Description
The Early Childhood Education Program offers undergraduate and graduate courses for individuals who are preparing to teach young children. The program is designed for students who are interested in fulfilling leadership roles in early childhood facilities. The purpose of the program is to prepare graduates to implement developmentally appropriate curriculum for children from birth to age eight. Students develop skills to support culturally, linguistically, and ability diverse children and their families. The program includes participation ins a strengthened curriculum with more than 700 hours of clinical experience - similar to the preparation used in legal and medical professions. Rigorous preparation helps to include the likelihood that students will be hired upon graduation. Completion of the Early Childhood program results in an undergraduate or graduate degree as well as a Pre-K to Grade 3 license.
What careers can this major prepare you for?
Early childhood education graduates have a wide number of career paths to choose from. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree some people take the teaching licensure exam, which opens up countless opportunities at public and private schools, pre-schools, kindergartens and day care centers. Others who graduate with a Master’s degree normally obtain a position as a school or educational program administrator. They also have the choice of continuing their education, and carrying out research work in early childhood education in order to address the critical issues in this field. After three to four years of research work, students submit their thesis to professors for approval, and defend their work and findings at a public dissertation. Thereafter, they are awarded they PhD or Doctoral degree of Early Childhood Education, which opens up countless opportunities in the academic and research sector at colleges, universities and research organizations throughout the world. Many graduates go on to become: Preschool Teacher, Childcare Center Director, Elementary School Teacher, Teachers Assistant, Child Care Aide, Family Care Provider, Home-Based Service Provider, Family Support Specialist, Librarian, Instructional Coordinator, Consultant, Researcher, Sales Representative, Professor, Museum Educator.
What skills are developed within this major?
Skills developed within this major include: develop age-appropriate curriculum; learn to teach health, safety and nutritional skills, employ principles of child psychology and human development, learn teaching strategies for language and literacy development, Research skills as demonstrated in papers and exams; Visual analysis; Analytical skills; Communication skills; Time management skills; Problem-solving skills; and passion for teaching and learning with young children.
Teaching Credential
Ohio four-year Resident Educator teaching license in early childhood (ages 3 to 8 and grades pre K-3, including children with mild/moderate disabilities). Requires successful completion of all program requirements and acceptable scores on applicable state licensure examinations as mandated by the Ohio Department of Education.
Portfolio
All teaching licensure students are expected to maintain a portfolio while completing their professional coursework and field experiences.
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