Gain Hands-On Experience
The BYU-Idaho Professional Preschool Education Program (PPE) leads to an Associate in Applied Science Degree. It offers students the opportunity for in-depth study and experience in teaching young children in the "R Children" preschool located on BYU-Idaho's campus. The "R Children" preschool is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment while promoting the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development of young children.
The PPE degree 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 intended to be transferable to four-year colleges, or to be the foundation for a teaching certificate in early childhood education.
The PPE 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 or to be qualified teacher's aides in nursery schools, kindergartens, and special education/inclusion classes.
In this degree, you will promote child development and learning through building relationships with families and communities. You will learn to observe, document, and assess the support of young children and families, helping to make a difference in their lives.
The PPE degree 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 intended to be transferable to four-year colleges, or to be the foundation for a teaching certificate in early childhood education.
The PPE 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 or to be qualified teacher's aides in nursery schools, kindergartens, and special education/inclusion classes.
In this degree, you will promote child development and learning through building relationships with families and communities. You will learn to observe, document, and assess the support of young children and families, helping to make a difference in their lives.
Highlighted Career Paths
Graduates with a degree in Professional Preschool Education have a wide array of rewarding careers before them. Check out some of the top careers students get with this degree or explore more career options in I-Plan.
Preschool Teacher
Working with pre-K children, you will assess their development and learning. Teachers teach language, social, and motor skills to young children and work with them to be sure they are prepared for kindergarten.
Preschool Director
Working in a preschool, or in a childcare center, directors supervise staff, design programs, oversee the budget, and are in charge of the overall program. Programs can include before and after school care.
Teacher’s Aide
A teacher’s aide assists the teacher, whether it be a childcare center or pre-school. They assist the teacher in activity planning, preparation, and in reviewing each child’s progress. They may also supervise or take over for the teacher on certain days and help in whatever way the teacher may need.
Getting Started in this degree
If you are interested in Professional Preschool Education, start with one of the following major-specific courses
Related Majors
This degree provides the knowledge and license to teach and help young children in general education and special education classes, as well as in home-based settings. Students will participate in multiple supervised intervention/teaching experiences with a partnered school district, on-campus lab, home, or center.
Students prepare to work closely with young children and their families in caring for children and educating families on how to do so. They will learn to build and keep family and community relationships.
Child development majors acquire the skills necessary to make a positive difference in the lives of children. Students will be expected to promote the physical, emotional, and intellectual development of children.
Students gain knowledge in a variety of subjects related to families and consumers, including nutrition, clothing, interior design, child development, along with teaching knowledge and experience.
Students will learn to engage with individuals, small groups, and communities to serve people who are disadvantaged, disabled, abused, or otherwise limited in their ability to live a fulfilled life.
The Special Education program prepares students to work with individuals with special needs from kindergarten through age 21. Teacher candidates will demonstrate knowledge, understanding, and application of skills during multiple supervised practicum teaching experiences within partnered schools before beginning their student teaching experience.
Marriage and Family Studies prepares students to learn about the family and what creates strong and healthy family relationships. Students choose an emphasis related to the family that they want to focus on, choosing from Child & Family Advocacy, Human Services, or Parent & Family Education.
Marriage and Family Studies prepares students for careers in family life, education, human services, advocacy groups, nonprofit organizations, and youth services. Students learn valuable principles and skills pertaining to healthy family functioning, communication, advocacy, and conflict management.