Program Description
This curriculum is designed to prepare students to work with children
from infancy through age eight in a variety of early childhood settings.
The curriculum has a core of 34 credit hours directly related to early
childhood education. The curriculum is designed so that it can be
completed within four semesters, but it can be extended over a longer
time. A suggested course sequence for full-time students follows; part-
time students should consult an adviser.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:
Describe the theories and principles of child development and learning
and apply the theories and principles to his or her classroom teaching.
Identify the issues, trends, and historical events in the field of early
childhood education.
Use systematic observations, documentation, and other effective
assessment strategies in a responsible way to positively influence
children's learning and development.
Demonstrate knowledge of supporting and empowering families and
communities through respectful, reciprocal relationships.
Demonstrate understanding of content areas and apply developmentally
appropriate approaches to enhance children's learning and development.
Create healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging learning
environments to promote children's learning and development.
Design, implement, and evaluate meaningful, challenging curricula to
promote positive outcomes for all young children.
Be reflective practitioners to reflect and use the most effective methods of
guidance and teaching when working with children.
Identify and conduct themselves as early childhood professionals who use
ethical guidelines and National Association for the Education of Young
Children standards related to early childhood practice and who are
advocates for sound educational practices and policies.
Demonstrate excellent written, verbal, critical thinking, and problem-
solving skills, which will allow them to effectively make connections
between prior knowledge/experience and new learning.
