Early Childhood Education Degree Programs in Utah

The accredited education degree programs in Utah listed below provide the education necessary for a rewarding career in early childhood education. The need for quality early education teachers continues to grow with the growth of preschools and childcare centers. Early education can be a great boost to success in elementary education by providing the proper educational building blocks needed. Early intervention for children with disabilities can go a long way toward unlocking their potential. Graduates of the following programs become qualified education professionals helping children and families reach their goals.

Southern Utah University

Department of Teacher Education and Family Development

The Department of Teacher Education and Family Development in the Beverly Taylor Sorenson College of Education and Human Development strives to be one of the top accredited education degree programs in Utah. The department offers programs in Early/Secondary Education and Family Life and Human Development. The department is dedicated to developing educators and practitioners who are prepared to bring excellence, empathy and cultural sensitivity to their professions. The programs use a combination of academic study and practical experience to achieve these goals.

Bachelors of Family Life and Human Development in Early Childhood Development

The Early Childhood Development track of the Family Life and Human Development degree prepares students with studies and practice in childhood development, curriculum planning, teaching and guidance. The program is designed to develop students who are well equipped to deal with the family and child lifespan in society today. Courses are offered on child development, marriage and family relationships, nutrition, effective parenting, exceptional education, family education, curriculum development, guidance, family finance and first aid. In addition to coursework, students are required to complete an early childhood teaching practicum to gain real world experience. All students at Southern Utah University are also required to complete experiential education courses to develop skills in planning and leadership. Graduates of the program go on to work in preschools, social service programs, youth in crisis programs and other early childhood education programs. The demand for students with these degrees is high.

Accreditations

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

Contact

Southern Utah University

Department of Teacher Education & Human Development

351 W. University Blvd.

Cedar City, UT 84720

(435) 586-5420

wilson@suu.edu

https://www.suu.edu/ed/tehd/flhd.html

University of Utah

College of Education

The College of Education at the University of Utah has many attributes that set it apart from other accredited education degree programs in Utah. The chief mission of the college of education is to foster diversity, leadership and excellence in its students through research, community outreach and teaching with the goal of preparing its students to face a dynamic educational community. Degree programs in special education allow students to specialize in specific disabilities such as visual and hearing impairment, mild to severe disabilities and early childhood special education. The Urban Institute for Teacher Education offers programs in elementary, secondary and honors education.

Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Special Education

The goal of the program in Early Childhood Special Education is to provide professional training for a career in the education of young children with disabilities. Emphasis is placed on improving the quality of life for students with disabilities and their families. Successful graduates of the program will be recommended for the Utah Basic Teaching license in Special Education. A background check and Praxis scores are required for admission to the program. In order to be recommended for licensure, students must complete their program coursework with at least a 3.0 GPA and prove professional competency in practicums and student teaching. The first year of the program consists of coursework both in general education, special education and early childhood education. During the second year of the program, students are required to complete 14 to 18 hours per week in a practicum setting followed by a full semester of student teaching.

Master of Science with Licensure in Early Childhood Special Education

The Master of Science with Licensure in Early Childhood Special Education is a thesis track program designed to prepare students for leadership early childhood special education roles in government agencies and institutions of higher education. The program also prepares students for doctoral work in early childhood special education. The program requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework in early childhood special education although additional hours may be required for certifications. Students are required to demonstrate competency in field study and student teaching, maintain a professional portfolio, complete a written qualifying exam and complete a thesis. Students must adhere to professional and ethical standards of behavior in all fieldwork. Coursework includes curriculum and program development; early childhood development; individualizing for special needs; early intervention for toddlers and infants with developmental delays; legal and policy foundations; language development; instruction and behavioral support; and data-based decision making. The program must be completed within four years of starting.

Accreditations

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

Contact

College of Education

1721 Campus Center Drive, SAEC 3202

Salt Lake City, Utah 84112

(801) 581-8221

collegeofeducation@utah.edu

https://education.utah.edu/index.php

Utah Valley University

School of Education

The School of Education at Utah Valley University in Orem provides a number of accredited education degree programs in Utah. The school offers both undergraduate and graduate programs with specialties in elementary education, secondary education and special education and autism. The School of education is actively involved in the community by providing student teachers for local schools and working with education leaders to provide innovations in education at all levels. The university offers professional development programs for parents, educators and policy makers including professional coursework, seminars and special topics. The school offers international student teaching opportunities with its Global Intercultural Engagement program.

Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education

The Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education is designed to prepare students for a career teaching in corporate and private centers, public preschools or Head Start. The program also fulfills most of the requirements for entry into the elementary education program. As well as teaching in preschools and child care centers, graduates of the program are also qualified to be teacher’s aides in elementary classrooms or preschool owners and directors. The program consists of 60 credit hours of coursework and practicum at Orem Elementary preschool. Prior to the practicum, all students must complete a background check and CPR certification. Coursework includes child development, guidance, literacy, curriculum development, computer technology, ethics and health education.

Accreditations

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Contact

Utah Valley University

School of Education, ME116

800 W. University Parkway

Orem, Utah 84058

(801) 863-8228

School_of_Education@uvu.edu

https://www.uvu.edu/education/#departments

There are few careers more rewarding than making a difference in the life of a child. Early education teachers do just that by ensuring that students start elementary school well prepared for a successful school life. Accredited education degree programs in Utah help teachers to achieve their goals.