Early Childhood Education, BA

Northern New Mexico College offers a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education degree leading to New Mexico Early Childhood Teacher Licensure.

This competency-based program is part of New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Development Articulation Catalog of Courses and Programs and it will prepare students to teach children age 3 through grade 3. Graduates of the program will be able to provide high-quality care and education to young children through experiential learning and developmentally appropriate practices. The Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education program is fully accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) 2024.

Admission Criteria

1. Admission to the College in regular status (i.e., all transcripts have been received),
2. Good standing at NNMC,
3. Completion of at least 60 credits of coursework toward an Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education,
4. Cumulative GPA of at least 2.75,

Application Process

1. Students must declare a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education to be officially accepted and advised accordingly by the Department of Teacher Education.
2. Complete a BA Program application: which can be found on the Early Childhood Education page on our website at www.nnmc.edu.
3. Letter of Intent: a one-page typed letter stating a) your reasons for wanting to become a teacher, b) experience, and c) personal strengths.
4. Personal Philosophy of Education Statement: a one-page typed statement that describes your beliefs about a) education, b) learning, and c) working with students.
5. Signed Assurance form: a) which can be found on the Early Childhood Education page on our website at www.nnmc.edu, or at COE Administrative Office, Teacher Education Center, Room 201.
6. Provide copies of all college transcripts.

Completed application materials will be reviewed by the Department of Teacher Education and teacher candidates will be advised accordingly.

Entrance Interview

Once your application materials are received and prior to acceptance into the BA Program, you will be interviewed by the Department of Teacher Education Interview Committee.

Transfer Students

Applicants who transfer from other institutions must have been granted admission in regular status (i.e., all transcripts have been received) prior to applying to the BA Program.

Transfer Credits

Northern New Mexico College will fully accept AA degrees earned from other institutions when transferring to NNMC to complete their BA degree. For non-degree holding students transferring to NNMC, a degree check will be completed by the Registrar and eligible credits will be transferred.

Assessment of Candidate Learning

Teacher candidates must maintain a cumulative minimum GPA of 2.75 to remain in good standing in the program. In addition, your progress will be evaluated by practicum and student teaching observations, disposition assessments, and self-assessments

Courses in which the teacher candidates earn a grade lower than a C- do not count towards graduation or certification and do not meet criteria for satisfying prerequisites.