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Overview
Students of WVC’s Early Childhood Education program graduate as well-rounded, thoroughly prepared early childhood educators.
In large part, this is due to the wealth of experience the Early Childhood Education Program Director brings to the table. It is also due to the fact that WVC has one of very few on-campus labs and is one of the only college labs that serve children 6 weeks to 2 years. The college's Early Childhood Education program has been accredited by Gateway.
The ECE program instructors teach their students the philosophy and history that drives the education of children, the current laws, regulation, assessment tools and curriculum types. The program's students graduate having learned the techniques and skills needed to teach and care for children and also receive their infant/toddler endorsement.
WVC graduates will leave the program knowing everything a seasoned teacher or director knows. The program covers topics most universities are offering at junior and senior levels, such as experience in environmental assessment tools, grant writing, and curriculum mapping.
Jobs in the field of Early Childhood Education are plentiful and WVC graduates are often hired prior to their graduation date. Employers in the area are requesting WVC graduates because of where they trained.
In addition to earning a degree in Early Childhood Education, students can pursue a number of additional certificates:
Jobs in the field of early childhood education are plentiful and varied: paraprofessional in public schools, ECE program director, teacher, assistant teacher in childcare facility, nanny, and many other child service-related jobs.
Students can begin practicum and internship within the first year if they desire to. Many non-traditional students are already teaching and can continue full employment during schooling.
The program takes its students on several sponsored educational trips each year. The students will have the opportunity to visit the Montessori of Evansville, Deaconess Reggio, Toyota Children’s Center, Brownsville school for students with disabilities, many local childcare facilities, and will have the opportunity to attend early childhood education workshops in Springfield and Mt. Vernon.
Students in the Early Childhood Education program have the opportunity to be active members of the Teachers of Youth (TOY) club.