Early Childhood Education
Bachelor of Science Degree Program
Overview -
Program of Study -
Admission -
Application to Early Childhood EducationOverviewThe Early Childhood Education program prepares teachers to be certified to teach in educational settings from birth through third grade in Illinois. The program is four semesters of course work and field-based experiences in a variety of settings (infant-toddler, pre-kindergarten, and kindergarten-primary). Each fall semester one cohort of 30 students begins two years of study as teacher candidates. During the first semester of the program students take early childhood and literacy methods courses, along with participating in three five-week placements (infant-toddler, pre-kindergarten, and kindergarten-primary) to become familiar with the full range of age levels included in early childhood education. During the next two semesters, students continue their study of helping young children develop their skills in literacy, math, science, social studies, and other aspects of early childhood education. This course work is applied in classrooms, first two mornings per week, then two full days per week. During the final semester, students are in an educational setting for full days, five days a week, gradually taking over full-time responsibility as a teacher.
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Program of Study:
Early childhood educators must be prepared to teach all subject areas. During the first year at SIUE students focus on General Education courses that expand knowledge of the subjects areas they will teach children. During the second year students begin to take professional education courses to develop a broad understanding of children, education and schools. During the last two years students develop expertise in creating classroom environments in which young children can learn and thrive.
| Early Childhood Education (Birth – Grade 3) |
| General
Education | Professional
Education | Early Childhood
Education Major |
| Skills (15)
English,
Speech,
Technology, &
Philosophy
Fine Arts & Humanities (9)
Interdisciplinary Studies (3)
Science & Math (15)
Social Sciences (12)
Health & PE (3)
Academic Emphasis (18)
English,
Mathematics,
Science, or
Social Studies | Introduction to Education (2)
Foundations of Education
in a Multicultural Society (3)
Educational Psychology (3)
Exceptional Child (3)
Speech Communications (3)
Child, Family & Community
Relations (3) | Understand Pre-Primary Child (3)
Early Child Field Experience (3 x 1)
Pre-Kindergarten Methods (3)
Literacy Development in the Early Years & K-3 (6)
Teaching Math in Early Childhood (3)
Science & Social Studies in Early Childhood (3)
Educational Assessment of Young Children (3)
Infants & Toddlers with
Special Needs (3)
Early Childhood Student Teaching (5)
Elementary Student Teaching (5)
Student Teaching Seminar (2) |
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Admission:
To be considered for admission to the Early Childhood Education program, a student must:
• Declare Early Childhood Education through Undergraduate Academic Advisement.
• Complete 42 semester hours of courses.
• Obtain a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.5 or higher and be in "good standing" status at SIUE.
• Pass the Illinois Certification Testing System – Test of Basic Skills (http://www.icts.nesinc.com)
• Pass CI 200, Introduction to Education (or equivalent) with a "C" or better.
• Complete the five skills courses with a "C" or better.
• Have transcripts evaluated by an advisor in O.C.E.C.A. to verify that all requirements have been met.
• Apply to the Early Childhood Education program on or before the published deadline. Note: Meeting minimum requirements for admission to the Early Childhood Education does not guarantee acceptance. There may be more applicants than there are openings.
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To apply to the Early Childhood Education Program:
• Complete the application form for the Early Childhood Education program early in the spring semester.
• Submit the application form to the OCECA office, room 1110 Founders Hall, on or before the published deadline.
For general inquiries, please contact:
Dr. Martha Latorre, Early Childhood Education Program Director [link]
For advisement information, please contact:
Lorrie Stricklin (Advisor for students with last names beginning with A-K)
Lisa Hempen (Advisor for students with last names beginning with L-Z)
Office of Clinical Experiences, Certification and Advisement (OCECA)
Founders Hall, room 1110
618.650.3940
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