UW-Stout's Early Childhood Education program teaches students to become professionals who understand and meet the needs of children from birth to eight years. The program prepares students to teach in a variety of settings including infant toddler, preschool, kindergarten and primary grades 1 through 3.
Interested?
The program emphasizes both liberal studies and preparation for a professional career. Courses and practicums introduce students to a wide array of experiences. You will have the opportunity to work with children early in the program. This interaction continues as you progress and culminates in student teaching.
A local chapter of the National Association for the Education of Young Children is active on UW-Stout's campus. It provides an opportunity to become socialized into the profession.
Mission, Philosophy, Vision and Values of the Program
Mission: The mission of the program is to educate early childhood professionals to support the developmental and educational needs of young children in our diverse and changing world. The program provides instruction and clinical experiences for individuals who plan to work with young children birth through age eight.
Philosophy: The program promotes the fundamental belief that the goal of early childhood is to meet the developmental needs of young children through appropriate practices and services. In addition, the individual needs of each child must be addressed in the context of family, school, community, culture, and society. If the cognitive, social, emotional and physical needs of young children are appropriately nurtured in the early years, the same young individuals will become healthy, contributing adults to society.
Vision and Values: The vision of the program is that all graduates become reflective practitioners and professional leaders who have the knowledge, skills and dispositions that positively contribute to the lives of young children. The vision is based on commitment to the following fundamental values adopted by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC):
-
Appreciating childhood as a unique and valuable stage of the human life cycle
-
Basing our work with children on theory and researched based knowledge of child development
-
Appreciating and supporting the close ties between child and family
-
Recognizing that children are best understood in the context of family, culture and society
-
Helping children and adults achieve their full potential in the context of relationships that are based on trust, respect, and positive regard, and
-
Teaching children in the context of a variety of school environments based on the above fundamental values.
Preparing for UW-Stout
A college preparatory background is recommended for students interested in the early childhood program. English, science, mathematics, social studies, art and music are important as these areas are all included in teaching children.
Starting Out
Your course work is arranged so that courses can be taken in early childhood along with general education. General education courses include English composition, speech, psychology, history and math. Your teaching contact with children will gradually increase so that by the time you assume student teaching responsibility, you have already gained experience in several early childhood settings. Faculty are highly qualified and eager to help you with course and career choices. Help is also available through the Advisement and Career Centers, the University Counseling Center, and Career Services.
As You Progress
The curriculum includes courses in human development; observing and guiding children; music for young children; and developmentally appropriate practices for infant/toddlers, preschool, kindergarten and primary classrooms. You will develop teaching techniques used in different subject areas. Courses in reading and administration of early childhood programs are included. Along with these courses, you will continue to include general education in your schedule. You will work with preschool children in Stout's Child and Family Study Center. You will also be provided opportunities to work with children in kindergarten and primary settings in the community.
Entry Positions
Graduates from UW-Stout's program have training for a variety of early childhood education positions including teachers in public and private preschool, kindergartens, first, second and third grade; as well as administrators in private, public and industrial child-care and early childhood settings. Graduates also work in a variety of settings with families of young children, including resource and referral agencies and early childhood family education programs. Additionally, graduates are prepared to enter graduate school.
In 2006-07, graduates of the program reported average starting salaries of $30,000. The highest beginning salary reported was $36,000.