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Earn Your Early Childhood Education Degree | Prepare to Teach Birth–Kindergarten


Nurture Bright Beginnings

Become an Early Childhood Educator.

Western Kentucky University’s Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (IECE) program prepares you to support and inspire young children, birth through kindergarten, including those with special needs and their families.

  • ✔ Gain Experience in Diverse Early Childhood Settings
  • ✔ Learn from Experts in EC & Special Education
  • ✔ Earn a Degree Grounded in Research & Best Practices

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A young male teacher sitting in a bright and colorful elementary school classroom wearing a red WKU zip-up jeacket.

What You'll Learn & Experience

At WKU, our Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education program prepares you to support the learning and development of young children from birth through kindergarten. With a strong foundation in early childhood and special education, you'll gain the skills to make a lasting impact on children and their families.

Learn by Doing

Engage in meaningful field experiences in diverse early childhood settings, from homes to classrooms to community programs.

Customize Your Path

Pursue certification or non-certification tracks based on your career goals in education, early intervention, or family services.

Advance Your Career

Whether you're entering the field, working toward certification, or expanding your expertise, our program supports your growth as an educator and advocate.

Career Outcomes

Your Path to a Rewarding Career in Education.

Graduates of WKU’s Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education program go on to make a lasting impact in classrooms and communities across the region.

9.4%

Data for Projected Growth sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics and Steppingblocks, a graduate insights software that analyzes the top employers for WKU Education major graduates.

  • Jefferson County Public Schools
  • Warren County Schools
  • Bowling Green Independent Schools
  • Fayette County Public Schools
  • LifeSkills, Inc.

Data for Top Employers sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics and Steppingblocks, a graduate insights software that analyzes the top employers for WKU Education major graduates.

A student teacher leading a kindergarten classroom.

Course Spotlight: Your Learning Journey

Get a glimpse into the types of engaging courses you'll take in our Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education program. Here are a few examples:

Introduction to Early Childhood Assessment

IECE 320 | 3 Credit Hours

Build a strong foundation in observing and assessing young children with and without disabilities. This course includes a minimum of 30 hours of field experience, giving you practical insight into supporting each child’s development.

Family Supports and Services

IECE 321  | 3 Credit Hours

Explore how to collaborate effectively with families using family-centered approaches. Learn to design and implement support plans that make a real difference in the lives of young children and their caregivers.

Planning Curriculum and Instruction for Diverse Learners

IECE 322  | 3 Credit Hours

Design meaningful and inclusive learning experiences for children from birth to age five, including those with developmental delays or disabilities and from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Student Teaching (Infants, Toddlers, Preschoolers)

IECE 490 | 10 Credit Hours

Step into the field during this immersive, supervised experience. Spend at least sixteen weeks in real-world early childhood settings, applying what you've learned to support children and families directly.

Explore Our Elementary Education Programs

Discover the pathway that fits your career goals in early childhood education (Birth–Kindergarten). WKU offers undergraduate and graduate degree options for aspiring educators, those seeking initial teacher certification, and experienced professionals looking to advance their expertise in early intervention and inclusive early childhood practices.

Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education, Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
This major is designed to prepare early childhood educators to work with children, both with and without disabilities, ages birth through kindergarten, and their families.
Learn More: B.S. Program

Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (MAT)
The MAT program in IECE, Birth to Primary, Initial Certification is for individuals who are not certified in any area of education. Upon completion of the program and achieving a passing score on the required PRAXIS II exam, students are eligible to be recommended for the Statement of Eligibility to teach children age’s birth through kindergarten.
Learn More: MAT Program

Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (MAE)
The MAE in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education provides a choice of two concentrations which are dependent upon an applicant's current certification and their desired additional certificate sought. Candidates choose one of the following concentrations: Advanced Behavior Management or Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages (TESOL).
Learn More: MAE Program

Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education Rank I
This non-degree program is designed to prepare educators to work with children both with and without special needs, age’s birth through kindergarten and their families. Graduates are eligible to apply for certification in interdisciplinary early childhood education (IECE), birth to primary (B to P). 
Learn More: Rank I

 

Learn from Expert Faculty

Personalized Guidance from Experienced Educators.

At WKU, you’ll be supported by dedicated faculty with real-world teaching experience. Our professors are more than instructors, they’re mentors, researchers, and leaders in education.

Meet Our Faculty

Dr. Janet Tassell
Dr. Janet Tassell
- Program Coordinator, Professor, Assistant Director

Have Questions? Text Us!

Need more information about our programs or have specific questions? Text The School of Teacher Education
directly! We’re here to help you with everything from admissions to program details.

Text Us At: 270-721-8539

Please note, this number cannot receive phone calls.

Have questions? We're here to help.

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The School of Teacher Education

Gary A. Ransdell Hall, Office 1005

1906 College Heights Blvd. #11030,
Bowling Green, KY 42101-1030


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 Last Modified 5/20/25