Early Childhood Education

A bachelor’s in early childhood education equips students with the foundational skills to effectively interact with a diverse group of children and assist them in their growth and development. This degree combines an understanding of human development and family systems with skills that prepare students for child-oriented professions.

There are two concentration endorsements, the Inclusive Endorsement, which prepares students to teach children from birth to third grade in the state of Nebraska, and the Supplemental Endorsement, which prepares students to teach children from Pre-K to third grade in the state of Nebraska. With either concentration, a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education prepares a graduate for a highly rewarding career making a critical difference in children’s development.

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Peru State College is accredited under the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) Standards through the CAEP Accreditation System.

 

The on-campus day care facility provides a perfect opportunity to gain hands-on experience.

 

The college library houses an entire level full of resources for education majors.

 

The Peru Student Education Association hosts the annual book fair in honor of Dr. Seuss.

Kappa Delta Pi is a national honorary education fraternity open to sophomores, juniors and seniors who meet a set of criteria.

Students get the opportunity to work with elementary children to write and publish books.

Why Earn a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education Degree?

Earning a bachelor’s in early childhood education equips students with the foundational skills to effectively interact with a diverse group of children and assist them in their growth and development. It also creates a pathway to a variety of rewarding careers.

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Benefits of a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education Degree

Specializations: Develop content area expertise with a broad knowledge of chosen specialization.

Pedagogical Studies: Learn the latest teaching methods to best serve children in the classroom.

Soft Skills: Develop and demonstrate the soft skills needed to serve a diverse group of children.

Professional Development: Learn what it takes to be a lifelong educator and begin establishing a professional identity.

The Teaching Experience Learning Lab (TELL): Learn how to model classrooms using state-of-the-art technology.

Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education Degree Careers

Choosing to earn a bachelor’s in early childhood education at Peru State College prepares students to attend the nation’s top graduate schools or for careers such as:

  • Kindergarten and elementary school teacher
  • Early childhood special education teacher
  • Education foundation executive director
  • Adjunct professor of early childhood
  • Elementary education reading specialist K-12

Typical Salaries for Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education Graduates

Earning a bachelor’s in early childhood education opens the doors for a variety of career paths. Here are salaries for some typical jobs in the field.

Elementary Education Reading Specialist K-12

$55,200**

Kindergarten and elementary school teacher

$61,350*

Early Childhood Special Education Teacher

$62,420*

Adjunct Professor of Early Childhood

$63,910*

Education Foundation Executive Director

$79,800**

 

*Salary info based on data compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
**Salary info based on data compiled by Payscale

Why Choose Peru State for Your Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education?

At Peru State College, we are fiercely committed to quality learning — and proudly so. For more than 150 years, we’ve been devoted to academic excellence, continually improving, growing and putting student success first. As a student in our bachelor’s in elementary education degree program, you will enjoy:

  • A relevant and rewarding education at an institution known for preparing qualified educators
  • Expert faculty, many of whom are experienced former educators
  • A 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio to ensure you receive personalized attention
  • Contemporary coursework that is reviewed and updated on a continual basis
  • Our Teaching Experience Learning Lab (TELL), which provides state-of-the-art technology and flexible classroom seating to model the classrooms in which you will teach
  • Numerous opportunities to interact with children in area elementary schools and engage in high-impact practice
  • Personal advising guidance from your professors and the dean
  • Diverse scholarship opportunities, including Foundation Scholarships offering more than 175 student scholarships, funded through the private support of alumni and friends
  • Career services, including resources and knowledge to help you explore your options, write resumes and cover letters, prepare for job interviews, find job and internship opportunities, research salaries and more

A variety of professional, social, academic, cultural, spiritual and volunteer-based organizations to help you meet new friends and explore your interests

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Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education Curriculum

The Bachelor’s in Elementary Education degree program is thoughtfully designed to equip students with a challenging and relevant curriculum that includes pedagogical studies, fosters the development of professional skills and attitudes appropriate for teaching, and explores the role of ongoing professional development in a successful career as a lifelong educator.

In addition, supplemental endorsements in Early Childhood Education and English as a Second Language (ESL) are available and easy to add.

See our Programs and Courses page for more information.

Elementary Education (K-8) Field Endorsement BS/BA

Frequently Asked Questions

Completing your bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Peru State College can help you make a difference for children, families and communities in roles that include:

  • Kindergarten teacher
  • Elementary school teacher
  • Special education teacher
  • School librarian
  • Child care teacher or administrator
  • Social and community service manager

Should you wish to further your education by pursuing a master’s degree, you can open doors to additional roles in educational leadership and areas such as curriculum and instruction design.

The median annual salary for professionals holding a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from a U.S. higher education institution was about $57,000 as of February 2023, according to Payscale.

Most students complete our bachelor’s degree in elementary education program in four years or less. Full-time students with eligible transfer credits may be able to complete the program sooner.

Yes. Peru State College is accredited under the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) Standards through the CAEP Accreditation System.

A bachelor’s degree in elementary education can be the credential you need to qualify for rewarding and meaningful careers as an elementary school teacher in public and private schools. These occupations traditionally come with good salaries, benefits and job security; opportunities for career advancement; and the chance to achieve personal and professional fulfillment by making a difference in the lives of students every day.

Apply to the Bachelor’s in Elementary Education Degree Program at Peru State College

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