Early Childhood Education

Contact: Ellen Neff, (208)-732-6870eneff@csi.edu

Evin Fox, (208) 732-6872, efox@csi.edu

The Early Childhood Program, through a combination of classroom time and hands-on practicum, is designed to develop the skills, competencies, and knowledge necessary to provide quality care and education for typical and atypical children from ages 0-8. This program also prepares individuals for assessment for the nationally recognized Child Development Associate credential. Employment opportunities include such areas as child care, preschool teaching, kindergarten and primary school teacher’s aide, and Head Start family educator. The Associate of Arts degree articulates into Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Education/Special Education programs at Idaho’s four-year universities for those students desiring to teach children in kindergarten through grade 3.

Upon successful completion of the Early Childhood Education program, a student will be able to:

  1. Describe the roles and responsibilities of professionals and paraprofessionals.
  2. Use technology to assist in teaching and learning activities.
  3. Apply effective instructional elements to assist teaching and learning in a variety of settings.
  4. Demonstrate knowledge of the impact of the educational environment on student learning, self-motivation, and positive social interaction to assist in creating a positive learning environment.
  5. Apply knowledge concerning communicative techniques to ethical situations designed to assist them in their professional relationships, including colleagues, parents, students, and other members of the community to support student well-being.

Program Application Required: Yes

Additional Admission Requirements:

  • Early Childhood Education Admissions application.
  • An interview with an Early childhood Education Program advisor.
  • Health questionnaire, proof of immunizations, and TB clearance.
  • Idaho Health and Welfare Criminal records background check..
  • Current CPR certification or HLTH 150.

Exit Requirement: Upon completion of the ITC, AAS, and AA degree, students will be prepared to take the NOCTI exam before graduating.

Sample Career Opportunities: Preschool Teachers

*Talk to an advisor for additional career choices