Skip to main content

Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education
College of Education and Human Development


 

The overall mission of the Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education (EECE) is to prepare responsive and effective educators for working with learners of all ages, infancy through adulthood. With its major emphasis in teacher certification programs for individuals seeking to teach in public school settings. Additional responsibilities include preparing personnel to teach in private kindergarten centers, day care centers and education programs operated by community agencies, businesses and industries.

BECOME AN EDUCATOR

The Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education (EECE) offers three undergraduate programs to include Childcare and Family Education (Non-Licensure); Elementary Education K-3; and Elementary Education K-6. The department houses the Test Preparation Center which assists in preparing students for licensure examinations toward educator licensure; and the Harris Gambrell Reading Center which assists students with various components of reading. The department also houses the Student National Education Association (SNEA) and the EECE Club which are open to all education majors. The mission of the Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education (EECE) is to prepare responsive and effective educators for working with learners of all ages, infancy through adulthood.

ACCREDITATION
The Elementary Education K-3 and K-6 programs are accredited by the Council for the
Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

General Requirements/Curriculum

Course Descriptions

EECE degree programs are based on the principles of the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC); the standards and professional accreditation recommendations of the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP); the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC); the Association of Childhood Education (ACEI); and the International Literacy Association (ILA).

We Offer the Following Degree Programs:

Undergraduate Programs

Bachelor of Science in Child Care & Family Education – (Non-Licensure Track)

Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, K-3

Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, K-6

Graduate Programs*

Master of Science in Early Childhood Education 

Master of Science in Elementary Education

Master of Science in Reading Education

Doctorate in Early Childhood Education

*To apply for graduate programs, please access the application portal here.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Develop Next-Generation Minds

Jackson State University’s Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education is an academic department that offers a degree program focused on preparing future educators for the unique challenges and rewards of teaching young children in grades K-6. Program completion depends on routes set by the Department and covers a range of topics related to child development, learning theory, and teaching strategies. The curriculum for the Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education includes courses in child development, language and literacy development, math and science education, and social studies education. Students also take courses in educational psychology, teaching methods, and classroom management to gain a better understanding of how to effectively teach young children in diverse settings.

LEARN BY DOING

In addition to classroom instruction, the Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education provides students with opportunities for hands-on learning through field experiences, practicums, and internships. These experiences allow students to apply the theories and strategies they have learned in the classroom to real-world teaching situations, and gain practical skills in curriculum development, assessment, and instruction.

“Challenging Minds, Changing Lives.”

APPLY YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Students admitted to other degree programs within the College of Education and Human Development, who desire to teach in elementary or secondary schools, are also enrolled in the courses provided by EECE. Students gain advanced knowledge in learning theories, educational standards, goals and objectives, cultural influences concerning learning, curriculum design, and implementation.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Elementary and Early Childhood majors have a plethora of career options:

Preschool Teacher Kindergarten Teacher Elementary School Teacher Childcare Center Director
Teacher Aide Childcare Worker Educational Consultant Sales Representative

DEPARTMENTAL BROCHURE

The Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education prepares educators to work with learners of all ages, backgrounds, abilities, and cultures. EECE is recognized for its excellence in teaching, research, and service. Many graduates are teachers, consultants, principals, college professors, and state department employees. The department has one of the highest enrollments at Jackson State University, which is attributed to its active community involvement, personal approach to instruction, and advising.

Want to learn more? Click below to view our brochure.

RESOURCES

 

Student Success

Forms

Important Dates

PERSONNEL

READY TO JOIN?

For more information, please contact us at (601) 979- 2341.  We look forward to meeting with you and seeing how our program can help you achieve your goals.

DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Mailing Address

Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education
P.O. Box 18380
Jackson, MS 39217

Contact

(601) 979-2341