Inclusive Early Childhood Education

Earn your Cazenovia College bachelor's degree in Inclusive Early Childhood Education on the campus of Herkimer College. Expanding your education from an associate degree to a bachelor's degree can lead to a career in the growing field of education.

The Inclusive Early Childhood Education program option leads toward New York State initial teacher certification in Early Childhood, Birth to Grade 2, and in Teaching Students with Disabilities, Birth to Grade 2. The program option contains core liberal arts and sciences courses, professional courses, and multiple opportunities for supervised field experiences, culminating in student teaching in inclusive pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and primary classrooms.

Accreditation
The Inclusive Early Childhood Education program is a member in good standing with the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP).
 
What You Will Learn
Students in the Inclusive Early Childhood Education bachelor degree program gain real-life experiences in diverse settings. With supervised field experiences and two student teaching placements, students can confidently put teaching strategies learned in the classroom to the test in local schools. In combination with actual classroom experience, students can expect course work in assessment, curriculum methods, disabilities, emergent literacy, and multiculturalism.

Residency Requirement
All Inclusive Early Childhood Education students enrolled in this program are required to complete one course on the Cazenovia College campus. This course will be offered over two weekends each summer. Housing and meal plans are available for nominal costs.

Program Eligibility
Students who have an associate degree in education are eligible. Students who have not earned an associate degree in education may be eligible for this program but will be required to take additional pre-requisite coursework.

Special Features

• Multiple Herkimer and surrounding area pre-k and elementary school sites for student teaching experiences
• In-person advising each semester
• Access to a dedicated field placement coordinator

Career Outlook
According to the Teach NY Advisory Council, New York’s need for teachers will grow by an average of 1,700 positions each year, mainly due to retirements. Completing a dual certificate program increases your employment options, and gives you a competitive advantage when applying for jobs. Teaching certificates issued by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) have reciprocity in all 50 states and are held in high regard throughout the United States. Visit www.highered.nysed.gov for more information about NYSED teaching certification.

Advisors are available to discuss degree paths and course options with you. Contact the Center for Adult and Continuing Education today at (315)655-7222 to start the application process!