Contact
Marjie Risen
Early Childhood Education Program Chair
Phone: (812) 330-6109
Fax: (812) 330-6212
mrisen@ivytech.edu

Welcome to the Early Childhood Education Program at Ivy Tech - Central Indiana

Working in Early Childhood Education is one of the most rewarding careers one can pursue. Due to the nature of the profession, those who work with young children and their families lay the foundation for education in the early years.

Employment in the early childhood profession continues to grow because more parents have a need to enter the workforce and the educational requirements for an early childhood professional is also increasing. There are a variety of opportunities for degreed early childhood educators in Central Indiana.

Ivy Tech Central Indiana also articulates with several universities, giving students the opportunity to pursue a four year degree in education.

Frequently Asked Questions

> What kind of salary can I expect with a degree in early childhood?

Salaries have grown over the last several years and are expected to increase further as licensing requirements continue to be linked to the level of education one holds.

> What transfer agreements to 4-year Indiana institutions does Ivy Tech have?

Students completing their associate degree at Ivy Tech have the opportunity to transfer to either Ball State University or Saint Mary of the Woods College.

> Can I teach Kindergarten or above in a public school with an associate degree?

Those who hold an associate degree in early childhood education may seek employment as a preschool teacher in some school districts or as an instructional assistant in an elementary school. Students may also transfer to a four-year institution to obtain a bachelor degree in elementary education.

> Can I be a child care director with an associate degree in early childhood education?

Yes. This is the minimum requirement for most licensed child care centers. Indiana Child Care licensing also requires child care center directors to have a minimum of three years experience in an early childhood setting.

> What are the courses required to obtain a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential?

A CDA candidate will complete the following courses to be eligible to apply for the credential:  ECED 100 Introduction to Early Childhood Education, ECED 101 Health, Safety, and Nutrition, ECED 103 Curriculum in the Early Childhood Classroom, ECED 105 CDA Process.

> How long does it take to complete the courses to obtain a CDA?

I can take nine months to one year to complete the courses required for the Child Development Associate Credential.

> Will I gain experience working with children?

Students will have opportunities to participate in course service learning projects. Students are also required to complete two practicum (student teaching) experiences, providing hands-on experience under the supervision of degreed teachers in licensed, accredited centers and diverse schools.

> Does the Early Childhood Program offer specialization, such as a minor in special education or preschool teacher?

The associate degree tracks are all in early childhood education and do not reflect specialties.

> What are tracks offered?

Courses toward a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential,  Early Childhood Education Technical Certificate,  Early Childhood Education Associate of Science,  and Early Childhood Education Distance Education of Applied Science.

> What courses are required for these tracks?

The course requirements vary, depending on which track is considered.

> Why earn a degree in Early Childhood Education?

Increased pay for holding a certificate or degree, Professional promotion, First steps toward higher education, Strengthen the field of early childhood education,      Fulfill the requirements of licensing.                                                                                                       

> What courses might a student take in the first semester of this program?                            

Full-time students enrolled in the Early Childhood Education Program are advised to register for a combination of entry-level early childhood courses and general education courses. For example, a student's first semester may look like this:                ECED 100 (Introduction to Early Childhood Education),  ECED 103 (Curriculum in the Early Childhood Classroom),  ENGL 111 (English Composition I),  MATH 050 (Introduction to College Algebra), IVY 1XX    (Life Skills Elective)

> How long does it take to earn a associate degree?

It typically takes two years for students who attend college full-time. However, it may take longer, according to a student's personal circumstances.

>What are some possible careers in early childhood one could pursue?                            Infant/Toddler Care Provider,  Preschool Teacher, Center Director, Family Child Care Provider, Instructional Assistant, Employee for Resource and Referral Services

Early Childhood Education Full Time Faculty  (Office: NMC Suite 230)

Ann Aull, Associate Professor, Program Chair (Office Phone: 921-4300)

Patti Dickmann, Associate Professor

Connie Gassner, Associate Professor

Deb Pierce, Associate Professor

Diane Smith, Associate Professor

Rose Wilson, Assistant Professor

Want to Get Involved?

Join the Future Teachers Organization!

Participate in service activities in the community with others who are preparing to teach. Share ideas, projects, and get involved for the benefit of children. For more information, contact Rose Wilson, FTO Advisor: Phone- (317) 921-4403                Email- rwilson@ivytech.edu

• Faculty Contact:
• Dr. Brenda Ragle
• Program Chair
• Columbus - Poling Building - Room 150
• (812) 374-5205
• » Program Summary(pdf)

For more information, please contact Susan Jindrich, at (812) 429-1421

Logansport
Jane Horner
Early Childhood Education Faculty
(866) 753-5102
ext. 316

ECE Handbook

Contact:

Kathy Campbell, Asst. Professor
Program Chair, School of Education
Preschool Coordinator
Ivy Tech Community College - Richmond
2357 Chester Blvd.
Richmond, IN  47374
Phone: 765-966-2656 x. 1145
Email: kcampbel@ivytech.edu
www.ivytech.edu/richmond

Seifert, Margaret - Madison & Lawrenceburg Campus
mseifert@ivytech.edu
265-2580 ext 4171
(800) 403-2190 ext 4171