Teach & Inspire the Next Generation: New Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education

Completion Program for Transfer Students

Want to learn more and get started at SUNY Empire?

What is Early Childhood Education?

As a student in the Early Childhood Education program, you will examine the processes involved in teaching and learning for children from birth through grade 2.

The program philosophy is rooted in the Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators (NAEYC, 2020) and the core body of knowledge, skills, values, and dispositions early childhood educators must demonstrate to effectively promote the development, learning, and well-being of all young children.

When you graduate from the B.S. in Early Childhood Education program, you will receive New York State B-2 Initial Certification, which makes you eligible for employment as an early childhood teacher within New York State (after meeting other certification requirements, including passing a background check).

 

4 Reasons to Get Your B.S. in Early Childhood Education

Reason #1: Flexibility

The majority of this program is online.

However, there are two parts that are NOT online:

  • In-person observation hours
  • Practicum student teaching placements in the community

Our students have found that the flexibility of online learning helps them continue (and complete) their education no matter how busy or stressful their life gets.

 

Reason #2: Opportunity

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment rate for preschool instructors is expected to grow by 3% through 2032. While this growth isn’t as explosive as some industries, it does show consistent demand.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics also predicts 56,300 new preschool teacher job opportunities to become available per year during this period.

With a degree in Early Childhood Education, you can make a positive impact on the lives of young children and their families.

You play a crucial role in helping children form a solid foundation for the rest of their life.

 

Reason #3: SUNY Quality

With our B.S. in Early Childhood Education, you get the benefit of the SUNY name.

SUNY (State University of New York) is the largest public-serving higher education system in the world. Not only that, SUNY has an outstanding reputation for quality.

People around the U.S. — and even worldwide now — know the SUNY name and what it means. This is good news for you if you get a degree with SUNY Empire.

Now, speaking of the quality, here’s a glimpse at the curriculum.

The B.S. in Early Childhood Education program has a compelling curriculum, including subjects like…

  • Child psychology/development
  • Foundations of education
  • Special education
  • Emergent literacy and language
  • Curriculum planning and assessment
  • Young children and technology

The curriculum also provides a strong foundation in planning and implementing intentional, developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate learning experiences that encourage:

  • Social and emotional development
  • Physical development and health
  • Cognitive development
  • Language and literacy development
  • Culturally responsive engagement between home, school, and the community
  • General learning competencies

 

Reason #4: Affordability

When it comes to higher education, questions always come up:

  • “How expensive is it?”
  • “Is it going to put me in massive debt?”
  • “Is it even worth it these days?”

Thankfully, a degree with us is a fraction of what you’ll pay for many private and for-profit institutions.

HOW DOES SUNY EMPIRE’S COST PER CREDIT TUITION COMPARE?

SUNY Empire: $295 (for New York state residents)

  • Southern New Hampshire University: $320
  • Strayer University: $328.89
  • Capella University: $357/$415 (varies by course level)
  • Purdue Global: $371
  • University of Phoenix: $398
  • Grand Canyon University: $485
  • Excelsior University: $510
  • DeVry University: $514

Keep in mind that many traditional universities can cost $1,000+ per credit to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Remember, our B.S. in Early Childhood Education comes with SUNY affordability and reputation.

That means high-quality education at the most affordable price possible.

This combination gives you a return on your investment.

Paraprofessionals who are accepted into this new program may be eligible for a scholarship. If you hold a valid NYS certification as a Teaching Assistant, and can provide documentation of employment as a paraprofessional, you are eligible to apply!

Note: This Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education program is a “completion program” for transfer students to finish their degree at SUNY Empire.

 

Your Next Step

If you’re interested in getting your B.S. in Early Childhood Education, enter your information on this page to get started.