Equip Yourself to Nurture, Teach, and Lead in Early Childhood Education

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Christian Early Childhood Education at Eldermont University is designed for individuals who are called to serve young children and families during the most formative years of life. Whether you work in a daycare, preschool, church-based early learning program, or community setting, this degree equips you with a strong foundation in child development, early learning best practices, family engagement, and Christ-centered care—so you can lead with competence, compassion, and biblical integrity.

Through Eldermont’s unique Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) and Thesis-Based approach, students may earn up to 90 credits through PLA, recognizing professional experience in early childhood education and childcare leadership. The remaining 30 credits are earned through a Bachelor’s Thesis, allowing students to demonstrate scholarly depth and practical improvement strategies in early childhood education.

Program Features

100% Online, Self-Paced Format – Learn on your schedule.

Earn Up to 90 Credits Through PLA – Receive credit for documented early childhood education experience.

30-Credit Bachelor’s Thesis – Conduct original research focused on early learning and child development.

Faith-Based & Research-Driven Curriculum – Grounded in Scripture and evidence-informed practice.

Accelerated Completion in as Little as 90 Days – Most students finish in 6–12 months.

No Semester Deadlines – Progress at your own pace.

What Will You Study?

This degree integrates biblical worldview, early childhood development, and developmentally appropriate teaching practice to prepare students to nurture young learners and strengthen families.

Child Growth & Development (Birth–Age 8) – Understand how children learn, grow, and form foundational patterns.

Social-Emotional Learning & Behavior Guidance – Build classroom culture, emotional regulation, and positive discipline.

Early Literacy & Language Development – Support emergent literacy through storytelling, reading, and communication-rich environments.

Early Math, Science, & Inquiry-Based Learning – Teach core concepts through hands-on learning and curiosity-based exploration.

Inclusive Practice & Diverse Learners – Support children with different needs, abilities, languages, and backgrounds with compassion.

Family Engagement & Home–School Partnership – Strengthen collaboration with families through clear communication and trust.

Child Well-Being, Safety, & Ethics – Promote child protection, wellness routines, and ethical responsibilities in early learning settings.

Faith Integration & Christian Worldview – Lead with biblical values, character formation, and Christ-centered care.

Degree Structure

The 120-credit program consists of:

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) – Up to 90 Credits

Students may earn credit through a comprehensive PLA portfolio, including:

Professional experience in childcare, preschool, or early learning programs.

Classroom leadership, curriculum planning, or early learning administration.

Child development training, early learning certifications, or continuing education.

Evidence of parent communication, family engagement, or community-based support work.

Documented teaching materials, learning plans, training resources, or program improvement projects.

PLA allows students to accelerate degree completion based on documented experience and demonstrated competencies.

Bachelor’s Thesis – 30 Credits

Students complete a thesis focused on Christian early childhood education, demonstrating research skill, scholarly writing, and applied improvement strategies for early learning practice.

Career Paths with a B.A. in Christian Early Childhood Education

Graduates are equipped for roles supporting children and families in early learning settings.

Early Childhood Educator or Preschool Teacher (Non-Licensure)

Lead Teacher or Classroom Supervisor (Childcare/Preschool)

Early Learning Program Coordinator (Church, Nonprofit, Community)

Family Engagement or Parent Support Specialist

Curriculum Support Specialist (Early Learning)

Childcare Administrator or Assistant Director (Non-Licensure)

This degree does not lead to state teacher licensure, but it is ideal for professionals seeking career advancement, workforce development, and leadership growth in early childhood education environments.

Bachelor’s Thesis – Your Research Focus

Students explore a research topic in Christian early childhood education, integrating biblical insight with evidence-based practice and real-world application.

Examples of Bachelor’s Thesis Topics:

Faith Integration in Early Childhood Classrooms: Age-Appropriate Approaches to Formation

Play-Based Learning and School Readiness: A Christian Perspective on Developmentally Appropriate Practice

Family Engagement Strategies that Strengthen Outcomes in Early Learning Programs

Behavior Guidance in Early Childhood: Positive Discipline and Social-Emotional Formation

Trauma-Informed Care in Early Learning: Building Resilient, Safe Classrooms

Early Literacy Development: Storytelling, Language Growth, and Character Formation

The Bachelor’s Thesis positions graduates as informed practitioners and thought leaders who can improve early learning environments through scholarship and ethical leadership.

Admission Requirements

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Submission (Comprehensive Portfolio)

Bachelor’s Thesis Proposal Submission

Eldermont University offers a streamlined admissions process and does not require standardized test scores.

Why Choose Eldermont University?

100% Online & Self-Paced – Study from anywhere, at your pace.

Faith-Centered & Research-Driven – Rooted in Scripture and strengthened through scholarly study.

Thesis-Based Program – A focused, high-impact academic model built around research and practice.

Earn Credit for Professional Experience – Maximize PLA credits for what you’ve already learned and done.

Flexible Completion Timeline – Graduate in 6–12 months, or accelerate to finish in as little as 90 days.

At Eldermont University, early childhood educators are equipped with biblical depth, professional competence, and a heart for service—so young children and families can thrive.

Take the Next Step in Your Early Childhood Education Journey

Apply Now – Start your B.A. in Christian Early Childhood Education today.

Request More Information – Speak with an advisor about PLA + Thesis.

Explore Our Programs – Discover how Eldermont prepares faith-driven professionals for impactful early learning leadership.