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Education of Young Children, B.A.

Outstanding Early Childhood Teachers Start Here
  • Day 1

    Applied Learning Opportunities Begin

  • 500+

    Hours in the Classroom Before Graduation

  • 0-5

    Ages Taught with This Degree

Graduates have a variety of career options

Preschool teachers educate and care for children younger than age 5 who have not yet entered kindergarten.
Kindergarten teachers instruct young students in basic subjects in order to prepare them for future schooling.
Preschool and childcare center directors supervise and lead their staffs, design program plans, oversee daily activities, and prepare budgets.
A parent educator coaches parents in the community on how to raise physically and emotionally healthy children. Their duties include informing caregivers about things such as child development, healthy eating habits and behavioral management.
Resources and referral specialists provide technical assistance, support and information to parents, center and family child care home providers and other professionals on licensing regulations, program development and management, and available services and resources.
An early childhood consultant specializes in early childhood development and the educational processes that help children develop socially, emotionally and academically. 
Child life specialists advocate for the special needs of children and their families. They help children and their families process and cope with medical situations; provide information, support and guidance to parents and family members; and collaborate with the health care team to coordinate and manage care.
An early-child intervention specialist looks at how children are learning as a whole before the age of three years. 
program completion feature
program completion feature

Offers

Small class sizes with personal attention

Dedicated faculty with classroom teaching experience

Extensive field and classroom experiences, including a wide range of hands on and interactive learning experiences

Vibrant student organizations and international study opportunities

High job placement rates and support beyond graduation

“ You’re going through the program with the same group of students you start with and you form relationships beyond graduation. ”
Melissa Daria '20 Education of Young Children 2022 Rookie of the Year, New Hanover County Schools
Melissa Daria '20 Education of Young Children, 2022 Rookie of the Year, New Hanover County Schools
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Join these students who have found their home at UNCW's Watson College of Education.
Program Overview

Our education of young children, birth through kindergarten program, provides early care and education professionals with strong knowledge base and practical experience to effectively care for and teach children in early childhood education programs.

Our Philosophy

The early childhood program program, using an emergent-curriculum philosophy, will introduce you to current evidence-based practices and skills for creating learning environments that are responsive to children's and families’ unique needs.

Our Legacy of Training Teachers

UNCW's program has been very instrumental in educating early childhood educators in Southeastern North Carolina for almost 25 years. We provide access to early childhood teacher education for current and aspiring educators including high school graduates and paraprofessional educators who desire to work with young children and their families, as well as practicing teachers without a B-K teaching license.

Hands-on, Inter-disciplinary

We offer:

  • faculty expertise,
  • small professor/student ratio,
  • evening classes,
  • real time simultaneous course offerings for those residing in other counties
  • and a strong sense of community.

The curriculum is designed from an interdisciplinary perspective featuring elements of psychology, sociology, special education and social work, to prepare you to pursue various careers related to early care and education field.

View Student Learning Outcomes
Watson lecturer with two partnership teachers

University-School Partnerships

WCE brings longstanding partnerships with 12 school districts and 2,000+ teachers in SE North Carolina.

A Place That Feels Like Home

Many students say Watson “feels like family.” Join us for exceptional programs, hands-on learning and a community of students, mentors and faculty supporting your journey.

Elementary student lookinig through a viewmaster while a Watson student looks on

Beyond the Classroom

From your first day on campus, you'll find endless ways to engage. Volunteer with student organizations, join the Education Learning Community, connect with classmates, explore our study abroad programs - you'll find the right fit for your goals and make lifelong friends.

Three Watson students wearing a Superman-esuq UNCW cape

We’re With You All the Way

We support new teachers through the First Years of Teaching Support Program, professional development opportunities and on-campus resource libraries. Even after you graduate, we help you achieve career success and make a meaningful impact on your students.

Watson student standing in front of a classroom of elementary students teaching

SAMPLE COURSES

View sample courses
EDN 204 Introduction to Early Childhood Education
EDN 280 Play and Creative Arts
PSY 320 Psychology of Infancy and Early Childhood
SWK 311 Child Abuse and Neglect
EDNL 451 Field Experience in Special Education
SOC 345 Sociology of the Family
EDN 382 Literacy Development in the Early Years
EDNL 430 Field Experience in Kindergarten Classroom
See The Full Curriculum

View More

Education of Young Children B.A. Program Details

How Do I Apply?

Admission to UNCW and the Watson College of Education is a two-step process. The first step is admission to the university. The second step is admission to the Watson College of Education (WCE).

Students apply to WCE during their sophomore or junior year at UNCW. Transfer students apply during their first or second semester at UNCW.

Program Coordinator
Dr. Hengameh Kermani
kermanih@uncw.edu 
910.962.4182

 

Student Opportunities

Education Learning Community

Join 20-25 other first year pre-education students in our Education Learning Community. As a member of the ELC, you’ll make lifelong friendships and get a jump start on your education classes and enrichment experiences.

Watson Student Leaders

WCE’s Watson Student Leaders serve as ambassadors for the Watson College while participating in recruiting, community outreach and social activities. The WSL organization is a powerful way to develop leadership skills, connect with peers and build a network of support.

International Study

Through our international study abroad programs, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your horizons and gain a global perspective as you both work and study in schools throughout the world.

Life on the Coast

North Carolina’s southeast coast is an amazing place to live and work. From the rich history of downtown Wilmington to the beautiful beaches less than six miles from campus, you’ll never run out of places to explore.

Nine students in kayakys posing for a photo
6 Watson students playing around with giant inflatable balls
Group of Watson students wearing matching outdits holding an Education Matters sign
Student relaxing in a hammock under a pier at the beach
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