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BS

Birth to Kindergarten

You know how important the early years are in shaping a child’s future, and so do we. Our Bachelor of Science (BS) in Birth to Kindergarten Education program prepares you to make a real impact from day one. Get hands-on experience in real classrooms and learn from experts. When you graduate, you’ll be ready to step into your own inclusive classroom with confidence.

Application Deadline

Aug. 11, 2025

Classes Start

Aug. 18, 2025

Program Highlights

Get the tools to teach and care for children from birth through kindergarten. In this program, you’ll learn how to support young children’s growth across all areas, including physical, emotional, social and cognitive. You’ll also explore how to work with families and build strong partnerships that support early learning. Your courses will focus on:

  • Child development, including children with and without disabilities
  • Planning and leading inclusive, age-appropriate lessons
  • Creating safe, supportive classroom environments
  • Working with families and community organizations

You’ll also complete hands-on teaching through a full-time internship. When you graduate, you’ll be ready to apply for your North Carolina teaching license.

Program Requirements

A classroom setting with several students seated at tables, engaging in group activities or discussions. A teacher is standing and interacting with one of the groups. The classroom walls are decorated with colorful educational posters and charts.

Hands-On Classroom Experience

In this program, you'll do more than sit behind a desk. You'll get hands-on experience in real birth to kindergarten settings through fieldwork and a full-time teaching internship. These placements help you practice program planning, classroom management and working with students. When you graduate, you’ll be ready to lead your own class with confidence.
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Personalized Advising and Support

From the moment you join the program, you’ll be matched with a dedicated advisor. They'll help you build a plan of study and stay on track to meet your goals. Whether you have questions about classes, licensure steps or student teaching, your advisor is your go-to support system. You’re never navigating the program alone.

Admission Requirements

As part of UNCP’s Educator Preparation Program (EPP), this major follows specific requirements for admission, progression and graduation. Explore the requirements so you know what you need for admission. Once admitted, your advisor will help you stay on track.

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EPP Requirements
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Already Licensed?
Add a Preschool Licensure

Want to expand your impact? The Preschool Add-On Licensure may be your next step. This program is for licensed teachers in elementary education, special education or family and consumer sciences who want to teach children ages 3 to 5. With online, on-campus and evening options available, it's built to fit your schedule.

Learn More

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Get Your MAT at UNCP

Think you might like to grow your career after graduation? You can advance your career and your classroom impact with a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) from UNCP. With 14 specializations, including birth to kindergarten education, you can choose the focus that fits your goals. Plus, you’ll learn in the supportive environment you already know and trust.

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Explore MAT Programs
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After UNCP

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The education program at UNCP is filled with great students and even more amazing professors. Due to the small class sizes, I was able to thrive as a student and build personal relationships with my professors, who pushed me to become the teacher I am today.

Anna Oxendine

Common Careers

  • Preschool Teacher

  • Head Start or NC Pre-K Teacher

  • Inclusive Classroom Educator

  • Early Intervention Specialist

  • Early Childhood Program Coordinator

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More Student Stories

 

Want to learn more?

Our Admissions counselors are here to answer any questions you have.

or call us at 910.521.6262

Send us a message and one of our counselors will get back to you

 

Meet Our Program Director

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Sandra Potter

Associate Professor of Birth - Kindergarten


910.775.4760
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The Educator Preparation Program is fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and leads to initial licensure in North Carolina.