Early Childhood Education, Certifying to Teach, B.A.

Program Chair: Christine LeBlanc, Ph.D.

Available in the Day, Evening and Online Colleges.

Click here for Teacher Education Program Information, Requirements, and Policies     

The Columbia College Early Childhood program prepares educators to teach in grades PreK-3 and/or work with children ages 0-8.  Over the years, the education program has maintained a strong presence on campus with high numbers of majors and has built a strong reputation for providing well-trained teachers. Graduates of the program will be educators who embody the attitudes and skills of dedicated professionals and are committed to working with others to provide a quality education for young students.  In addition, to meeting the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards for Early Childhood Education and receive a degree from a nationally accredited program (CAEP), students are involved in early and on-going experiences in exemplary classrooms and other settings, learning to work both independently and collaboratively to affect positive change in schools and society.  The Education Division provides opportunities for future teachers to exercise leadership in their careers. This program is available to both day and evening students. 

Mission: The mission of the Early Childhood Education program area is to prepare early childhood collaborative professionals who promote optimal child development through the use of developmentally appropriate practices using observation, documentation and assessment in collaboration with families and the community, specifically following the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (INTASC) Standards and the professional guidelines of NAEYC. 

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge of Content and Child Development: Teacher candidates can demonstrate knowledge of content required in early childhood classrooms including understanding how learners grow and develop (child development), including children with individual differences and from diverse cultures (NAEYC Standards 1a, 1b, 1c, 5a, 5b, 5c). 
2. Assessment to Plan and Make Instructional Decisions: Early Childhood teacher candidates can use multiple methods of assessment to plan and make instructional decisions. (NAEYC Standards 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d). 
3. Planning and Implementing Instruction: Early Childhood teacher candidates can plan and implement instruction (NAEYC Standards 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d).  
4. Professional Behaviors and Ethical Practice: Early Childhood teacher candidates can demonstrate professional behaviors and ethical practice (NAEYC Standards 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e).