Early Childhood Education (ECE)

430 David M. French Hall
(810) 762-3260
Fax: (810) 762-3102
Website: http://www.umflint.edu/ece/

Chair: Linda Pickett

Director of Educational Field Experiences: Barb Walton

Coordinator for Academic Advising: Cheryl Godmar

Director of Teacher Certification: Vicki Tonda

Post-Baccalaureate Program Advisor: Sandra Sepulvedo

Principal Secretary: Coleen Beamish

Certification Secretary: Ina Tonks

Receptionist: Roslyn Ivey

Assistant Professors Aviva Dorfman, Linda Pickett, Beverly Schumer

The Department of Early Childhood Education offers programs designed to assist prospective elementary teachers in acquiring the skills and abilities necessary for excellence in teaching and to meet requirements for Michigan Teacher Certification and the Michigan Early Childhood Specialist endorsement. All programs offered by the Early Childhood Education Department are approved by the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Professional Preparation Services, P.O. Box 30008, Lansing, MI 48909, (517) 373-3310.

The Teacher Certification Program and the Specialization in Early Childhood Education are responsive to changes mandated by the Michigan Department of Education. The Specialization in Early Childhood Education is also responsive to standards established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children in the design of the program and courses. Students should consult the Education website or their advisor for the most current information. Special announcements, such as orientation meetings and changes in course scheduling, are sent to students’ university email accounts and posted outside the Education and Early Childhood Education Department offices.

Department Mission and Program Assessment

The mission of the Department of Early Childhood Education is to prepare teachers and educational personnel who: are prepared to work with young children and their families; understand and value the disciplines they teach; comprehend psychological principles and the variations of human development, behavior, and potential that facilitate student learning; recognize that historical, sociological, political and philosophical factors promote equal educational opportunity; possess the pedagogical-content knowledge necessary to make appropriate instructional decisions that promote reflective thinking, problem solving, and critical inquiry; discern the ethical obligations of professional educators; and can demonstrate their ability to use their knowledge of the academic disciplines, psychology, social foundations, pedagogical-content strategies, and ethics in working with children. The Department participates in the University-wide effort to assess its academic programs. Information on assessment plans, including goals, methods and outcomes is available at http://www.umflint.edu/assessment/.

Programs in Early Childhood Education

A specialization in Early Childhood Education is available.