Early Childhood (B.S.Ed.) - Preschool to Grade 3

Program: B.S.Ed.
Department of Educational Studies
College of Education and Public Policy

Neff Hall 250 ~ 260-481-4146 ~ ipfw.edu/educ

The student learning outcomes for the degree are as follows:

• Becoming more caring, humane and functional citizens in a global, multicultural, democratic society
• Improving the human condition by creating positive learning environments
• Becoming change agents by demonstrating reflective professional practice
• Solving client problems through clear, creative analyses
• Assessing client performance, creating and executing effective teaching, counseling, and educational leadership by utilizing a variety of methodologies reflecting current related research
• Utilizing interdisciplinary scholarship, demonstrating technology and critical literacies, and effectively communicating with all stakeholders.

If you are interested in nurturing and teaching preschool children (birth to age five) or primary children (K–grade three), consider a career in early childhood education. Preschool and primary teachers educate and care for all children—with and without diverse learning or developmental needs. They explore basic subjects in a way that young children can understand and promote the optimal development of social skills, emotional understanding, and self-regulation.

PREPARATION
As a bachelor-completion program, preparation for this career at IPFW begins with the acquisition of an Associate of Science in early childhood education.  Most students acquire the A.S. at Ivy Tech Community College.

The early childhood education bachelor-completion program has two options: birth through age five (preschool only) and preschool through grade three (preschool–primary). The latter option affords students the opportunity to earn a teaching license through the Indiana Department of Education. The curriculum for both options includes classroom instruction and work experiences in local early childhood settings, and addresses the developmental and learning capabilities and needs of children from birth through age eight. Coursework will include:
• Child growth and development
• Family and community relationships
• Designing developmentally appropriate environments
for children
You will spend time in classrooms under the supervision of highly qualified teachers and supervisors, interacting with children in each of the three age groups in at least two settings (e.g., childcare, Head Start). Your studies will also provide a solid background in the liberal arts.

To earn the B.S.Ed. in early childhood education, you must satisfy the requirements of IPFW (see Part 8 ) and the College of Education and Public Policy.