Why Study Integrated Early Childhood (PreK-3) at APSU?
Do you have an interest in teaching young children? You can make a difference in the lives of the youngest learners when you earn a bachelor's degree in Integrated Early Childhood Education, Grades PreK-3rd, at the Eriksson College of Education at Austin Peay State University.
This program at APSU is designed to provide comprehensive training for future educators of young children, focusing on early childhood development and education. The curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical experiences, including fieldwork and student teaching, to ensure graduates are well-prepared for real-world classrooms.
Program Highlights
- Active, hands-on classes and numerous field experiences
- Tennessee teaching license preparation
- Nationally accredited program with high placement rates
- Faculty with extensive training in elementary education content and pedagogy
Is this you?
You're passionate about making a difference in the lives of young children. You find yourself naturally drawn to working with kids, whether you've volunteered at elementary schools, helped with youth programs, or enjoyed babysitting. You're curious about how children's minds develop and how they learn in those critical early years.
You'll thrive in our program if:
- You light up when interacting with children
- You're creative and patient, enjoying activities like crafting, storytelling, or organizing games
- You're interested in child psychology and development
- You want to explore innovative teaching methods and educational technologies
- You've found yourself taking leadership roles in community service, tutoring, or mentoring
Your APSU journey will transform your natural talents into professional skills, preparing you for a rewarding career as a PreK-3rd grade teacher, early childhood specialist, educational program coordinator, curriculum developer, or academic administrator.
Join us at APSU, where your passion for helping young children learn and grow becomes your profession!
Career Outcomes
Recent graduates are thriving as preschool to third-grade teachers, special education teachers, and early childhood education program coordinators/directors in public and private educational institutions.
What Will I Learn?
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Design and implement developmentally appropriate instruction that addresses content-specific skills and concepts for young learners while creating positive, engaging classroom environments.
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Assess student learning through formal and informal methods, analyze results, and use data to provide targeted feedback and plan next steps in instruction.
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Develop strategies to support different language needs and help young children build communication skills essential for content understanding and academic success.
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Create learning experiences that actively engage all students in developing critical thinking skills through effective questioning and subject-specific pedagogical approaches.
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Apply knowledge of child development and individual student needs to differentiate instruction and provide appropriate support for all learners in the PreK-3 classroom.
Program Information
Integrated Early Childhood Education (PreK-3) Program Requirements
Education: Integrated Early Childhood Education (Prek-3) 4 Year Sample Plan
Professional Licensure Disclosure
Students should be aware that licensure and certification requirements vary from state to state and are subject to change. Licensing agencies or boards also may have requirements in addition to an earned degree. APSU recommends that students who are not Tennessee residents or who plan to seek licensure or certification outside the state of Tennessee contact the appropriate licensing agency or board before they enroll in an academic program designed to lead to licensure or certification and discuss their plans with an advisor.
Please visit the Professional Licensure Disclosure webpage to review specific licensure information for your state and academic program.
