The Early Childhood Education program prepares you for a rewarding career nurturing the growth and development of young children in a variety of settings. You will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to work with infants through preschool-aged children, including:
- Classroom management
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Child growth and development
- Curriculum planning and assessment
- Effective communication with children, families, and other educators
- Home, school, and community relationships
- Health, safety, and nutrition
- Infant and toddler care
- Positive emotional and behavioral guidance techniques
- Program administration
- State regulations
Essential skills needed to successfully complete the required coursework, include:
- Ability to maintain awareness of active children in a group setting
- Demonstrate stamina while engaging in multiple tasks and activities with children
- Respond quickly and appropriately to children's changing needs
- Keep children safe
Hands-On Learning Opportunities
-
Field Experiences: You will gain more than 240 hours of real-world work experience in the Hawkeye Child Development Center and local Head Start, preschool, and early childhood programs.
-
Teaching Portfolio: You will develop a portfolio of teaching strategies and tools to get you started in your new career. Prepare lesson plans, activity packets, teaching aides, and more.
- Classroom Technology: Experience the technology of the modern day classroom, including Promethean interactive whiteboards, iPads and tablets, and laptops.
Certifications
You may receive the following certifications: First Aid, CPR, Blood Borne Pathogens and Universal Precautions, and Mandatory Reporter.
Flexible Course Schedule
You can take classes during the day or in the evening, or take a combination of both to fit your schedule. Evening hybrid classes are typically eight weeks and offered from 6:00–8:50pm on Tuesdays or Thursdays.
Transfer Information
An articulation agreement allows you to transfer your Early Childhood Education coursework to the Prekindergarten-Grade 3 major including Special Education (Unified Endorsement #100) at Upper Iowa University. Hawkeye also has transfer relationships with Wartburg College and Mount Mercy University.
If you plan to transfer, work closely with a program advisor to ensure courses transfer and you meet program requirements.