Millikin University
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Early Childhood Education (ECE)

People from a variety of backgrounds enter into the PACE Early Childhood Education program in order to complete a degree that gives them a university education with an emphasis on childhood development. It is an attractive option for those wanting to enhance their career working with young children, either in a daycare setting, federal programs or in another environment.

Scheduled one night per week for several weeks, the courses fit into busy schedules. Taking one topic at a time allows students to focus on learning a topic thoroughly before moving on to the next. The program takes you through Illinois state certification, as well, resulting in graduates with better job access and career mobility in the teaching fields.

The Early Childhood Education program is also offered on the campuses of Parkland College in Champaign and Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, as well as the Decatur campus. The Parkland and LLCC faculty coordinator is Karl Radnitzer, who may be reached at kradnitzer@millikin.edu or by phone (217) 420-6785.

Please look through the Early Childhood Education section for detailed information about this program, or call (217) 420-6778 for answers to your questions.


Overview
Candidates desiring teacher certification in Early Childhood Education (Illinois type-04: 0 - grade 3) participate in a curriculum that includes:

  • a broad background in early childhood education
  • methods classes offering instruction and assessment strategies for teaching young children
  • other professional education classes providing theory and experiences concerning school, teachers, and learning
  • understanding of the needs of young children with special needs

Mission
To prepare beginning teachers whose knowledge, skills and dispositions promote a lifetime commitment to excellence in teaching and learning.

Vision
When we prepare teachers who are journeying toward excellence, those future teachers will direct their own students toward excellence, thus continuing a cycle of learning and teaching.

Teacher Education Unit Guidelines:

  • The professional educator engages in active learning. The teacher-learner constructs knowledge, creates learning experiences that engage all students and make the content meaningful, and values reflection.
  • The professional educator creates communities of learning. The teacher-learner understands individuals and can provide learning opportunities that support development of all students; the teacher-learner creates effective environments that value and appreciate diversity and fosters critical thinking, active inquiry, collaboration and supportive interaction.
  • The professional educator facilitates learning for others. The teacher-learner understands and/or designs instructional planning, instructional strategies, and various assessment strategies and uses them to encourage authentic learning and continuous development.
  • The professional educator collaborates with others. The teacher-learner understands the role of the community and understands education as a profession, while demonstrating a willingness to give and receive help.



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