BLOOMINGTON – Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington’s Associate of Applied Science degree program in Early Childhood Education earned renewed accreditation for seven years from the NAEYC Commission on Early Childhood Associate Degree Accreditation. Accreditation by the Commission demonstrates substantial compliance with national professional standards for early childhood education.
The report noted that one of the Early Childhood Education program strengths was providing diverse opportunities for learning.
“The program prepares students through practicum teaching experiences and allows them to interact with families,” said Marjie Risen, department chair of the School of Education. “It is important that students are comfortable in the classroom and have an idea of what it is like to teach before starting a career.”
Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington offers associate degrees in Early Childhood Education and Education as well as the nationally-recognized Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate. The Early Childhood Education degree prepares teachers for pre-kindergarten through grade 3 and special needs instruction. The Education degree prepares teachers for instruction in primary education for grades K-6. Both degree programs transfer to Ball State University, Indiana State University, Indiana University, Indiana Wesleyan University, and Saint Mary of the Woods College. The CDA prepares students for a career in early childhood education and can be applied toward an associate degree. The CDA is also the required credential for starting an at-home child care business in Indiana.
Risen says local employers often contact her for assistance identifying prospective employees from Ivy Tech students. “We have helped place hundreds of students in local settings, including employer-sponsored child care programs, federal-government based entities such as Head Start, military-sponsored programs, and public school settings,” said Risen.
The T.E.A.C.H. (Teacher Education and Compensation Helps) Early Childhood scholarship is available to students who wish to earn the associate degree in Early Childhood Education. The scholarship covers 80 percent of tuition and book fees and the remainder is covered by the student and their employer. The T.E.A.C.H. scholarship is available to eligible teachers, directors or family child care home professionals working in licensed, registered, or exempt child care centers in Indiana. The scholarship is offered through the Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children. For more information, visit http://secure.iaeyc.org/programs-research/teach-early-childhood-indiana/.
More information about Ivy Tech’s associate degree in Early Childhood Education can be found at www.ivytech.edu/early-childhood. Information about the associate degree in Education can be found at www.ivytech.edu/education. Ivy Tech second 8-week classes begin October 17 and spring enrollment is now open. To enroll, visit www.ivytech.edu/applynow, stop into Ivy Tech Bloomington located at 200 Daniels Way, or call (812) 330-6013. Ivy Tech is open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.
