Early Childhood Education
Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood EducationThe purpose of the Early Childhood Education program at North Greenville University is to offer a liberal arts-based curriculum that leads to a Bachelor of Arts in the field of Early Childhood Education. In keeping with the institution’s Statement of Purpose, the program seeks to integrate academic disciplines, Christian lifestyle, and enriched cultural experiences to develop teachers whose knowledge, skills and dispositions foster contextual learning in the classroom. The Conceptual Framework of the College of Education at North Greenville University reflects the collaborative intent of the faculty to prepare students to be effective practitioners, caring leaders, and lifelong learners. An NCATE-accredited and NAEYC-approved program, the Early Childhood Education course of study prepares students to teach children from birth through grade three. Students who successfully complete the program fulfill the initial requirements for teacher certification in Early Childhood Education in South Carolina. The early childhood education degree program offers a broad spectrum of early childhood education courses, including the exploration of current research and practice related to early childhood education. Students in the program study how children learn, early childhood development, nutrition/health/wellness, methodologies in content areas, children’s literature, and developmentally appropriate curriculum. They also receive a broad educational background by completing general education courses in English, mathematics, humanities and sociology. Career OptionsThe primary purpose of the B.A. in Early Childhood Education is teacher
preparation. Graduates of the program expect to be classroom educators.
However, a variety of other career options may also be available to program
completers. They often find responsible positions in Headstart programs, day
care centers or family day care homes, elementary schools, hospitals,
recreation centers or other child-oriented businesses. Job opportunities for
students with an early childhood education major are increasing as parents rely
more and more upon childcare outside the home. Field Experiences:Practical experience is another significant part of the early childhood education degree program. All early childhood education majors are required to complete diverse field-based experiences, beginning in the freshman year. The field experiences culminate in the 140-hour Autumn Experience in the senior year, followed by 60 full days of student teaching, under the guidance of a master classroom teacher, in the second half of the senior year. Content area examinations for Praxis II must be passed prior to student teaching. The Principles of Learning and Teaching, Praxis II examination, may be taken after students are teaching. Early Childhood Education candidates are organized by cohorts within each Partner School. A faculty member, a faculty mentor, and a cooperating teacher support the field experience for each candidate. The mentor and cooperating teacher observe candidates teaching, and conference with candidates to provide on-going feedback and documentation. The classroom teacher compiles a formative evaluation following each lesson taught, a summative evaluation at the end of each semester, and an Assessment of Dispositions. At the end of the semester the faculty member and the mentor share the summative evaluation with the candidate. Student OrganizationsMany early childhood majors are members of the South Carolina Early Childhood Association. At NGU, the student chapter meets regularly with faculty sponsorship and hosts guest speakers, encourages professional development, participates in service projects, and supports friendships among the members. Beta Delta, honorary reading society of the International Reading Association, and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development are other organizations available. FacultyThe early childhood education faculty at North Greenville University is committed to teaching. The faculty are intentional in preparing candidates to be effective practitioners, caring leaders, and lifelong learners who make a difference. The faculty is available for informal interaction with students; the small class size supports student inquiry. The faculty is also committed to volunteer service in their respective communities and to supporting the Christian mission of the University. General Education RequirementsBIOL 1440 & 1441, Integrated Biological Science and Lab
4 hours Total 54-55 hours Required Courses in Early Childhood EducationEDUC 1215, Integration of Technology in the Curriculum 2
hours Total 71 hours A minimum of 136-137 hours is required for degree completion in the Early Childhood Education Program. *Students must be admitted to the Teacher Education Program before they take the course. All students at North Greenville University must earn one credit for Chapel and Cultural Events for each semester of full-time enrollment. For More InformationAnn Aust Ed.D. 864-977 7986 |
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