Early Childhood Education Technology Information

This program develops attitudes and values in students that are indicative of caring, competent and committed early childhood education professionals. The curriculum includes both class and laboratory experiences planned to increase the student’s knowledge and skills in programs concerned with the development of young children. During the practicum experience, students work with a qualified cooperating teacher in a prekindergarten setting.

Department of Teacher Education and Human Services

Accreditation

Program Approval

This program is approved by the Ohio Department of Education to offer the Pre-Kindergarten Associate teaching license to students who are recommended for licensure.

Ohio Department of Education

25 South Front Street

Columbus, OH 43215-4183

Phone: 877-644-6338

Web address: education.ohio.gov

Career Interests

Graduates will be prepared for placement in child care centers, Head Start Centers, public schools, preschools, public preschool paraprofessional programs or other programs involved in the care and guidance of prekindergarten children and their families.

Licensure and Certification

Program graduates who meet licensure requirements are eligible to apply for the Pre-Kindergarten Associate License, a voluntary teaching license available from the State of Ohio Department of Education. License recommendation requires the approval of the Department Chair.

Student Advisement

Students shall be aware that a criminal record may jeopardize licensure by the State of Ohio Department of Education, and may prevent placement in a field site. Students should consult the Ohio Department of Education corresponding to their intended occupation for more details. Successful completion of a program of study at the College does not guarantee licensure, certification, or employment in relevant occupation. For additional information contact the Teacher Education Office FH 1118.

Admission Requirements

Students may download the admission packet from Blackboard in the Teacher Education and Human Services Students Blackboard site. The packet includes: 

• The Application
• The NAEYC Code of Ethics
• The Medical Form
• The BCI/FBI Background Check Process and Form

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Code of Ethical Conduct

This code offers guidelines for responsible behavior and sets forth a common basis for resolving the principle ethical dilemmas encountered in early childhood care and education. Students are expected to follow these guidelines when working with young children, families and coworkers, and demonstrate sound physical, emotional and mental health. Students can download the Ethical Code of Conduct from the Teacher Education and Human Services Students Blackboard site and will also receive it in their applicable courses.

Background Check Requirements

According to the Ohio Senate Bill 38, as enacted October 29, 1993, all individuals engaged in child care activity must complete a background check by the Ohio Attorney General’s Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification (BCI & I) and Identification and must complete a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) check. These background checks must reveal no convictions for any of the criminal offenses listed in the Ohio Senate Bill 38 in order for the student to be accepted into the program. The student assumes the cost for background checks.  For more information regarding background checks visit the following websites: 

The Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification (BCI & I), www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), www.fbi.gov

Progression/Completion Requirements

Prior to entering or enrolling in any Early Childhood Education Program courses, students must have successfully completed all developmental courses into which they have tested. Developmental (Level 1) courses include:  MTH 091 , MTH 096 , ENG 091 ,  ENG 096  or ENG 097 . Students testing at college level may move to the Preliminary (Level 2) courses. Upon completion of the developmental coursework the student may register for Preliminary level 2 coursework in the ECE program.  Preliminary (Level 2) ECE majors must complete ECE 100  or EDU 100 , EDU 101  and ENG 111  with a “C” or better. Successful completion of Preliminary (Level 2) course work and completion of the red packet for admission will allow students to enroll in the Novice (Level 3) courses.

Novice (Level 3) courses include:  ENG 112 , ECE 104 , ECE 106 , ECE 109 , EDU 120 , and ECE 216 . Students must earn a minimum of a “C” or better in all ECE courses and ENG 112  to progress to the next level of study in the ECE program. Students who do not earn these grades must participate in a mandatory review of their progress with the Department Chair to assess their potential and aptitude to meet ECE standards and State Licensing requirements. Courses may be repeated one time to meet ECE Department standards. Students who successfully complete this level of study move to the Practicing Candidate (Level 4).

Practicing Candidate (Level 4) course work includes:  ECE 202 , ECE 203 , EDU 210 , EDU 215 , ECE 221 , and EDU 280 . Students who have successfully completed the Practicing Candidate (Level 4) with a “C” or better in all ECE courses may apply for the final capstone experience of the ECE program: ECE 298  Practicum and Seminar.  Students who do not earn these grades must meet with the Department Chair to assess their potential and aptitude to meet ECE standards and State Licensing requirements. Courses may be repeated one time to meet Department standards.

Developmental (Level 1)

MTH 091 , MTH 096 , ENG 091 , ENG 096  or ENG 097  (Advance to the next level if developmental courses are not required) **Make Application to ECE Program.

Preliminary (Level 2)

ECE 100  or EDU 100 , EDU 101 , ENG 111  or ENG 111P , BIO 101 , MTH 133  

Novice (Level 3)

ENG 112  or HON 201 , ECE 104 , ECE 106 , ECE 109 , ECE 216  

Practicing Candidate (Level 4)

ECE 201 , ECE 202 , ECE 203 , EDU 210 , EDU 215 , ECE 221 , EDU 280 , ECE 298  (capstone experience).

Additional Admission Requirements

1. Each student must provide the Teacher Education Department with copies of the following:

   1. Completed Student Application
   2. Employee Medical Statement (J.F.S. form 01296) completed and signed by a licensed physician within one year prior to application
   3. Completed Statement of NonConviction for Child Care Centers (J.F.S. form 01328)
   4. BCI & I and FBI Background check

2. Each student must complete Owens Community College’s assessment tests for reading, writing and numerical skills prior to enrolling in the first semester. Students will be accepted into the Early Childhood Education program and allowed to register for Early Childhood Education classes with child contact when the above requirements are completed.

Grades

All students enrolled in this program must achieve a grade of “C” or better in each Early Childhood Education courses and in ENG 111 , ENG 112 . Students who do not earn a grade of “C” in Early Childhood Education courses may repeat those courses one time. The Department Chair must approve additional course repetition.

Recommendation for Licensure

The faculty has the responsibility to both the public and the teaching profession to award a degree or license only when the candidate has demonstrated a satisfactory level of professional knowledge, skills and dispositions.  Students in ECE are specializing in a professional area, and recommendation for teacher licensure does not merely attest to the accumulation of the specified number of hours in the classroom, but also to the demonstration of professional knowledge, skills and dispositions.  Further, candidates must exhibit integrity and character consistent with the standards of ethical principles set forth by appropriate professional associations and Ohio law. 

Students who have achieved a 3.0 or better during ECE 298  Practicum and Seminar will be recommended for the Pre-K Associate license.  Upon completion of the degree, those students may apply to the granting agent, the Ohio Department of Education, for this license.  Early Childhood Education students must also complete the Praxis II subject assessment Pre-Kindergarten Education #0531 with a qualifying score of 550 to be eligible for the Pre-K Associate license issued by the Ohio Department of Education.