Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion

What you'll study

The curriculum focuses on practical, developmentally informed practice and classroom-ready skills. Core areas named in the program include:

• Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) — applying age-appropriate teaching aligned to child growth stages.
• Curriculum Planning for Early Childhood — designing intentional learning experiences across childcare, classroom, home, and community environments.
• Play-Based Learning Strategies — using play to support cognitive, social, and emotional development.
• Math and Science for Young Children — building early STEM foundations with age-appropriate instruction.
• Health, Safety, and Nutrition — creating environments that support children’s physical well-being and safety.
• Observation, Documentation, and Assessment — employing evidence-based tools to track development and guide instruction.
• Family and Community Engagement — working with diverse family structures and community partners to support children.

Courses listed for the program include GEN-111 and a sequence of ECED courses (ECED-101, ECED-105, ECED-120, ECED-125, ECED-130, ECED-135, ECED-225, ECED-230, ECED-235, ECED-240); for full course descriptions and prerequisites students should consult the IWU course catalog. Faculty expertise includes literacy, reading intervention, dyslexia, and doctorate-level early childhood scholarship, bringing research-based and classroom-informed instruction. Nearly every course includes a field experience component.

Entry requirements

The program page directs prospective students to the course catalog for a full list of courses and prerequisites; specific admission or prerequisite details are not provided on the summary page. Applicants should contact IWU admissions or view the catalog for exact enrollment criteria.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for entry-level roles in early childhood settings and for continuation into teacher licensure pathways. Job titles and outcomes explicitly mentioned include childcare worker, daycare assistant, preschool teacher assistant, home-based service provider, family support specialist, early childhood program administrator, childcare center director, and K–3 teacher for students who pursue licensure and state testing. The program emphasizes hands-on readiness through field experiences.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

The program page notes tuition information and financial-aid options: the program is 60 credit hours with a listed rate of $325 per credit hour, and financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, veterans’ benefits, and employer reimbursement. IWU also states that a student’s tuition rate will remain the same while continuously enrolled; applicants can request cost sheets or contact the Financial Aid Office for estimated cost of attendance and specific aid guidance.