How is this different than the B.A. in
Elementary Education?
The Education Department at
Purdue North Central offers both of these degrees. The B.S. in Early
Childhood Education focuses on young children, ages birth through 8 (grade
3). Courses in the program focus on child development as well as teaching in
the prekindergarten, kindergarten and grades 1-3 in the elementary school.
Is this the same as the Early Childhood
License Addition?
No. The B.S. Early Childhood
Education is a 4-year degree. The Early Childhood License Addition is an
option for PNC Elementary Education candidates who wish to expand their
knowledge and skills by taking additional coursework in early childhood
education.
Will I need to take any PPST/Praxis tests?
Yes. You will need to take the
PPST Reading,
Writing and Math and also two specialty tests: #10011
Elementary Education: Curriculum, Instruction and
Assessment and #20300
Reading Specialist.
What if I am currently an Elementary
Education major at PNC, but I would like to switch to Early Childhood?
This depends upon where
you are in the program sequence. Many of the General Education course
requirements are the same, but the professional courses are different. It
may be better for you to pursue the Early Childhood License Addition. It is
recommended that you meet with the Academic Advisor to review your
individual circumstances.
When will classes be scheduled?
The Early Childhood Education
major will not be an official program until Fall, 2008. You can continue to
check PNC’s website for registration dates. Because some of the classes will
meet at early childhood care and education centers, there will be classes
that meet during the day. Other classes may be scheduled during the evening.
I have the CDA and work at a child care
center. Does this count for any credit?
It is wonderful that you
have first-hand experience and can appreciate the joys of working with young
children! Your knowledge will be an asset to the program. However, we cannot
give course credit for the CDA.
I have my A.S. in Early Childhood from Ivy
Tech, can I get credit for that?
Yes! Purdue North Central and
Ivy Tech Community College have made an agreement to work together so that
the two programs are complementary. Many of the courses you took for the A.S.
will transfer into the B.S. Early Childhood at Purdue North Central. The
Academic Advisor can help you determine the best plan of study to move
forward.
What is NAEYC?
NAEYC stands for the
National Association for the Education of Young Children. This is the
professional organization that accredits early childhood centers and sets
the standards for professional development and training in the field of
early childhood care and education. NAEYC works closely with NCATE, the
organization from which PNC’s Elementary Education program is accredited.
For more information, go to
http://www.naeyc.org.
What kinds of jobs can I get with a B.S.
Early Childhood Education?
In addition to being qualified
to teach in elementary schools, grades K – 3, candidates with this degree
can also teach in public and privately-funded child care centers, Head Start
sites and preschools. Other possible career options include parent educator,
early literacy coach, advocate...
Education
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