Inclusive Early Childhood Education

College of Education and Human Development

The Inclusive Early Childhood Education Program, within the College of Education and Human Development, is a highly competitive program that prepares teachers to construct developmentally appropriate education for all children ages 3-8, in collaboration with their families. In addition, candidates are prepared and credentialed to work with children at-risk or with disabilities from birth to age three. The vision of the program is to develop infant-toddler, pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and primary grade teachers who have the knowledge, skills and dispositions to:

• Create, teach and assess child-centered, constructivist learning experiences for all children in inclusive and diverse classrooms;
• Engage and collaborate with families, communities and other professionals to support the learning and development of all young children;
• Teach and nurture young children based on knowledge of typical and atypical child development, educational psychology and diversity in our society;
• Act as inclusive early childhood professionals who are continuous, collaborative and reflective learners, who act using ethical guidelines, and who advocate for all young children and their families.

Career Opportunities

Graduates work in a variety of educational settings for young children, including community agencies, daycare centers, pre-kindergartens, kindergartens, and the primary grades 1-3. Graduates of the program earn three credentials in four years:

• Early Childhood Education licensure for pre-kindergarten through 3rd grade
• Early Childhood Intervention Specialist license for pre-kindergarten through 3rd grade.
• Birth to Age 3 Early Intervention Specialist credential through the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities to work with infants and toddlers who have a disability or who are at risk.

Curriculum

Based on a background in typical and atypical child development, educational psychology, and developmentally appropriate practices, teacher candidates have coursework and clinical experiences to address the four programmatic strands:

• Constructivist, Child-centered Pedagogy - Planning and implementing a curriculum that is interdisciplinary, active and engaging as well as facilities the growth and learning of all children based upon individual needs, backgrounds, research and content standards.
• Developmental and Diverse Perspectives - Assessing the needs and progress of all children to create an inclusive environment that reflects cultural diversity and multiple perspectives.
• Collaboration with Families, Communities and Other Professionals - Partnering to meet the individual needs of all young children and their families by contributing assessment data and instructional knowledge, listening reflectively and engaging in mutual decision making.
• Professionalism and Reflective Practice - Acting as an inclusive early childhood professional who reflects on practice, makes decisions based upon ethics of the profession and advocates to improve the lives of all young children and their families.

Admission and Licensure

This is a highly competitive four-year program. Admission criteria relate to state and national standards for accreditation. To be admitted, the Inclusive Early Childhood major must demonstrate:

1. An ACT composite of 22 or higher, OR a passing score on Praxis I (reading, writing and math), OR a grade of "C" or better in WRIT 1120, EIEC 1110, MATH 1150 and MATH 2130.
2. A minimum overall grade point average of 3.0 at BGSU and in courses transferred from other institutions.
3. A letter grade of "C" or better in EIEC 1110, EDTL 2010, EIEC 2010, EIEC 2100, EIEC 2120, EIEC 2220, EDFI 3010, MATH 1150 and MATH 2130.

To be eligible for Ohio's provisional, or entry-year-level, license, a graduate must complete the major with at least a 2.5 accumulative grade point average and must successfully complete the required Praxis II exams.

Inclusive Early Childhood Education majors meeting these criteria qualify to teach children from pre-K through grade three (ages 3-8) and to work in community settings with children at risk or with disabilities aged birth to three.

Before the capstone experience of a student teaching internship, majors engage in a variety of clinical and field experiences including structured observations, tutoring, assessment, and teaching of children in small and large groups across pre-kindergarten and kindergarten/primary grade settings.

Special Features

Two on-campus child care facilities are resources for students in early childhood education. The Child Development Center is nationally accredited and state-approved. The Jordan Family Development Center is state-approved. Both facilities include kitchens, activity centers and outdoor play areas.

Preparation for College

Completion of the requirements for high school graduation is necessary for admission to BGSU, but completing only the minimum coursework will leave you unprepared for college. Consider taking four years of mathematics instead of the three that is required. Two, three or even four years of the same world language is excellent preparation for college. You will also benefit from competency in computer use. Courses that provide exposure to or training in the visual and performing arts are excellent choices.

College Highlights

The College of Education and Human Development focuses on the education of professionals who positively impact the development of individuals, families, communities, schools and other societal institutions.

BGSU's teacher education programs are well respected throughout the country. The education programs have earned accreditation from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Ohio Department of Education.

Opportunities for education-related clubs and organizations are available within the College of Education and Human Development. The Student Education Association provides activities and programs to enhance the professional development of teacher candidates. Other professional organizations, both academic and non-academic, are available to students.

Many education majors also take advantage of a wide variety of opportunities to study abroad. Each year students go abroad for experiences ranging from several weeks in the summer to a full semester or academic year.

For detailed information on BGSU students' pass rates on the national licensing exam, visit the College of Education and Human Development's Web site at www.bgsu.edu/education-and-human-development.

BGSU's teacher education programs are fully accredited at all levels by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

For Further Information

Inclusive Early Childhood Education Program
102 Education
College of Education and Human Development
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, Ohio 43403-0247

IEC Web site: http://www.bgsu.edu/education-and-human-development/school-of-teaching-and-learning/inclusive-early-childhood-education.html

Advising Office Phone: (419)372-7372
Fax: (419)372-7484
Email: edhdadvising@bgsu.edu

Internet Access

BGSU's Web site for future students contains University highlights, admissions procedures, financial aid information and many department profiles. It can be assessed at www.bgsu.edu.

The University

Bowling Green State University is a vibrant university that engages, challenges and prepares students for meaningful futures. At BGSU, students enjoy an education that integrates personal growth, academic excellence and an environment that expands their thinking and potential. A mid-size residential university, BGSU has an enrollment of approximately 20,000 and a full-time faculty of more than 900 on its main campus. More than 200 undergraduate majors and programs are offered as well as master's and doctoral level programs.

NOTE: Information in this guide is subject to change without notice. To learn more about the official program of study for Inclusive Early Childhood Education, please check the undergraduate catalog online at www.bgsu.edu/catalog.html.

Inclusive Early Childhood Education - Spring 2020 course requirements