The world of pre-school and school-age children is one of excitement, wonder, and challenge. Because patterns of thinking and learning are formed at an early age, teachers can have a profound influence on young children.
The Department of Elementary Education offers undergraduate majors in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education, as well as dual majors in Early Childhood/Early Childhood Special Education and Elementary/Special Education. Each major may be completed in four years. Upon graduation, you will be eligible for an Indiana teaching license.
Early Childhood Education
The early childhood initial licensure program (Birth-3rd grade) is designed to prepare outstanding teachers of young children who will have a strong foundation in child development theory and research and developmentally appropriate methodology. The license effectively prepares candidates for teaching the variety of ages within the early childhood years.
Dual Major in Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education
The dual major in Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education will prepare the teacher candidtates to work with children from birth to 3rd grade in an integrated setting. In addition to being qualified to teach typically developing children in a preschool or school setting, you will be able to work with children with special needs and disabilities from birth to age 5 within an agency or public school.
The major in elementary education prepares students to teach children kindergarten through sixth grade. Elementary education majors have multiple opportunities to work with children and teachers in local schools and community organizations. While gaining a foundation in a wide range of subjects, you'll also choose a specific area of emphasis through a concentration area. A career in elementary education gives you the opportunity to help children learn and to work closely with other education professionals to prepare tomorrow's leaders.
Dual Major in Elementary Education and Special Education
This major prepares you to to teach in today's diverse and inclusive classrooms. Graduates of the program are highly skilled teachers who are licensed to work with both general education students and students who require mild interventions to be successful.
Early Childhood Education Bachelor’s Degree Online Completion Program (Non-Licensure)
(birth through age 5, non-licensure, online only) This program is designed especially for full-time child care
professionals who already have an associate degree in early childhood
education (including a practicum) or at least 45 credits that apply toward
our early childhood education degree (approved by the program
coordinator) from an accredited college such as Ivy Tech.
Concentration and Specialization Areas
Required in the major in Elementary Education, specialized concentration area choices include English as a second language, kindergarten and primary education, language arts, math, foreign languages, psychology and counseling, reading, science, state/world connections, technology, and wellness education (options in nutrition and family or physical education). Early Childhood majors are required to have a concentration in Kindergarten/Primary.
Options to further increase your job opportunities are available through adding licensure areas, complementary minors, or specializations including a license in elementary reading or a certificate in early childhood administration.
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