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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 to Teach With This Degree

EYC students have a variety of potential career paths including:

  • Early Childhood Teacher in Public or Private Schools
  • Kindergarten Teacher
  • Childcare Director/administrator
  • Parent Educator
  • Resources and Referral Specialist
  • Early Childhood Consultant
  • Child Life Specialist
  • Early Intervention Specialist
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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Undergraduate UNCW Watson College of Education
Education of Young Children Program Overview

Training and Experience

Our Education of Young Children (EYC), Birth through Kindergarten Program provides early care and education professionals with strong knowledge base and practical experience to effectively care and teach children in early childhood education programs.

Program Philosophy

The EYC program, using an emergent-curriculum philosophy, introduces students to current evidence-based practices and skills for creating learning environments that are responsive to children's and families’ unique needs.

A Legacy of Training Teachers

The EYC program at UNCW has been very instrumental in educating early childhood educators in Southeastern North Carolina for almost 25 years. Our program provides 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 Experience

Our program offers 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 EYC Program curriculum is designed from an interdisciplinary perspective featuring elements of psychology, sociology, special education and social work, to prepare our students to pursue various careers related to early care and education field.

View Student Learning Outcomes

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

EDN 204 Introduction to Early Childhood Education
EDN 280 Play & Creative Arts
PSY 320 Psychology of Infancy & Early Childhood
SWK 311 Child Abuse & 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

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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

 

Timeline

HS Seniors & Transfer Students Apply to UNCW, visit the Watson College and consider applying for the Education Learning Community to meet other pre-education majors and get a jump-start on field placements and enrichment experiences. APPLY FOR UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSION
First Year at UNCW Choose courses that compliment your planned major or licensure, attend events at the Watson College, meet with faculty and students, join student organizations and consult with a SAIL Advisor. MEET THE SAIL TEAM
Second Year at UNCW Collaborate with your Watson College Advisor to review course requirements, continue to arrange experiences that will help you confirm your goals and interests and apply for admission to Watson College. APPLY TO WATSON
Junior Year Begin education coursework, begin classroom field placements and network with professors, students and teachers who work in your field. WCE FIELD EXPERIENCES
Senior Year Complete a semester-long internship; apply for graduation and apply for licensure; attend job fairs, seek Career Center support to perfect your resume and interviewing skills and apply for jobs. VISIT CAREER CENTER
Your Journey Starts Here Learn more about undergraduate studies at the University of North Carolina Wilmington and how to apply for undergraduate admission. Apply Today

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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