Page Contents:
ECD Mission
Program Outcomes
General and Professional Study
 

The ECD Program had its origins in child care classes first offered Autumn, 1977 to experienced practitioners working in the field. In recent years the coursework has been updated and revised into a state-of-the-art program.

ECD received degree-granting status from the Ohio Board of Regents on September 14, 1987. The ECD program was approved by the State Board of Education to train persons for the Ohio Pre-Kindergarten Associate Teaching Certificate April, 1988.

The mission of the Early Childhood Development Program is to provide a sound academic and professional education, encompassing both intellectual and affective qualities, for a career in early childhood education.

Upon completion of the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Development, the graduate will be able to:

                1.Demonstrate knowledge of theories of human growth, development and learning related to all children, birth to age 8.

                2.Plan appropriate learning experiences for individuals as well as groups of young children in inclusive settings.

                3.Demonstrate a competent, respectful, nurturing teaching style to meet children's needs.

                4.Develop appropriate educational practices for young children that foster the growth of skills in problem solving, decision making, critical thinking, communication and emerging literacy.

                5.Use appropriate teaching strategies, including identification, selection and preparation of materials and methods to address children's individual differences in developmental levels, culture and learning styles.

                6.Recognize and respect unique characteristics of families and demonstrate appropriate strategies to support and address family needs.

                 7.Demonstrate a variety of strategies to evaluate children's growth and development in cooperation with parents and related professionals.

                8.Design a physically safe environment to facilitate children's independence and competence through constructive experiences.

                9.Reflect and evaluate one's professional, interdisciplinary role as teacher, team member, life-long learner and advocate for children and families.

• Evaluate professional development of self and role as teacher.

The goal of the ECD Program is to enhance the quality of life for young children and their families, by:

The ECD course of study includes planned experiences in the form of courses, practicum, and other learning opportunities in both general and professional studies. General Studies ensure basic competency in verbal and written English, mathematics, and introduction to the arts, humanities, and social studies.

Professional studies include two essential components:

• knowledge and theory to guide professional practice

• practical experience to develop competence in working with young children and their families in a variety of settings.

Specifically, the professional core provides theoretical knowledge and practical skills in:

1. Human Growth and Development (birth through age eight). Special emphasis on cognitive, language, physical, social and emotional domains.

2. Historical, philosophical, psychological, and social foundations of early childhood education.

3. Curriculum for young children, including:

• setting goals and objectives

• developmentally appropriate integrated learning experiences for children 0 - 8 in all curriculum areas

• methodology for planning and implementing curriculum plans

• creating a positive learning environment that respects human diversity

• using concrete materials and play as tools for enhancing development and learning to meet the needs of all children

4. Observation and recording of children's behavior to meet goals/objectives, provide for individual needs, and appropriately guide young children.

5. Communication and conference techniques for working with families, staff, and other professionals.

6. Awareness of issues, legislation and public policy as it affects children, families, and programs for young children.

7. Ethics and advocacy.