Learn to work effectively with preschool children
Our Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies and Community Leadership Degree with Preschool Specialization gives you the knowledge and skills to work effectively with early learners (birth to age 4) and their families in both the public and private sectors. Other than some classes that have school-based hours, this program can be completed fully online. SPC's Educational Studies Early Childhood Education A.A. Transfer Plan articulates into this bachelor's degree.
T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship Program can help cover your tuition
The Teacher Education And Compensation Helps (T.E.A.C.H.) program provides scholarships to early learning and afterschool teachers, directors, family child care home educators, and child care facility owners working towards their Florida Staff Credential, Director Credential, National CDA Assessment, credential renewals, or Associate, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degrees in early childhood education.
NOTE: While this degree does not lead to a teacher certification, it does prepare you to work with preschool children
Good news for Head Start employees
This program meets the intent of the federal Head Start Act that requires at least 50 percent of Head Start Teachers nationwide have a bachelor's or advanced degree in early childhood education by 2013; or a bachelor's or advanced degree and coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education.
This academic program prepares you for the following careers. All job data is provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
Salary Data
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL Metro Area Average
Florida Average
Projected employment for Florida
2022 Employment
34,270
2032
40,330
Percent Change
18
Projected Job Openings
4310
Features of SPC's Educational Studies and Community Leadership B.S. Degree - Preschool Track
- Quality program offered at an affordable cost
- Courses offered online, face-to-face or a blend of the two
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards are used in this concentration
- Quality experiences in the field with two practicum and one internship supervised by experienced educators
Educational Studies and Community Leadership Bachelor of Science
EDST-BS
Effective Beginning Catalog Term: Fall 2023 (625)
The requirements shown below are valid beginning Fall 2023 (625), and may not reflect degree requirements for current students. Current students should visit My SPC and view My Learning Plan to see specific degree requirements for their effective term.
Program Summary
This program is offered as a Fully Online program. Our Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies and Community Leadership is an interdisciplinary program. Students seeking jobs in non-school settings benefit from portions of the essential knowledge and skills associated with the field of education. The Educational Studies and Community Leadership major has been specifically designed for students who want to deepen their understanding of the learning and teaching process, yet seek careers in non-school settings.
Graduation Requirements
A cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher is required for graduation. Important notice to current Baccalaureate students: To view a list of the classes you need to take before you can graduate, login to MySPC and choose My Learning Plan. Contact your academic advisor with any questions. *NOTE: FLDOE removed State Mandated Prerequisite course EDF 1005, May 2018.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE: If you have not completed two consecutive years of the same foreign language in high school or 8 credits in college, you will need to complete 8 credits of foreign language before completing the B.S. program.
CIVIC LITERACY: As per Florida Rule 6A-10.04213, baccalaureate degree students entering a Florida College System (FCS) or State University System (SUS) institution in the 2021-2022 academic school year and thereafter must demonstrate competency through successful completion of a civic literacy course AND by achieving a passing score on the Florida Civic Literacy Examination (FCLE).
Academic Pathways
The Academic Pathway is a tool for students that lists the following items:- the recommended order in which to take the program courses
- suggested course when more than one option exists
- which semester each course is typically offered
- if the course has a prerequisite
- courses that may lead to a certificate (if offered in the program)
Please verify the Academic Pathway lists your correct starting semester.
Program Leadership Information
Florida CIP Code
1013999901 - Educational Studies - non-certification (BS)
Federal CIP Code
13.9999 - Education, Other.
Continue your education degree at SPC
SPC's Educational Studies Early Childhood Education A.A. Transfer Plan prepares you to earn our Preschool Education sub-plan in B.S. in Educational Studies and Community Leadership.
