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Teacher Ed & Research
The Early Childhood Education Center serves as a teacher preparation and research site for the School of Education and campus. As a teacher preparation site, students are enrolled in a variety of education courses. These students are at three levels of educational expertise. Beginning students observe the children's development and the methods of teaching strategies used by the teacher. They work individually with children and in small groups and act as a teacher assistant in the classroom. They are required to conduct a child study on one typically developing child in the ECEC. The second level of students are responsible for planning the curriculum, under the direction of the lead teacher, for two days per week. As the semester progresses, these students become more responsible for the activities and management of children, but always under the supervision of the lead teacher. Parent letters and child observations are also required of the students.
There are several advantages of involving education students in the ECEC program. Because of these students, more learning activities can be offered, more one-on-one interactions and individual attention can be provided, and closer management and behavior support can be provided at the ECEC. A low child to adult ratio is possible due to the inclusion of University students. They also bring to the classroom their enthusiasm and energy. At the same time, these University students have the opportunity to observe and learn from the children and to model and learn appropriate teaching methods and strategies from the best teachers. They also can apply the educational theories and practices they are learning in their University course work.
The ECEC has received local and national recognition for its educational program for the children and as a teacher preparation and research site. Consequently, many visitors from other colleges and universities and education and child care programs visit and observe the ECEC. The ECEC teachers and Education faculty have discussed and presented the ECEC program in many professional publications and at early childhood conferences.