Executive Summary Birth to Five Program
Background and Program Goals
The Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education is the largest elementary
program in the University system. The Kennesaw State University, Bagwell College of
Education, has earned a reputation in the northwest crescent and surrounding
communities for delivering excellent P-5 educators. This reputation has been the impetus
for the continuing growth in both the P-5 certification program and the Master’s Degree
programs.
For years educational researchers, public policy analysts and teacher educators have
advocated the necessity for strengthening the quality preparation for early childhood
professionals. This need has been documented in many reports, for example in the report
written by Diane Edwards in the Early Childhood Research and Practice entitled, Public
Factors That Contribute to School Readiness, Edwards writes, “For early childhood
teachers, teacher certification may well be another step toward professionalizing the field.
More-qualified and better-paid teachers would certainly enhance the learning
opportunities for children.”
At Kennesaw State University, believe that teaching practices in early childhood
education should be characterized by promoting high levels of achievement among all
children and their families, responding sensitively and appropriately to a wide range of
the children’s diverse needs and cultural traditions. This goal can be achieved by
implementing pedagogy that encompasses working collaboratively with other
professionals such as special education teachers, social workers, health care professionals,
and families. This program will also provide a cadre of early childhood professionals to
meet the growing demands for professionally prepared early educators. We will seek
candidates who are passionate about providing exemplary services and systems for our
most vulnerable babies and families and addressing barriers to healthy development. We
are looking for current and future leaders across a variety of fields including pediatrics,
nursing, early care and education, psychiatry, psychology, child development, allied
health professions, special education, social work, public policy, and community
organizations. Candidates should have a specific vision for change and a desire to
promote collaboration and cooperation across.
The Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education believes it vitally
important to prepare candidates for a diverse population of students. Immigration is
contributing to an increasingly diverse racial and ethnic population in Georgia, and we
having highly qualified diverse early educators is essential in meeting the demands of the
increasing diversity in Georgia.
Bachelor of Science in Birth to Five
A four-year program preparing students for careers in the field of early childhood.
Content Areas Include
I.
Historical and Theoretical Foundations
II.
Application of pedagogy and early learning research-based content
III.
Early Learning and Teacher Education Field Practices
IV.
Emphasis on development of early educators as reflective and active
adult learners
V.
Local capacity building and classroom implementation
The Birth to Five bachelor's degree program prepares students for careers in the field of
child development, including early childhood education and infant and children's
programs in public or private schools and social agencies. Through instructional and
experiential learning, students study child growth and development as they relate to
children in school, family, and community settings.
The Birth to Five Program is based on the philosophy that the emotional, social, physical,
and intellectual needs of each human being are interrelated. All four areas must be valued
and nurtured in early childhood education programs, for as they exercise their developing
physical, sensory, and cognitive abilities, children also gain important feelings of selfesteem, competency, and mastery.
The major is designed as a complete four year program at Kennesaw State University.
However, community college coursework in Early Childhood Education is fully
transferable. Community college units may be transferred towards the B.S. degree. The
degree requires a minimum of XX semester hours in the major. At least XX of these
hours must be in upper division courses.
Upon completing the B.S. degree program, students are eligible for the Child
Development Program Director’s Permit issued by the Georgia Commission on Teacher
Credentialing and a B-5 certification.
Accelerated Program for Returning - Working Students
The Department will offer an accelerated program for adults who are working and who
want to earn a bachelor's degree in child development. Depending upon the demand for
the program, cohorts may be added to accommodate specific groups of candidates, such
as Head Start Teachers and other public or preschool teachers.
This highly individualized program features flexibility, a respect for experiential learning,
and personalized counseling. Courses are offered at times convenient for working
students - evenings and weekends.
Admission Requirements and Procedures
Applications to Kennesaw State University's Department of Elementary and Early
Childhood Education are available from the University's Office of Admissions.
Applicants with an associate degree from an accredited Georgia community college may
receive full credit for their degree. Transfer students from four-year accredited colleges
may transfer a maximum of 96 units. The three major requirement for admission to the
program include: (1) a 2.75 GPA (2) completion of Area F in the list of courses program
requirements, and documented evidence of 40 hours of service or volunteer work in an
approved early education program is required for admission to the program.