Program Overview
The early childhood education degree at the University of Kansas prepares students to support young learners from birth through third grade, including those with disabilities. This unified program leads to a B.S.E. and prepares candidates for Kansas licensure in both early childhood general and special education, providing a strong foundation in child development, instructional strategies, and inclusive teaching methods to ensure future educators can create meaningful learning experiences for all children.
As a student in KU’s bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, you will engage in hands-on learning through classroom experiences, research-based instruction, and extensive supervised field placements in infant/toddler, preschool, and primary grade settings. The curriculum emphasizes fostering social, emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development in young children while equipping future educators with the tools needed to support diverse learning needs across inclusive environments.
With a focus on inclusive early learning, this program integrates coursework in special education, literacy development, family engagement, assessment, and classroom management. Graduates complete a yearlong student teaching internship across early childhood settings, ensuring they are ready to step confidently into professional roles. Graduates of KU’s early childhood education bachelor’s degree are prepared for licensure to teach in early childhood classrooms serving both children with and without disabilities, making them highly competitive for a variety of early childhood education degree jobs.
In addition to meeting state licensure standards, the program aligns with national professional standards for early childhood educators and emphasizes collaboration with families, ethical practice, and advocacy for young children. Students graduate prepared to design developmentally appropriate learning experiences, assess child growth, and partner with interdisciplinary teams to support positive outcomes from birth through age eight.
Learn more about KU
Undergraduate
For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
Unified Early Childhood Education, BSEKU School of Education and Human Sciences
The Bachelor’s of Unified Early Education is part of the School of Education and Human Sciences, preparing educators and human science professionals of the future.Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education Learning Outcomes
Graduates of KU’s early childhood education bachelor’s degree will:
- Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of child development across cognitive, social-emotional, physical, language, and adaptive domains from birth through age eight.
- Design and implement developmentally appropriate, evidence-based instructional practices for children with and without disabilities in inclusive settings.
- Use formal and informal assessment strategies to monitor learning, guide instruction, and support individualized planning.
- Collaborate effectively with families, caregivers, and interdisciplinary professionals to promote child development and well-being.
- Apply ethical, legal, and professional standards related to early childhood and special education practice.
- Reflect on teaching practice and integrate research to continuously improve instruction and advocacy efforts.
These outcomes align with state licensure standards and reflect the early childhood education degree requirements outlined in the KU Academic Catalog.
What Careers Are Possible with a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education?
A bachelor’s degree in early childhood education prepares graduates for diverse roles serving young children and families. According to Lightcast data, early childhood educators earn an average annual salary of approximately $47,000, with steady demand across public schools, private programs, and community-based organizations.
Career paths include:
- Preschool Teacher
- Early Childhood Special Educator
- Kindergarten–3rd Grade Teacher (with appropriate licensure)
- Early Intervention Specialist
- Childcare Center Director
- Family Support Specialist
- Curriculum Coordinator
These roles represent common early childhood education jobs, with opportunities for advancement through graduate study or leadership pathways.
Tuition and Financial Aid
KU offers competitive tuition rates and a variety of financial aid opportunities, including scholarships, grants, and loans. For the most up-to-date information on tuition and financial assistance, visit the KU Financial Aid & Scholarships Office.Admission Requirements
Admission to the early childhood education degree program at KU requires meeting general university freshman and transfer admission standards. This includes:
Freshman
- 3.25 high school GPA (on a 4.0 scale) OR
- An official ACT score of at least 21 or an official SAT score of at least 1060 with a minimum GPA of 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
Transfers
- Have a 2.75 KU + Transfer Cumulative GPA
For detailed admission requirements, visit KU Admissions.
Student Life and Learning Experience
Students in KU’s early childhood education bachelor’s degree program benefit from a strong professional community. Education majors can join organizations such as Kappa Delta Pi, which provides networking, leadership development, and service opportunities.
Throughout the program, students participate in structured field experiences beginning early in their coursework and culminating in a comprehensive student teaching internship. These experiences allow candidates to apply inclusive practices, develop classroom management skills, and build confidence in real-world settings.
The School of Education and Human Sciences also offers advising, mentoring, and career preparation resources to support students from admission through graduation. By the time students complete their bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, they have built a professional portfolio demonstrating mastery of instructional planning, assessment, and collaboration.
Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education Sample Courses
Students pursuing an early childhood education bachelor’s degree complete coursework grounded in research and practice. Sample courses include:
- Introduction to Early Education and Early Childhood Special Education
- Promoting Student Social-Emotional Well-Being
- Constructing Early Childhood Curriculum
- Inclusive Strategies and Intervention for Preschoolers
- The Governance and Organization of Schools
For a complete list of early childhood education degree requirements, including credit hours and sequencing, students should review the KU Catalog.
Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
Applications are open and accepted on a rolling basis.
How long will it take to complete the degree?
Students typically complete this degree in four years.