Early childhood education integrates early childhood courses with information about children with special learning needs, preparing you to teach grades prekindergarten through three ages three through eight).
As an early childhood education major, you will take an in-depth look at early childhood principles set forth by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the Division of Early Childhood and the Council for Exceptional Children. By graduation, you will be able to develop active learning environments for children across all subject areas while focusing on diversity, pluralistic learning, family values and pluralistic domains.
As part of the academic program, you have the opportunity to specialize your studies through a focus area. Popular focus areas include: prekindergarten special needs endorsement; young catechetical leaders; sign language (a partnership with Sinclair Community College); education abroad; leadership, administration and advocacy; urban teacher academy; early intervention birth to age three; foreign language; a middle childhood content area concentration; or a self designed focus area.
Throughout all four years, you will participate in teaching experiences in area schools, completing extensive hours of field-based experience before student teaching. During these experiences, you will be supported by department faculty and cooperating teacher educators on local schools staffs.
In your second year, you will have a year-long practicum at the University run best practice school, the Bombeck Family Learning Center. The third year of study is spent in urban Head Start and kindergarten placements, and the fourth year includes both an extended practicum and student teaching in the primary grades.
In order to be approved for student teaching and recommended for licensure, you must maintain a 2.5 grade point average overall, both in professional education courses and in your teaching field.
Licensure
The School of Education and Allied Professions is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. Generally, Ohio licensure granted in the School of Education and Allied Professions extends to most states. By the end of your first year, you must pass the Praxis I, which assesses reading, writing and mathematics skills. Licensure is contingent on successfully passing a state-mandated exit examination, Praxis II, that tests your knowledge in the principles of learning and teaching, and the content area of specialization. Passing scores for the Praxis II are established by the state of Ohio.
Graduates will receive the early childhood license for working with grades prekindergarten through three (ages three through eight) who are typically developing, at-risk, gifted or have mild to moderate educational needs. Through the Transdisciplinary Early Childhood Graduate Program, you can earn licensure as an early intervention specialist and work with young learners with mild, moderate and intensive educational needs. The Ohio Department of Health early intervention license allows you to work with infants and toddlers, ages birth to three, and their families.
Career Opportunities
When it comes time for you to graduate, Career Services will assist you in securing a teaching position. Career fairs and interviews with prospective employers are conducted on campus. Immediate possibilities for a career in teaching vary, depending on geographical area and teaching field.