Bachelor of Science in Education in Early Childhood Education and Teaching

Catalog Year 2025-2026

Based on VCCS Curriculum for Early Childhood Development (AAS)

Transfer Guidance

Guaranteed Admission Agreement Requirements

• This degree program is covered by VCU’s Guaranteed Admission Agreement.

• Earn a transfer associate degree.

• Earn a minimum GPA of 2.5 for your associate degree. VCU will recognize the cumulative GPA as recorded on the VCCS transcript and not recalculate based on multiple course attempts.

• Complete a minimum of 30 credits at VCCS institution.

• Earn grades of “C” or higher in all community college courses.

• Note: following admission to VCU, students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 for subsequent admission to the VCU teacher preparation program and a 3.0 GPA for student teaching course requirements.

Important Links & Dates

• University Transfer Center: https://transfer.vcu.edu/.

• Register Intent to Transfer: https://ugradadmissions.vcu.edu/register/letterofinterest.

• Admission Application: By March 15 for fall admission and November 1 for spring at https://www.vcu.edu/admissions/apply/.

• Financial Aid: https://semss.vcu.edu/our-services/financial-resources-and-guidance/.

• FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid: March 1 for fall semester at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.

What Should I Consider When Selecting Courses?

• Complete your English courses and any math prerequisites in your first year.

• Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered. For help, see Transfer Steps and Resource Center at www.TransferVirginia.org.

• Connect with an advisor at your community college and the VCU Transfer Center within your first semester through your account at www.TransferVirginia.org.

Is This Degree Right For Me?

• The purpose of the B.S.Ed. in Early Childhood Education and Teaching degree is to prepare undergraduate students for roles as teachers and care providers of infants, toddlers and young children in schools and community preschool settings. The program will focus on providing students with a solid foundation in child development, educational psychology and the role of the family and society in education. Students will be prepared to teach in diverse classroom settings through purposefully integrated fieldwork and internship experiences. The program will emphasize working with young learners in inclusive settings and the value of play in early childhood instructional environments. The program prepares graduates to be reflective educators who demonstrate an in-depth understanding of science, social studies, mathematics and literacy pedagogy and content. Students will develop skills to advocate for equitable learning opportunities for all children. Upon successful completion of the program, and with the recommendation of the School of Education, students are eligible to receive initial licensure for early/primary education (PK-3) from the Virginia Department of Education.

What Is The Impact On My Degree Of Work I Have Already Completed?

• Associate Transfer Degree Completion: The completion of a transfer associate degree results in all lower-division general education requirements being met when you transfer to VCU.

• Dual Enrollment – Completion of Associate Degree in HS: The completion of an associate degree concurrent with high school results in 60 credits of coursework applied towards your degree and VCU’s general education courses satisfied. High school students should apply to VCU as freshman applicants for orientation and engagement purposes.

• Credit for Prior Learning: VCU accepts AP, IB, Cambridge, CLEP, DANTES, and military credits.

• Catalog Year: VCU will honor the degree requirements of the VCU Undergraduate Bulletin in effect at the time of the student’s first post-high school enrollment into an appropriate associate degree at the two-year institution. Students must stay enrolled at their community college and take no more than four years to complete their degree. Students must also enroll at VCU within one year of completing their associate degree.

Is This College Right For Me?

• Located in downtown Richmond, within two hours of the beach, the mountains and Washington DC, VCU provides top-ranked academic programs, research opportunities and an urban setting so students can live and learn in the real world.

• VCU is a large, public research institution dedicated to the success and well-being of students and the Richmond community.

• Diversity, inclusion and equity are deeply ingrained core values of VCU.

• Learn more about our college at www.TransferVirginia.org.

Did You Know That…

• Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor’s degree?

• Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at VCU?

What Can I Do With This Degree?

• Explore possible careers, salaries, and job outlook at www.TransferVirginia.org.

Program Successes & Highlights

• Highlights of Early Childhood Education and Teaching include:

• Mentoring opportunities through alumni connections and experienced faculty.

• Students in this program are guaranteed practicum and/or internship experience with PK-K students.

• Focus on early literacy assessment and pedagogy.

• Incorporated approaches rooted in play-based learning theory.

• Eligible for license to teach PK-3rd grade in Virginia upon successful completion of program.

• Fulfill mission to mold critically reflective practitioners.

What Are My Chances For Getting Accepted?

• If you apply through general application instead of through the Guaranteed Program Admission Agreement, you will be considered for admission with all other transfer applicants.

• Learn more about applying to VCU at https://www.vcu.edu/admissions/apply/transfer/.

Do More With Your Degree!

• Graduates are eligible for licensure to teach PK-3 grade in Virginia upon successful completion of the program.

• Students in the program have the benefit of two student teaching placements: one in a grade PK-K classroom and one in a grade 1-3 classroom, providing the teacher candidate with a wide range of experiences.

• Students also benefit from three different practicum placements in diverse settings across the program.

Other Than Classes, Are There Other Program Requirements?

• All students must complete at least one VCU “REAL” experiential learning activity in order to graduate from VCU. Examples of REAL activities include: internships, research, and service learning. This requirement may be satisfied by completing a 300-level (or higher) REAL course or through an approved REAL co-curricular experience. Learn more at https://real.vcu.edu/.

• To obtain a teaching license in Virginia, students must pass the Reading for Virginia Educators (RVE) exam. This is not required for degree program completion. Learn more at https://www.ets.org/praxis/prepare/materials/5306.