Are you passionate about children’s right to inquiry? Do you see all children as capable and competent? Are you curious how to create an early learning environment that is inclusive of all children and all abilities?
Our bachelor’s degree in Inclusive Early Childhood Education seeks to support teachers who want to explore progressive and inclusive perspectives in early childhood education. With a focus on children from birth through kindergarten, students will discover how to engage in inquiry alongside children, incorporate open-ended materials, explore the prepared environments, plan for emergent curriculum, use documentation and observation as assessment, and partner with families as best practice and a right for children of all abilities.
Official Degree Name: Inclusive Early Childhood Education
Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
*The Bachelor of Arts in Inclusive Early Childhood Education does not result in an institutional recommendation for Idaho teaching certification. This program prepares early childhood educators to work outside of the public school system in settings that do not require teaching certification.
Please discuss specific admissions requirements for this program with your advisor.
Individuals working in or studying early childhood education may be eligible for grants or scholarships through Idaho STARS. Learn more here:
The Bachelor of Arts in Inclusive Early Childhood Education degree prepares you to work in any early childhood setting that does not require a teaching license. This includes some private schools and early learning centers, as well as home-based programs and child care centers. Teachers with this degree can work with learners of all abilities in these settings.
Degree Requirements and Advising Resources
The Bachelor of Arts in Inclusive Early Childhood Education does not result in an institutional recommendation for Idaho teaching certification. This program prepares early childhood educators to work outside of the public school system in settings that do not require teaching certification.
This degree requires admission at two points in time during the program:
1. Admission to upper-division Early and Special Education standing
2. Admission to Inclusive Early Childhood Education culminating experiences
Please discuss specific admission requirements with your advisor.
The Department of Early and Special Education requires all Inclusive Early Childhood Education Bachelor of Arts students to apply for admission to Upper-division Early and Special Education Standing prior to enrolling in 300-level and 400-level early and special education courses with the prerequisite of “upper-division early and special education standing”. Students enrolling in these upper-division Early and Special Education courses without approved upper-division standing will be withdrawn administratively from the courses.
Minimum Criteria for Admission to Upper-division Early and Special Education standing for the Inclusive ECE BA:
1. Admission to Boise State and declared Inclusive Early Childhood Education major
2. Completion of the following lower-division courses with a C or better in each course:
ED-ESP 221
ED-ESP 223
(NOTE: Different undergraduate certificate programs in Early and Special Education have different pre-requisite courses required for admission to upper-division standing. Check requirements for each program you are enrolled in)
3. Minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher across required lower-division courses (ED-ESP 221 & ED-ESP 223 for Inclusive ECE BA)
4. At least 36 credits (including coursework in progress at the time of application)
5. Submission of a completed application
Students pursuing the Inclusive Early Childhood Education Bachelor of Arts must apply for admission to inclusive early childhood culminating experiences prior to completing ED-ESP 465, ED-ESP 471, and ED-ESP 472. To be admitted to inclusive early childhood culminating experiences, a student must meet the following criteria. Students enrolling in ED-ESP 465, ED-ESP 471, or ED-ESP 472 without approved inclusive early childhood culminating experiences standing will be withdrawn administratively from the courses. Students enrolled in a degree-seeking program leading to state teaching certification will be required to follow procedures to be admitted to Professional Year prior to enrolling in culminating experiences.
ED-ESP 329 – Behavior Support in Early Childhood (3 credits)
ED-ESP 360 – Environments and Observation in Early Childhood (3 credits)
ED-ESP 361 – Place-Based and Outdoor Education in Early Childhood (3 credits)
ED-ESP 362*- Fieldwork in Early Childhood: Place-Based Education (3 credits)
ED-ESP 363 – Inquiry-Based Learning in Early Childhood (3 credits)
ED-ESP 364*- Fieldwork in Early Childhood: Inquiry-Based Learning (3 credits)
ED-ESP 365 – Leadership and Advocacy in Early Childhood Education (3 credits)
Electives to total 120 – Plan electives with an advisor; some electives may require admission to upper division standing (26-29 credits)
Admission to culminating experiences is required before enrolling in the following courses
ED-ESP 465*- Culminating Field Experience in Early Childhood Education (9 credits)
ED-ESP 471 – Proposal for Capstone Project (1 credit)
ED-ESP 472 – Capstone for the BA in Inclusive Early Childhood Education (2 credits)
Total Credits: 120
*Fieldwork can be completed in current classrooms for those working in ECE
Costs and Scholarships
Boise State provides an affordable, quality education to improve your future. Scholarship opportunities are available for residents and nonresidents, making it even more affordable to attain a quality education.