Early Childhood Education

Bachelor’s
100%
In-Person
Learn at our Tigerville Campus and connect with others.
1,200+
NGU Education Graduates
South Carolina. The United States. Around the world. Over 1,200 NGU education graduates teach in both public and private schools across the globe.
200+
Years of Experience
Want to learn from the best? Our faculty have over 200 combined years of teaching experience in both public and private schools.

Shape a Lifetime of Curiosity, Growth, and Learning

Prepare to make a lasting impact during the most formative years of a child’s life. The Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (Preschool–3rd grade) at North Greenville University equips future teachers to nurture young learners academically, socially, and emotionally. Through strong academic preparation and more than 730 hours of hands-on experience in South Carolina classrooms, candidates develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to inspire a love of learning from the very beginning.

With meaningful field experiences each semester and a culminating full-time student teaching experience, graduates are prepared to enter the classroom ready to make a difference—one child at a time.

Why Choose?

  • Career Flexibility: Prepare for a wide range of opportunities serving children in diverse settings, including daycares, public and private school classrooms, children’s ministries, and other child-focused environments.
  • Real-world Experience: Complete 730 field hours in a South Carolina public school before graduation.
  • Rewarding Career: Find the purpose and meaning that comes with supporting young lives and fostering their growth.

Program Overview

  • Why NGU?

    At North Greenville University, you will grow academically and spiritually to become the transformational leader God has uniquely called you to be. All courses are taught from a Christ-centered perspective, integrating faith and learning. Wherever you are, NGU is here to help you reach your academic and professional goals.

  • Purpose

    The Early Childhood Education program develops educators who embody our framework: Effective Practitioner, Caring Leader, and Lifelong Learner. You will build strong instructional skills and reflect thoughtfully on your practice, create supportive and inclusive classrooms, and commit to continual growth that strengthens your impact on students and the field of education.

Everything you need to know in five minutes.

Sample Courses

Early Childhood Education Year 1

Year 1 Sample Courses

  • Introduction to Education
  • Engaging the Biblical Narrative
  • Integration of Technology
  • Planning and Assessment
Early Childhood Education Year 2

Year 2 Sample Courses

  • Child Development
  • Oral Communications
  • Classroom Management
  • Introduction to Early Childhood Education
  • P.E. and Health Methods
Early Childhood Education Year 3

Year 3 Sample Courses

  • Reading and Writing in the Content Area Methods Courses
  • The Exceptional Learner
  • Methods and Materials for the Young Child
  • Human Growth and Development in Education
Early Childhood Education Year 4

Year 4 Sample Courses

  • Arts Integration
  • Family and Community Relations
  • Professional Teaching Expectations
  • Directed Student Teaching
  • Student Teaching Seminar

Get to Know Our Faculty!

Melissa Cruver, EdD
Department Chair, Early Childhood and Elementary Education
Andrew S. Hodges, MEd
Program Director, Secondary Education
Sarah McKinney, MEd
Instructor, Education
Gretchen Pruden, MEd
Instructor, Education
W. LaVelle McCray, MEd
Instructor, Education
Linda O. Parker, EdD
Assistant Professor, Education
Christina Miller, PhD
Associate Professor, Education
Amanda McKinney, MEd
Instructor, Education

Have any Questions about the Program?

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Melissa Cruver, EdD

Department Chair, Early Childhood and Elementary Education
864.977.2907 melissa.cruver@ngu.edu
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North Greenville University (NGU) admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.