Early Childhood Education
The Early Childhood Education program provides preparation for teaching in PK-3 classrooms. A substantial portion of the curriculum consists of coursework in the liberal arts to establish a broad educational background prior to the professional sequence of courses. The professional sequence provides content and direct opportunities for field experience.
The following are in PDF Format
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Goals and Student Learning Outcomes
1. Students demonstrate competence in content knowledge specific to the certification area. 1.1 Teacher candidates will demonstrate content knowledge of early childhood education.
2. Students develop and plan curriculum and instruction addressing goals and learning outcomes using best practices for the certification area. 2.1 Teacher candidates will demonstrate the application of content knowledge to practice in the classroom.
3. Students effectively present instruction and manage diverse classroom environments, communicating effectively and professionally with adults and students. 3.1 Teacher candidates will be able to effectively analyze student learning in a clinical setting.
4. Students demonstrate the ability to collect and analyze assessment data and engage in self-reflection to support student learning and growth. 4.1 Teacher candidates will demonstrate knowledge and skills needed to effectively deliver instruction to PK – 3rd grade students throughout their student teaching placement by creating and implementing appropriate lessons for the appropriate age level.
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A substantial portion of the curriculum consists of coursework in the liberal arts to establish a broad educational background prior to the professional sequence of courses. The professional sequence provides content and direct opportunities for field experience. The final experience is a semester-long student teaching assignment.
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Graduates from the Early Childhood Education program who have successfully passed PRAXIS exams meet qualifications to be certified teachers by the state of South Carolina.
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Students in the Early Childhood Education program spend many hours in early childhood classrooms. As soon as they begin their professional classes they are assigned to an early childhood classroom serving four-year olds. They are able to observe, participate and implement lessons.
The following semester they are assigned to a classroom serving kindergarten, first-, second- or third-grade students. Again, one day a week, they spend the semester in that classroom where they observe, participate and implement lessons. The final experience is a semester-long student teaching assignment.