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Early Childhood Education

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Elevate Your Career Impact with an Early Childhood Education Minor

Careers working with young children require a clear understanding of early learning and development. The Early Childhood Education (Birth-K, Birth-3) minor at Cornerstone University provides practical experience in teaching young children, assessment, and early childhood practice, helping students apply what they learn in real settings. Grounded in a Christian perspective, this minor does not lead to teacher licensure but supports work in early learning programs, children’s ministry, community settings, and preparation for graduate study.

For more opportunities to advance your career impact, explore our B.A. in Communication, B.A. in English, B.S. in Secondary Education, B.S. in Elementary Education, B.S. in Early Childhood Education or B.A. in Ministry.

Develop Market-Ready Communication Skills with an Early Childhood Education Minor

Gain practical skills that translate directly to the workplace and graduate study. This minor is not for those pursuing a degree in teacher education. However, students will prepare for meaningful careers with children, families, and organizations in Birth-K, Birth-3 education-related and service-focused settings with these resume-building capabilities:

Early Childhood Development – Understand how young children grow and learn and use that knowledge to support developmentally appropriate practice.

Teaching Young Children – Plan and carry out age-appropriate learning experiences that support early learning and engagement.

Learner-Centered Assessment – Observe and assess early learning to inform instruction and support children’s progress.

Exceptional Learner Support – Apply foundational strategies to support young children with a range of learning needs

Family & Community Engagement – Work effectively with families and community partners to support young children’s learning and care.

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Christian Worldview Integration – Apply Christian principles to professional decision-making, relationships, and care for young children and families.

Program Courses

Learn the core principles and practices for supporting young children’s learning, development, and well-being in early childhood settings (Birth-K, Birth-3).

Early Childhood Education Minor

EDU-233: Foundations of Teaching the Exceptional Learner

Learn to support students with exceptional needs through a Christian worldview, focusing on disabilities, accommodations, the IEP process, and hands-on local field experience.

EDU-328: Learner-Centered Assessment

Use observation and assessment tools to support student learning through a team-based, problem-solving approach, collaborating with PK–12 professionals such as school psychologists, speech and language pathologists, and reading specialists, while contributing to IEPs and 504 plans.

EDU-333: Foundations of Early Childhood Education

Explore early childhood theorists, curricula, and developmentally appropriate practices while learning to navigate ethical dilemmas using the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct.

EDU-352: Teaching the Young Child

Develop strategies for teaching children from birth through kindergarten using developmentally appropriate practices that support all areas of growth, including physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and spiritual development.

EDU-361: Early Childhood Practicum

Gain hands-on experience in an early childhood classroom through guided observation, participation, and reflection alongside a practicing professional.

EDU-371: Young Child & Community

Learn to build strong relationships with families and communities through effective communication, parent involvement strategies, and culturally responsive curriculum planning.

EDU-373: Teaching Infants/Toddlers & Clinical Experience

Study child development from birth to age three and apply observation, assessment, and planning strategies to support infants and toddlers — including those with developmental delays — through responsive, developmentally appropriate teaching and family partnerships.

View all of the courses for your academic program.

View the Academic Catalog

Enhancing Your Career with an Early Childhood Education Minor

An Early Childhood Education Minor strengthens careers and degrees in education, psychology, human services, and ministry by preparing students to support young children’s learning, development, and well-being in a variety of early childhood settings.

Your Degree Starts Here

Take your next step toward learning at one of the most affordable Christian universities in the nation.

  1. Apply — our application is free.
  2. Set goals — your admissions counselor is here to guide you.
  3. Maximize your credits — you could transfer in up to 75% of your degree credits.
  4. Discover affordability — scholarships and grants are available for qualified students.

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SAT & SUN: Closed

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