The early childhood education program prepares students for professional careers as teachers, paraprofessionals, and administrators in a variety of childcare/education settings. Graduates may seek employment in public and private preschool, Montessori, Head Start, school-age and other programs.

The associate degree program also provides a solid foundation for further education. Stark State College provides early childhood education graduates with a solid basis for pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education and related fields.

Coursework features a holistic, child-centered approach to educating children that promotes the appreciation of the diversity and special needs of today’s children and families. Teacher training emphasizes developmentally appropriate curriculum design and instructional skill development based on guidelines set by the National Association for Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The 68 credit hour program includes extensive field observations and a 210-hour practicum.

The qualified candidate for the associate degree in early childhood education will demonstrate professional knowledge, abilities, dispositions, values, and attitudes regarding child development and learning, curriculum development and implementation, family and community relationships, assessment and evaluation, professionalism, and practice during field experiences.

Students are required to complete an early childhood education (ECE) application packet. The ECE application packets are distributed to students when enrolled in Introduction to Early Childhood Education (ECE121) or Curriculum Design and Instruction (ECE122).

All students interested in the ECE program are required to undergo a criminal background check prior to applying to the ECE program. Criminal background checks may prevent placements, program completion/graduation, and potential employment in the field.

Upon successful completion of the early childhood education program and with the recommendation of early childhood education department chair, graduates may apply for their pre-kindergarten associate certificate from the Ohio Department of Education.