SUNY Old Westbury students earn a Bachelor of Science in childhood education degree with New York State Initial Certification for grades one to six.
The program features:
- Small class sizes to increase interaction between students and faculty members who are dedicated to teaching excellence and providing personal attention.
- Field experiences through partnerships with local public, private, and charter schools.
Undergraduate Teacher Preparation Programs
Childhood Education with Bilingual Extension, B.S.
Special Education and Childhood Education, B.S.)
Special Education with Bilingual Education, B.S.
Adolescence Education – grades 7-12 - Biology, B.S.
Adolescence Education – grades 7-12 - Chemistry, B.A.
Adolescence Education – grades 7-12 - Chemistry, B.S.
Why SUNY Old Westbury?
Academic
Concentrations
Students can choose from one of 10 concentrations areas: Biology, Chemistry, English, History, Mathematics, American Studies, Visual Arts, World Cultures, Politics Economics and Law, and Spanish Language, Hispanic Literature & Culture.
Small
Classes
Experience the impact of working closely with your peers and your professors by learning in small groups with people who seek your same goals. SUNY Old Westbury boasts a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Preparation for Today's
Classroom Needs
Classes and programs are developed for the changing nature and demographics of today's classrooms, preparing teachers to excel among the diversity of students they will experience and with skills to foster a more just, sustainable world.
Field
Experiences
All education programs provide extensive culturally relevant field experiences. The opportunity to observe and begin working with qualified teachers on various aspects of the teaching-learning process begins as soon as students are admitted to the School of Education.
Dedicated
Faculty
The School of Education faculty put students first. They get to know you -- all students are assigned a faculty adviser -- and they work with you to ensure you are prepared to become the teacher you want to be.
Accredited
Education
The B.S. in Childhood Education is offered through the SUNY Old Westbury School of Education, which is accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). All programs offered by the School of Education are also approved by the New York State Education Department.

Careers
Where can you go with your B.S. in Childhood Education degree? Graduates of our program have enjoyed an array of careers, including:
- Elementary school teacher
- Teaching Assistants
- Directors of after-school programs
- Content specialists
- Assistant Principals

Getting a Job
Graduates from the Class of 2023 and Class of 2024 have entered the profession in public and private schools throughout the metro area, including:
- Bayshore School District
- Freeport Union Free School District
- Half Hollow Hills Schools
- Hempstead Union Free Public Schools
- New York City Public Schools
- Roosevelt Union Free Public schools

Get Your Master's Degree
Once you've completed your B.S. in Childhood Education (Grades 1-6) and earned your Initial Certification, continue on at Old Westbury for your master's degree.
We offer opportunities in Literacy Education, Special Education and more to help you complete this necessary step on the way to Professional Certification.