at least TWO different disciplines from the following subjects: Anthropology, Economics, History, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology
The following transfer at the upper level (300/400): GEO 1520 (POLI 352), HIS 2590 (HIST 356), HIS 2610 (HIST 335), HUS 2250 (POLI 382), POL 2530 (POLI 371), POL 2570 (POLI 322), POL 2860 (POLI 348), PSY 2530 (POLI 345), PSY 2560 (POLI 356), PSY 2580 (PSY 358), SOC 2510 (SOC 320), SOC 2540 (SOC 310), SOC 2580 (HIST 359), SOC 2590 (SOC 306)
**STEM:
MAE 2510 (MATH 201), MAE 2520 (MATH 202) 18 credits from two of the following subjects: chemistry, computer science, geoscience, math, physics, statistics
*WORLD LANGUAGES:
Spanish : SPA 2510 (SPAN 215), SPA 2520 (SPAN 216), SPA 2530 (SPAN 315), SPA 2550 (SPAN 313)
or
French FRE 2510 (FREN 215), 2520 (FREN 216)
Electives: Students will choose one option below. Both options will require students to complete upper level courses in their primary major at Fredonia
1 - Approved study abroad experience (3-15 credits) in a non-English Speaking country which will develop fluency in the primary language/and or additional 300/400 level language courses in literature, civilization, or advanced language courses in the primary major.
OR
2- Nine credits in literature, civilization or advanced language courses in the primary language plus beginning level courses (6 credits) in a secondary language (xx1510/1520).
This
Sample Transfer Path
is based on the requirements published in the
University Catalog
Transfer Policy:
SUNY General Education/Fredonia Foundations:
Students who earned an AA/AS SUNY Degree in 2015 or later, or completed the SUNY Gen Ed requirement prior to transferring, will have satisfied Fredonia Foundations, our local general education requirement. Students who earned any other SUNY Degree may need to complete additional Fredonia Foundation courses at Fredonia. Such students should consult with their current advisor regarding the SUNY Gen Ed requirement and applicable courses. All SUNY General Education courses will be verified by the General Education Transcript Addendum, GETA, which is sent with the SUNY transcript.
Transfer Credit Policy:
Please refer to our
Transfer Credit Policy
in the College Catalog for current information.
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What are all the required and elective courses offered to obtain this degree?
View Full Curriculum
EDU 315 Early Childhood Curriculum Development
A methods class designed to help candidates further their knowledge and skills to plan and implement developmentally appropriate learning activities for young children (birth - age 8). Emphasis on integrated curriculum planning to meet developmental needs of young learners.
MUED 315 Music, Play, and Self
A course primarily for students with little or no previous musical knowledge or skill. Examines the relationships among music, play and self, especially with regard to children. Emphasizes activity, creativity and personal expression.
EDU 305 Cultural & Linguistic Diversity of Students and Families
An introduction to basic concepts, theories, and issues involving multicultural education, cultural diversity, and the educational system. Emphasis is on the development of a sound theoretical framework from which practical application to classroom situations will evolve. Candidates will teach, interact with, and/or observe children and youth from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and employ a variety of teaching strategies.
It's Different Here
Starting Day 1
Real classroom experience begins your first semester and continues across four structured placements.
$50,000
Education students benefit from nearly $50,000 in available scholarship funding through dedicated endowments.
25 Year Exchange
The U.K. Exchange Program has been running for 25 years, offering international study opportunities.
Why Early and Childhood Education at Fredonia?
Mentored, Connected Fieldwork
Each field placement is directly linked to a required education course, ensuring you apply what you learn immediately with close faculty and mentor support.
AAQEP National Accreditation
Fredonia’s educator preparation programs are nationally accredited by AAQEP, ensuring rigorous academic and professional standards.
Hamburg Internship Program
This long-standing program provides a direct pathway to student teaching and employment opportunities in a respected local district.
Shape Young Minds. Build Your Career.
Internship and student-teaching partnerships lead directly to job opportunities.
Explore Student Services
You Belong at Fredonia
One of my favorite things about Fredonia is that I have been in a classroom since my freshman year. So every year, at least one semester, I'm in a classroom getting hands on experience with students, doing lesson plans and working on reading and development. So I'm automatically applying what I'm learning in the classroom into a real life classroom with children. And it's helped my experience immensely.
— Kayla Makosiej
Kayla Makosiej
Class of 2022
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