Early Childhood Education Key Features

• All majors must be admitted into the teacher education program prior to enrollment in the first education course (Ed 3100) and they must maintain a 2.50 GPA to continue enrollment in Early Childhood Education (ECE) and Education (Ed) courses.
• Many of the courses require laboratory experiences in conjunction with other projects and assignments. Three courses are exclusively field experience courses – "Practicum in Early Childhood Programs," "Pre-Kindergarten Student Teaching," and "Practicum in Early Childhood Management."
• Students majoring in Early Childhood Education at UMC benefit from this state-of-the-art Early Childhood facility, which provides them with an opportunity to observe and participate in a teacher-training laboratory at an actual child care facility.
• This degree program has four academic core areas of required coursework—education core, early childhood and family core, infant and toddler education core, and preprimary education core—and two areas of emphasis—primary education and program management where you can obtain your Minnesota State Teacher Licensure. These courses and their required clinical teaching experiences will prepare graduates to design, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate learning experiences for young children in early childhood settings, to collaborate with families, to effectively manage resources (human, fiscal, physical), and to communicate with the community.
• Graduates communicate their understanding of the foundations of early childhood education and the effects of societal conditions on children and families, identify and use ethical guidelines and other professional standards in their practice, and engage in reflective practice and professional development as informed advocates for sound educational practices and policies.
• Graduates articulate a philosophy and rationale for decisions, work effectively with others, carry out management tasks associated with planning, organizing, staffing, leading, monitoring and controlling for quality, and engage in reflective practice as they evaluate the effects of their choices and actions on others (young children, parents, and other professionals), as a basis for program planning and modification.

 

 

Clubs and Professional Opportunities

• Get involved in the Early Childhood Club. The mission of this club is to further its members' education in the field of early childhood education and their understanding of children. The group provides the campus and community with various pamphlets of educational information concerning issues such as safety, age appropriate materials and activities, and guidance. Field trips and conventions also provide opportunities for networking and professional development. The Early Childhood Club also completes many projects each year.
• Early Childhood Education majors gain valuable experience work with and teaching the children enrolled in the Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC).