Date: Oct. 12, 2007
Contact: Carol Connelly, Director,
Media & Communication Services, ext. 5267, cconnelly@pnc.edu
PNC Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education
WESTVILLE – The Indiana Commission for Higher Education (ICHE) has granted approval to the Purdue University North Central Elementary Education Department to offer a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education.
PNC students may now enroll in this bachelor’s degree program. A Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education will enable graduates to teach pre-kindergarten through third grade students, explained Dr. Cynthia Fontaine, chair of the PNC Education Department.
In March, PNC received approval from the Indiana Department of Education Division of Professional Standards to offer students the opportunity to pursue an Early Childhood Teaching License. This will allow students pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education to enhance their teaching credentials so that they are able to teach pre-kindergarten through grade 6 students. Students who pursue the license addition will take an additional 18 credit hours, including a practicum in an early childhood setting.
“In recent years, educators and parents have come to realize the importance of early childhood learning. Research has shown that early childhood learning establishes a foundation upon which all future learning and potential for learning is built. This time is crucial to social, emotional and intellectual development,” said PNC Chancellor Dr. James B. Dworkin. “The PNC Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education curriculum will focus on child growth and development as well as teaching and working with young children."
According to Fontaine, PNC Education Department faculty worked closely with members of the local community to develop the PNC program. “Local child care centers and early education settings are eager to serve as placement sites for our students,” said Fontaine. “They were willing to offer our candidates real-world experience working with children and families.”
Candidates who earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education will be qualified to work in elementary schools, in Head Start sites, as parent educators, in child care settings and in early childhood learning centers - such as Michigan City Area School’s Eastport Early Learning Center.
Further information on the PNC Elementary Education program and the Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education can be obtained by contacting 800-872-1231, ext. 5485.
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