The BYUI Professional Preschool Education Program (PPE) leads to an Applied Associate's Degree. It offers students the opportunity for in-depth study and experience in teaching young children. It is intended to be a "terminal degree" (one that provides professional preparation to enter the work force). Students who seek to graduate in PPE should realize that the program is not designed to be transferrable to four-year colleges, nor to be the foundation for a teaching certificate in early childhood education. The program is well designed to help graduates become: teachers in or directors of developmentally appropriate child care centers or preschools in home and commercial settings; qualified teacher's aides in nursery schools, kindergartens, and special education/inclusion classes.

The four semesters of core curriculum are:

1st Semester - Preparation - prepare academically and learn the basics of child development and early childhood education theory and practice.

2nd Semester - Support Teacher - have experience in labs (MWF) assisting in preparing and implementing lesson plans and working with children.

3rd Semester - Lead Teacher - write and implement preschool lesson plans, and take responsibility for the classroom, the children, and training support teachers.

4th Semester - Supervisor - observe, support and provide inservice training for the teaching team, work with parents, keep records, and maintain lab facilities.