Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
B-K Teacher Certification and PK-3 Teacher Certification
The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Programs at LSU are recognized by NAEYC and are designed with the organization's professional preparation standards in mind. Teacher candidates can choose either B-K Teacher Certification or PK-3 Teacher Certification. Both certification areas move through the program in cohorts, gaining the advantage of collegial relationships found to be effective for both personal and professional growth. Candidates participate in field-based professional blocks and student teaching in diverse professional development school settings. By the time you finish your LSU ECE degree, you will have accrued experience across birth through 3rd grade, including working with children with exceptionalities.
Why LSU ECE? Faculty are invested in your success.
The ECE Program has a heavy emphasis on professional growth and provides multiple opportunities for resume development, including our Association for the Education of Young Children @ LSU, Distinguished Communicator Program, Engaged Citizen Program, LSU Distinguished Researcher and presenting at LSU Discover Day. Students with a GPA of 3.5 or better may also participate in Upper Division Honors Distinction and Kappa Delta Epsilon (KDE) Honorary Professional Education Fraternity.
Degree offerings include:
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree
- Certificate of Education Specialist
- PhD
- Alternative Teacher Certification (B-K), (PK-3)
Italy Experience
The LSU ECE faculty travel to Italy to visit the Reggio-Emilia schools to learn more about their approach to educating infants, toddlers and preschools.
Funding for Teacher Preparation
The Geaux Teach scholarship program was established to provide scholarships to students who are enrolled in teacher preparation programs or alternative certification program.
LSU Early Childhood Education Laboratory Preschool (ECELP)
Our NAEYC accredited center serves 175 young children, 6 weeks to 5 years. Our laboratory is where the recommended practices we teach in our academic program come to life! Students conduct observations, intern hours and student teaching in our living, learning laboratory! You can frequently find students engaged in research projects along side of faculty. There are opportunities to gain experience as a student worker while going to school or continue into our graduate program while working at the ECELP.
Like the LSU Early Childhood Program!
Admission requirements
In order to begin the Junior Year of the Early Childhood Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Have at least a 2.5 LSU and 2.5 cumulative GPA
- Have all non-Junior/Senior year coursework completed with a grade of “C” or higher by the start of the fall 2021 semester.
Please note: Only one outstanding course is allowed to be taken with Block I courses in the Fall 2021 semester, provided the course DOES NOT conflict with Block I courses.
Students who do not meet all three criteria above will not be interviewed by the faculty committee until all requirements are met.
Teacher Education Disclosure
The Early Childhood Education BS program, (B-K; PK-3), meets the educational eligibility criteria for certification in Early Childhood B-K in the State of Louisiana. Graduates of this Louisiana state-approved teacher preparation program will qualify for a Level 1 Professional Certificate. Graduates of the program who wish to teach in another U.S. state or country may require additional eligibility criteria to qualify for licensure and/or certification in those locations. We are unable to confirm the licensure and/or certification requirements of other states or countries. Therefore, if you intend to pursue such credentialing in another state or elsewhere, it is advised that you contact the applicable state or country credentialing authority to familiarize yourself with its specific requirements and determine if this program meets the applicable eligibility criteria. If you have additional questions in this regard, please contact us to assist you in your career planning.
Procedures for filing appeals and complaints are accessed here.