What Is Early Childhood Education?
Early Childhood is the field of study that focuses on children’s growth and development between the ages of birth and 8. This is the time when a child’s progress depends upon her or his ability to explore the world and learn new concepts every day. Early Childhood professionals recognize that children have predictable stages of development, learn best through active play and by developing relationships with their peers and the adults around them.
What Do Early Childhood Professionals Do?
Early Childhood professionals promote young children’s healthy growth and development by providing secure and loving environments filled with age appropriate activities in areas like music, math, science, art, literacy, cooking, and gross motor (running, jumping, climbing).
Early Childhood professionals have dynamic careers and hold positions as preschool teachers, child care givers, assistant teachers, licensed home day care providers, child care program directors, public school teachers, and education curriculum specialists. All of these positions give individuals the opportunity to work directly in support of young children and their families.
What Kind of Early Childhood Education Does KCC Offer?
Kellogg Community College believesthat high-quality child care training impacts the quality of child care services that are provided in any community. KCC's program is competency-based and offers a wide variety of training options to meet each individual student's needs.
Courses for academic credit enable students to work toward a Child Development Associate (CDA), a certificate in Early Childhood Education, or earn an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education.
The Early Childhood Education Program Director works with students on an individual basis to help them plan and meet training goals. Courses are available in Battle Creek, Hastings, Coldwater, and on the Internet. Students may qualify for work experience credit towards the Internship courses. Specialty courses are usually offered in the evenings and on the weekends.
Why Should I attend KCC's Early Childhood Education Program?
- The KCC Early Childhood Education Program is an approved Michigan Career Development Occupational Program
- Most classes are offered in the evening or weekends for non-traditional students
- Course instructors have up-to-date skills and knowledge
- Classes are active and hands-on
- Each student receives individualized advising.
What will I learn in KCC’s Early Childhood Program?
- How children grow and develop physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively
- What criteria determine a quality early childhood program
- How to positively communicate with adults and children
- The importance to society of family in the development of young children
- How to plan and implement developmentally appropriate learning experiences for young children
- The basis for ethical and professional decision making
- Communications and problem solving skills
- How to work in a team
- How to manage an effective and positive early childhood program
- Strategies which support the growth and development of all children
- Culturally diverse programming