Bachelor of Science in Elementarpädagogik - Schwerpunkt Frühe Kindheit

The Elementary Education-Early Childhood program at Arizona Christian University trains you in the art and science of teaching children. Three key attributes of the program prepare you for a successful career in education. First, the program emphasizes the integration of educational principles across the teaching profession. You will learn that teaching is not compartmentalized but it is a rich combination of research-based theories and hands-on practical experience. Second, the program emphasizes practicality. Through the lens of extensive experience, ACU faculty provide you with timely and valuable glimpses into today’s classrooms. The final and most valuable attribute is the emphasis on mentoring. Because of the intentional small class sizes at ACU, you will be able to develop strong mentoring relationships with your instructors. This mentoring begins in the classroom, continues through student teaching, and beyond graduation.

Professional Licensure/Certification

The Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education may lead to Educator Certification in Arizona. All students who satisfactorily complete the Elementary Education certificate program at Arizona Christian University will receive an Institutional Recommendation (IR) from the university. A program “audit” will be conducted upon completion of the last program requirement to ensure a 3.0 GPA in required program coursework (including transfer coursework), a 2.5 GPA overall, tuition/fees paid in full, and materials checked out from the library have been returned. The IR will be uploaded to the Arizona Department of Education. It is good for one year and cannot be reissued. The IR saves you time and money when you are applying for your teaching certificate.

Additionally, certificated graduates receive an Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) teaching certificate that qualifies them to teach in Christian schools in 180 U.S. and around the world.

States vary in their certification requirements. ACU has made reasonable, good faith efforts to determine if its certified education programs meet the applicable education requirement for professional licensure or certification in all fifty states and several U.S. territories.

ACU is an accredited, private, non-profit, Christian university in Glendale, Arizona offering a wide variety of degrees preparing students for successful careers, while remaining committed to its vision of transforming culture with biblical truth. Students actively engage in biblically-integrated academics and gain a liberal arts foundation with critical thinking skills that last a lifetime. Spiritual development is also integrated within the University experience, where all four-year campus students receive a minor in Biblical Studies, attend chapel twice a week, and complete spiritual formation and service hours each semester.

Our Mission

Arizona Christian University provides a biblically-integrated, liberal arts education equipping graduates to serve the Lord Jesus Christ in all aspects of life, as leaders of influence and excellence.

Vision

Arizona Christian University exists to educate and equip followers of Christ to transform culture with the truth.

University Wide Learning Goals

• Faith – Be grounded in a biblical worldview and grow in your understanding of how to apply that worldview to every area of life.
• Influence – Develop critical thinking, communication, and creative problem-solving skills that position them to be leaders of influence in their communities and chosen professions, both locally and globally.
• Relationship – Deepen their personal relationships with God and be prepared for healthy relationships within the family, the church, and society as a result.
• Excellence – Cultivate excellence in their personal development, academic/professional pursuits, and cocurricular activities, living with integrity in a way that honors the Lord Jesus Christ in all things.

Undergraduate Learning Goals

Furthermore, Arizona Christian University has articulated undergraduate learning goals that correspond to the University’s core values. Students graduating with associate or bachelors’ degrees will be able to:

• F1. Explain basic elements of the Christian faith.
• F2. Apply a biblical worldview to their lives.
• F3. Express a personal, God-given calling for their lives.
• I1. Communicate effectively in various contexts.
• I2. Develop a strategy to transform culture with truth.
• I3. Describe and critique local culture.
• R1. Form and maintain significant personal relationships.
• E1. Articulate a holistic and integrated view of human culture.
• E2. Demonstrate information literacy and critical thinking skills.
• E3. Extend the truths of one’s own disciplines via original research or practice.

A Place for You – Arizona

ACU offers a Christ-focused community centered in the beautiful and vibrant city of Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of metropolitan Phoenix. With an average annual high of 80 degrees during the school year, you’ll always find students outside on our beautiful, tree-lined, and grassy 68-acre campus — playing frisbee, participating in athletics, doing homework, or expressing their musical talent. Our students – who come from 36 states and 23 foreign countries – love the weather here in Arizona!