Early Childhood Education
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The Early Childhood Education program focuses on early child growth and development including adult-child relationships. Emphasis is placed on the development of skills and techniques for providing appropriate environments and care for young children. Instruction is provided in the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive areas of early childhood. You will develop competencies through classroom instruction, observation, and participation in early education and care settings. Check out the Ivy Tech Guided Pathway to Success (Ivy Tech GPS) icons to map out your pathway for success. |
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SAMPLE CAREERS IN THIS FIELD |
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DEGREES AVAILABLE |
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CERTIFICATE: EARLY CHILDHOOD ADMINISTRATION |
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Short-term certificates are sequences of technical and professional courses that are industry focused and designed for workforce preparation. They provide access to targeted, short-term training in a discipline, and completers may sit for specific certification exams. Courses in certificate programs also apply toward technical certificates and associate degree programs in the subject area. Completion of the Childhood Administration Certificate leads to employment in an early childhood education profession and/or completion of an associate's degree. |
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CERTIFICATE: EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION - CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE (CDA) |
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Short-term certificates are sequences of technical and professional courses that are industry focused and designed for workforce preparation. They provide access to targeted, short-term training in a discipline, and completers may sit for specific certification exams. Courses in certificate programs also apply toward technical certificates and associate degree programs in the subject area. Completion of the Child Development Associate Certificate leads to taking the National Child Development Associate Certification Exam, employment in an early childhood education profession, and/or completion of an associate degree. Program and Employment Information |
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TECHNICAL CERTIFICATE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION |
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The Technical Certificate in Early Childhood Education can be earned on the way to acquiring the Associate of Applied Science degree. Many available jobs require advanced education beyond the high school diploma. Technical Certificate programs provide education in conceptual and technical skills for specific occupations. The program content is designed to develop competency in the comprehension of general and technical skills. Certificate programs require mastery of basic reading, writing, mathematical and quantitative skills. Program and Employment Information |
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ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION |
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Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree programs are two-year programs that prepare students for careers, career changes and career advancement. Students who need to take longer to complete the degree because of job or family obligations can take the program over a longer period of time. AAS programs may also prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions. These programs offer education in recognized technical areas and specialties with emphasis on analysis, synthesis and evaluation. The program content, which is approximately 30% general education and 70% professional/technical, provides depth and breadth in conceptual and professional/technical skills. The general education courses equip students with the problem solving, communications, scientific and mathematical skills to compete successfully in the job market. Professional/technical courses equip students with the skills to obtain employment and to advance in the workforce. This degree is also available online. See below for more information. |
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ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION |
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The Associate of Science degree prepares you for transfer to a university to pursue a baccalaureate degree. To find out information about your transfer options to public and private universities, contact your academic advisor or the transfer office of your local Ivy Tech. You are also encouraged to contact the institution and consult the current catalog and web page of the institution to which you wish to transfer. |
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IVY TECH ONLINE DEGREE OPTIONS |
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You also have the option to earn an Associate of Applied Science via distance education options. This option provides students with the same content and knowledge as our traditional program, but is delivered at least partially through our distance education delivery systems. Some on campus classes, internships, or other on site requirements exist specifically for this program. Please discuss these with your advisor to be sure you understand the specific requirements of the degree and course offerings available through your region. |
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LOCATIONS
The Early Childhood Education program is offered at the following campuses. Please click on the campus of interest below for contact and campus specific program information:
Bloomington
Faculty Contact:
Marjie Risen
Early Childhood Education Program Chair
Phone: (812) 330-6109
Fax: (812) 330-6212
mrisen@ivytech.edu
Program Summary (pdf)
Central Indiana (Indianapolis)
Diane Smith, Program Chair
(317) 917-5986
dlsmith@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)
Patti Dickmann, Associate Professor
Connie Gassner, Associate Professor
Deb Pierce, Full Professor
Diane Smith, Full Professor, Program Chair (Office Phone: 917-5986)
Rose Wilson, Associate Professor
Columbus/Franklin
- Faculty Contact:
- Dr. Brenda Ragle
- Program Chair
- Columbus - Poling Building - Room 150
- (812) 374-5205
- » Program Summary(pdf)
East Central (Anderson, Marion, Muncie, New Castle)
Bethany Cmar
Ivy Tech Community College
Assistant Department Chair
Faculty Advisor
School of Education
108 S. Walnut Street
Muncie, IN 47305
765-289-2291 X 1108 - Phone
765-284-3325 - Fax
800-589-8324
ProntoID - bcmar
Kokomo (Kokomo, Logansport, Wabash)
Kokomo
Jane Hildenbrand, program chair
800-459-0561, ext. 423
Logansport
Jane Horner, early childhood education faculty
866-753-5102, ext. 2167
Lafayette (Crawfordsville, Lafayette)
Amanda Barche Lindberg
Program Chair and Assistant Professor, Early Childhood Education
(765) 269-5730
North Central (Elkhart, South Bend, Warsaw)
Northeast (Fort Wayne)
Northwest (East Chicago, Gary, Michigan City, Valparaiso)
Susan Davies
Gary Campus
(219)981-1111
Richmond (Connersville, Richmond)
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
Local Curriculum
- Associate of Applied Science
- Associate of Applied Science (via Distance Ed)
- Associate of Science
- Technical Certificate
See statewide website for additional Early Childhood Education transfer opportunities.
Please contact Kathy Campbell for details on Career Development Certificates in Early Childhood Education.
Southeast (Batesville, Lawrenceburg, Madison)
| School of Education - Early Childhood Education Program |
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MADISON
590 Ivy Tech Drive Margaret Seifert |
LAWRENCEBURG & BATESVILLE
50 Walnut Street Holly Nichols |
Southern Indiana (Sellersburg)
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Contacts
Betsy Boyd
Administrative Assistant
Pfau Hall
812 246.3301 ext 4725
Mary Ann Bennett
Dean Education/Early Childhood Education
812 246.3301, ext 4311
Southwest (Evansville, Princeton, Tell City)
For more information, please contact Linda Schenk, at (812) 492-0171
Wabash Valley (Greencastle, Terre Haute)
Early Childhood Education AAS Degree
Early Childhood Education AS Degree to St. Mary-of-the-Woods College
Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential course work
Technical Certificate in Early Childhood Education
Contact:
Krissie Flesher
Program Chair
Early Childhood Education
812-298-2386
kpickering@ivytech.edu
