Early Childhood Education

The Early Childhood program at UAA blends theory and practice in the preparation of early childhood educators who can deliver quality care and education for young children from birth through age eight.

Program Information

Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development

Catalog links to current catalog year; see historic catalogs to view previous years.

Program Overview

The focus of the degree is understanding child development, strengthening observation abilities and developing skills working with young children. In addition, this program will familiarize students with resources for continuing professional growth, and provide opportunities to discuss best practice with others in the field.

The department believes that children build their understanding of the world by interacting with objects and activities, with adults and with other children. We also believe that adults learn best by interacting with other adults in discussion, experimentation, and reflection. Students are asked to stretch their thinking and share their experience with other students in the program.

Careful selection of elective courses will allow the AAS student to apply up to 45 credits to the Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood (BAEC). Please work closely with an advisor when making course selections to pursue this type of credit transfer.

Students who want to increase their understanding and excitement about working with young children, meet municipality child care licensing requirements, or complete a degree are encouraged to speak with any Early Childhood faculty member.

Advising

For undergraduate advising, contact the School of Education Student Services at 907-786-4401 or uaa.college.of.education@alaska.edu.

For graduate advising, contact the School of Education Graduate Studies Department at 907-786-4450.

Enrolled students can go to DegreeWorks to view degree progress 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education

BAEC

Catalog links to current catalog year; see historic catalogs to view previous years.

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood (BAEC) prepares candidates to work with children from birth through age eight. The program offers professionals working in childcare or the public school system opportunities to further their career in early childhood. Many changes occurring nationally and in our state have brought attention to young children. There is a critical need for quality programs for young children as well as qualified early childhood professionals.

The Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood requires a minimum of 120 credits, of which 42 must be upper division. See course requirements in the current catalog. Successful completion of the Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood leads to an Alaska Type A teaching certificate with an endorsement in preschool through 3rd grade.

Advising

For undergraduate advising, contact the School of Education Student Services at 907-786-4401 or uaa.college.of.education@alaska.edu.

For graduate advising, contact the School of Education Graduate Studies Department at 907-786-4450.

Enrolled students can go to DegreeWorks to view degree progress 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Early Childhood Pre-K-Third Grade (with Teacher Certification)

PBEC

Catalog links to current catalog year; see historic catalogs to view previous years.

Program Overview

The Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Early Childhood Pre-K-Third Grade prepares professionals who already have baccalaureate degrees to work with young children from birth through eight years in preschool and primary school settings. Successful completion of program requirements leads to an institutional recommendation (IR) for initial teacher certification with an endorsement in pre-K through 3rd grade.

Students who complete the post baccalaureate certificate will demonstrate advanced integrated knowledge and skills in preparation for careers in teaching primary grades (K-3) as well as in preschool educational programs.

Concentrations

There are three concentrations within the program leading to an Early Childhood Pre-K-Third Grade Post-Baccalaureate Certificate.

Certification route I: This concentration is for applicants who have a baccalaureate degree and are seeking their initial teacher certificate. The certificate requires foundations coursework, early childhood major coursework, methodology coursework, and internship.
Certification route II: This concentration is for applicants who have a baccalaureate degree and an associate degree in early childhood or a baccalaureate in early childhood (non-licensure program).
Certification route III: This concentration is for applicants seeking an early childhood endorsement on an existing teacher certificate.

Advising

For undergraduate advising, contact the School of Education Student Services at 907-786-4401 or uaa.college.of.education@alaska.edu.

For graduate advising, contact the School of Education Graduate Studies Department at 907-786-4450.

Enrolled students can go to DegreeWorks to view degree progress 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Early Childhood Education Faculty

Name	Title	Program/Department	UA Email Address	Phone	Office
Kitty Deal	Assistant Professor	Education Kodiak College KOC	kldeal@alaska.edu	907-486-1223	KCC123B
Hattie Harvey, Ph.D.	Assistant Professor	Early Childhood Education	haharvey@alaska.edu	907-786-4464	PSB 222C
Wei-Ying Hsiao, Ed.D	Professor	Early Childhood Education	whsiao@alaska.edu	907-786-4435	PSB 225C
Karen Roth, M.Ed	Term Assistant Professor	Early Childhood Education	klroth@alaska.edu	907-786-1928	PSB 225E
Hilary Seitz, Ph.D.	Professor	Early Childhood Education	hjseitz@alaska.edu	907-786-4872	PSB 225D
Allison Wilson, Ph.D.	Adjunct Professor	Early Childhood Education	acwilson@alaska.edu	907-786-4403	PSB 225F

Gainful Employment disclosures provide important information about the educational debt, earnings, and completion rates of students who attended this program. These disclosures are required by the U.S Department of Education.