This course provides potential educators and those who work with children in any context a solid foundation for their future work. The course focuses on the unique approach of Christian education with an overview of the physical, intellectual, moral, social/emotional, and spiritual development of children and youth. The nature of learning and the variety of learning styles is considered as well as the character development of effective teachers. Other topics include: classroom management, curriculum development, and the role of education with family in community development and world missions.

This course is part of 15-month degree track developed to equip educators in either early childhood or primary (K-8th grade) education with principles in training and teaching children. Students will be given opportunities to sharpen their skills in hearing God’s voice as an educator, heighten their awareness of God’s heart for children, increase their understanding of God’s character for their personal development, and learn creativity in presenting God’s truths. In addition, we will research issues that affect at-risk children around the world.  We’ll invest in the lives of local at-risk children by regularly serving in the Kona community. Like all degrees through University of Nations, the final quarter will be a field assignment in a developing nation starting or helping start a school or preschool. This is what sets us apart from the other teacher training institutions!