The Early Childhood Education program prepares students to serve young children and their families in various settings. This program is accredited by the Ohio Department of Education and utilizes standards put forth by the National Association for the Education of Young Children for early childhood professional preparation and provides a common core of professional knowledge and abilities needed by all early childhood educators. The program focuses on the physical, social, emotional intellectual and creative development of young children, prenatal to age twelve, and the planning of activities and programs that are developmentally appropriate. Knowledge, theory and practice are important, therefore, students are required to observe and participate in the field in almost every class. The Ohio Early Learning Content and Development Standards are embedded across the curriculum. Many Ohio colleges and universities accept this major, however, students interested in transferring should see their advisor for information on transfer options. NOTE In an effort to meet the needs of part-time students, our classes are offered both day and evening in alternating semesters, so that our entire curriculum can be taken both day or evening, as needed. It is strongly recommended that students meet with an Early Childhood Education advisor in order to carefully plan your program in this manner.
Accreditation ►
The Early Childhood Education program is accredited by the Ohio Department of Education to prepare individuals for the Ohio Pre-Kindergarten Associate Teacher License.
Requirements ►
Students must sign a non-convictions statement each year that they participate in the program, as well as a clear criminal background check. Students are require to have a current physical and hold current certifications in ODJFS approved course work in child abuse recognition and prevention, first aid, CPR and communicable disease prior to practicum participation. Students must maintain a 2.0 grade point average in all academic coursework and a minimum grade of “C” in courses indicated in the tables below.
Some possible careers include ►
preschool educator, childcare provider, director/owner of a childcare center, home-based provider, kindergarten or primary classroom assistant and nanny
►Click here for the Early Childhood Education Handbook
Program Outcomes ►
The student will
►demonstrate knowledge and understanding of children’s characteristics and needs;
►demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the multiple influences on development and learning;
►demonstrate use of knowledge of development to create healthy, respectful, supportive and challenging learning environments;
►demonstrate knowledge about and understanding of family and community characteristics;
►demonstrate ability to support and empower families and communities through the development of respectful, reciprocal relationships;
►demonstrate ability to involve families and communities in their children’s development and learning;
►demonstrate understanding of the goals, benefits and uses of assessment;
►demonstrate knowledge about and use of observation, documentation and other assessment tools;
►demonstrate understanding and practicing of responsible assessment;
►demonstrate knowledge about assessment partnerships with families and other professionals;
►demonstrate knowledge, understanding and use of positive relationships and supportive interactions;
►demonstrate knowledge, understanding and use of effective approaches, strategies and tools for early education;
►demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the importance, central concepts, inquiry tools and structures of content areas or academic disciplines;
►demonstrate using own knowledge and other resources to design, implement and evaluate meaningful, challenging curriculum to promote positive outcomes;
►identify and involve oneself with the early childhood field;
►demonstrate knowledge of and ability to uphold ethical standards and other professional guidelines;
►engage in continuous, collaborative learning to inform practice;
►integrate knowledgeable, critical and reflective perspectives on early education;
►engage in informed advocacy for children and the profession;
►demonstrate self-assessment and self-advocacy;
►demonstrate mastering and applying foundational concepts from general education;
►demonstrate adequate written and verbal skills;
►make connections between prior knowledge/experience and new learning; and
►identify and use professional resources.
