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Early Care & Education Bachelor's Degree

IDEA's online early care & education for a mobile society (ECEMS) bachelor's degree completion program prepares you to work with diverse groups of young children, families, and communities in a global society. This bachelor's completion program requires previously completed coursework, allowing you to focus directly on the curriculum that prepares you for rewarding careers in early childhood settings with young children, especially those whose family members are highly mobile.

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Coursework and Degree Requirements 48 credit hours

The ECEMS program offers an asynchronous curriculum to meet the needs of working professionals. Two hands-on, in-person practicum experiences coincide with the coursework. Practicum placements need to be in at least two different settings, with two different age groups, and two different cooperating teachers.

Pre-Practicum Courses

Prior to enrolling in Practicum Experiences with Young Children, students must take six credit hours including:

  • Professional Development for Early Childhood Educators
  • and either (a) Child Development―Birth to 3 (Infant/Toddler) or (b) Child Development―3 to 8 (Early Childhood). The Child Development course not previously taken must be taken concurrently with Practicum.
2025202620272028
CourseCreditsSpringSummerFallSpringSummerFallSpringSummerFallSpringSummer
Child Development - Birth to 33Michelle MathewsMUMU
Child Development - Ages 3 to 83Belle ScheefUNLUNLUNL
Professional Development for Early Childhood Educators3Nikki HuckabayNikki HuckabayOSUOSUOSUOSUOSU

Practicum Experiences with Young Children 3 credit hours

Prior to enrolling in Practicum Experiences with Young Children, students must take six credit hours including:

  • Introduction to Early Care and Education in a Mobile Society (Professional Development)
  • and either (a) Child Development―Birth to 3 (Infant/Toddler) or (b) Child Development―4 to 8 (Early Childhood). The Child Development course not previously taken must be taken concurrently with Practicum.
2025202620272028
CourseCreditsSpringSummerFallSpringSummerFallSpringSummerFallSpringSummer
Practicum Experiences with Young Children3Chris KiewraChris KiewraUNLUNLUNLUNLUNL

Core Courses 30 credit hours

Unless the student has prior administrative experience, the Administration and Supervision in Early Childhood Settings course should be taken during a student’s final spring semester. All other required courses may be completed anytime during the program.
2025202620272028
CourseCreditsSpringSummerFallSpringSummerFallSpringSummerFallSpringSummer
Administration and Supervision in Early Childhood Settings3Michelle MathewsMUMUMU
Assessing Young Children and their Environments to Enhance Development3Chris KiewraUNLUNL
Social and Emotional Development and Child-Centered Guidance3Celia Priebe SheddISUISUISU
Development of Curriculum for Children Ages Birth to 33Nikki HuckabayOSUOSU
Development of Curriculum for Children Ages 3 to 83Candace KastrupUNLUNLUNL
Diversity in the Lives of Young Children and Families3Michelle MathewsMUMUMU
Health, Safety, and Nutrition3Nikki HuckabayOSUOSUOSU
Technology and Young Children3Michelle MathewsMUMU
Understanding and Adapting for Developmental Differences3Celia Priebe SheddISUISU
Working with Families3Celia Priebe SheddISUISUISU

Senior Capstone Experience 6 credit hours

This course must be completed after the successful completion of all other ECEMS courses. Prior to enrolling in the Senior Capstone, students must have Senior Standing and instructor permission to enroll. Check with your faculty advisor for more information.
2025202620272028
CourseCreditsSpringSummerFallSpringSummerFallSpringSummerFallSpringSummer
Senior Capstone6Celia Priebe SheddCelia Priebe SheddISUISUISUISUISU