Online BA in Liberal Studies: Early Childhood Leadership

This course focuses on communicating effectively in a culturally-diverse world. Students receive a solid grounding in Cultural Anthropology combined with Interpersonal Communication theory and practice to develop knowledge and skills essential for communicating effectively across cultural borders. Through lectures, small group discussions, research projects, videos, and guest speakers, students learn first to identify other peoples cultural patterns and then to analyze strategies for adjusting their own communicative styles to resolve and to avoid intercultural conflicts. Students demonstrate proficiency in intercultural theory and practice through writing assignments, including a formal cross-cultural research paper; oral presentations; and a variety of class activities and assignments.

Prerequisite: ENG 114 and ENG 124

This course presents an introduction to the field of early childhood education through an examination of the history and philosophy of early childhood programs and educational theorists with regard to cognitive, social, emotional, language, and physical development. Students will be introduced to the characteristics and instructional implications of moderately and severely disabling conditions. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the development of early childhood programs and environments in relation to the changing needs of modern digitally-dependent and ever-changing society. Required observations at local preschools, child care facilities and public elementary schools will augment classroom activities.

This course provides students with background and context for thinking critically about the challenges facing elementary school educators and the cognitive, social-emotional, and linguistic needs of learners in the classroom. Students will develop an understanding of the characteristics and instructional implications of moderately and severely disabling conditions. With exposure to the major socio-cultural factors that continue to shape education within a complex, students will reflect on their role as future professionals in an ever-changing digitally-dependent society. Observation/fieldwork is required.

This early childhood course studies the theoretical and practical aspects of teaching and caring for young children with respect to their cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Topics include: philosophical constructs, program development, curriculum design and delivery, planning and organization, and instructional and classroom management techniques that meet the cognitive, social, and emotional needs of all learners. Students will be introduced to the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. Students will participate in early childhood setting observations.

Prerequisite: EDU 110

This course continues the study of the theoretical and practical aspects of teaching and caring for young children with respect to their cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Topics include: creative arts, mathematics, science and technology, history, early literacy and literature for young children. The Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks are used to plan and design instruction that meets the cognitive, social, and emotional needs of all learners. Students will participate in a 20-hour field experience at the preschool or kindergarten level.

Prerequisite: EDU 211

This course deals with the implications of disabling conditions on optimal learning potential and daily well-being of children. Emphasis is on identification of disabling conditions and techniques used to promote successful integration of children with and without special needs in education settings. Topics covered include familiarity with individualized education plans, intervention and instructional strategies for diverse learners, including cognitive, social and emotional strategies, and collaborative partnerships with families and community resources. Observations are required.

Students examine current research-based theories and instructional practices for developing proficient readers (phonics and word recognition, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and the reading-writing connection) in grades PK-2. Topics include theories, research, and instructional practices for supporting readers with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, strengths, and challenges. Assessment, corresponding interventions, and differentiating literacy instruction to meet the needs of emerging readers will also be addressed. Observation/fieldwork is required.

Prerequisite: PSY 205 or one course in education and Junior status

This course explores positive guidance techniques in early childhood classrooms. Looking at positive guidance from a maturationist, behaviorist and constructivist perspective, students will explore techniques to prevent behavior problems and develop strategies to incorporate positive interventions with young children.

This course focuses on the knowledge needed for the preparation of quality directors in early childhood education. Students will become familiar with Massachusetts standards and regulations as stipulated by the Department of Early Education and Care. The following topics in early childhood administration will be explored: licensure and fiscal management, ethical considerations, physical facility requirements, quality curriculum, supervision and staffing requirements, nutrition, health and safety requirements, and program evaluation.

Prerequisite: PSY 205

In this course students will apply the practices for effective reading and writing introduced in ENG 114 to the distinctive language and forms of various disciplines. This course lays the foundation for academic and professional research and stresses the use of appropriate and effective information sources. Readings for a variety of academic audiences will provide students with strategies to communicate in the sciences, business and technology, psychology, liberal studies, and the social sciences. Research and documentation skills appropriate to the disciplines are stressed. In addition to leading students through the research process from start to finish, this course will examine the many ramifications of academic honesty.

Prerequisite: ENG 114

This course provides the opportunity to study literary concepts and purposes in writings designed primarily for, but not confined to, young minds. The heritage of children’s literature is considered in relation to selected representative works, both traditional and recent. Also considered are the uses, presentation, and critical evaluation of children’s literature from a multi-cultural, nonsexist and international perspective. This course addresses English standards for teachers in early childhood and elementary education: children’s and young adult literature, genres, literary elements, and literary techniques.

Prerequisite or corequisite: ENG 134

This course introduces students to the major concepts and methods of sociology. Emphasis will be on the components of culture, the structure and institutions of society, the elements of social organization and differentiation, and sociological approaches to the analysis of groups.

The BA in Liberal Studies: Early Childhood Leadership program requires 44 credits of major electives:

• Career Electives (6 credits)
• General Electives (38 credits)

Learn more about which courses apply to these credits by speaking with an enrollment counselor.

In this course students will apply the practices for effective reading and writing introduced in ENG 114 to the distinctive language and forms of various disciplines. This course lays the foundation for academic and professional research and stresses the use of appropriate and effective information sources. Readings for a variety of academic audiences will provide students with strategies to communicate in the sciences, business and technology, psychology, liberal studies, and the social sciences. Research and documentation skills appropriate to the disciplines are stressed. In addition to leading students through the research process from start to finish, this course will examine the many ramifications of academic honesty.

Prerequisite: ENG 114

Selected readings in fiction, poetry, and drama introduce the student to literary types and techniques. These readings provide a basis for collegiate-level discussion, analysis, and the development of critical judgment. Building on the communications and research skills from earlier courses in the sequence, this course emphasizes continued practice in writing, and students complete a documented research paper using primary and secondary sources as one of the course writing assignments. Discussions and oral presentations based on assigned literature support the overall goal of the sequence: to enhance the advancement of the students, first academically and then professionally.

Prerequisite: ENG 114

After briefly working as the director of career services for a proprietary school, she was given the opportunity to work as the first educator coach for the One Day students at Bay Path University in January 2014. She is currently the associate academic director of education & justice studies programs at TAWC, collaborating with the School of Education on the main campus. She shares that she is truly inspired and commends all of the students for taking this step to continue their educational and career goals.

Choosing a major for your degree allows you to gain career-ready skills in a specific area of expertise. These specialty skills will allow you to stand out among other professionals in your field and better compete for the position you want.

You’ll complete 120 total credits to earn the online BA in Liberal Studies: Early Childhood Leadership major. You can review the courses now.

No, a major is not required for the online BA in Liberal Studies program. You may choose the standard Liberal Studies degree or one of four major options, which include:

1. Early Childhood Education Licensure
2. Early Childhood Leadership
3. Education Studies, Non-Licensure
4. Elementary Education Licensure

You can learn more about coursework for this program on our courses page.

The requirements for the online BA in Liberal Studies program include:

• Submit your application.
• Submit official high school transcripts and college transcripts if applicable.
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.

You can learn more about our admission requirements on our admission page.

Students who choose an education major in the Liberal Studies program may move from one education major to another. However, these students may not move to a non-education major within the degree program without losing credits.

Those who hold an online BA in Liberal Studies: Early Childhood Leadership degree often pursue careers such as director or lead teacher in preschool or daycare settings. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a growing need for professionals who work with young children, with the field of childcare management expected to grow 8% through 2031. Learn more about your career options by visiting our careers page.