Early Childhood Education

Essential characteristics of the Georgia College undergraduate programs are the cohort model; extensive field-based programs; integrated, cross-disciplinary course work; and preparation in technology. The curriculum and the field experiences prepare teacher candidates to address the human relations and diversity issues of the public schools. The teacher education programs are organized in cohorts with Mentor Leaders. A cohort is a group of students who begins and ends a program at the same time. The teacher candidates take courses together. Providing program offerings in cohort groups enhances the opportunities for developing collaboration that will eventually apply to school and community.

B.S. in Early Childhood Education
Degree Requirements

The Early Childhood Education program is designed to prepare prospective teachers of children in grades K-5. In addition to broad range of field placements throughout the two years in the program, teacher candidates will receive content preparation in mathematics, language arts, science, and social science.  

Admission into Early Childhood and Middle Grades Education
Professional courses are primarily taken in the third and fourth years. After being officially accepted to GC, students must apply before the third Friday in January to be accepted into a College of Education teacher education program beginning the next fall. Cohort application packets are available online in October, and acceptance is competitive.

Cohort Admission Requirements

1. Cohort Application Form
2. Three professional letters of recommendation in GC format
3. Official copies of all transcripts if applicant has attended another college/university
4. Minimal GPA of 2.5
5. Passing scores or exemption on the GACE Basic Assessment
6. Completion Core areas before cohort begins in the fall
7. Area F in Core completed with C or higher in each course
8. Passing Regents’ Reading and Writing requirements or proof of exemption
9. Clear background check
10. Verified structured experience with children the level applicant wishes to teach 
11. Satisfactory completion of interview by faculty admissions committee

Host Teacher Handbook (pdf)

B.S. in Early Childhood Education
Program of Study (pdf)
4-Year Plan (pdf)
Degree Requirements
Cohorts
GACE

Early Childhood and Middle Grades Department Awarded Teaching Excellence Award

The Department of Early Childhood and Middle Grades Education was selected as the recipient of 2011 Regents' Teaching Excellence Award for Departments and Programs.  Dr. Leland commented, "I cannot imagine a more worthy recipient, and in fact the review committee voted unanimously to recommend your department as this year's winner.  Please convey my congratulations to the Department and College of Education faculty for this well deserved honor." (President Dorothy Leland, August 2010)