Preschool/Grade 3 Education

This degree prepares students to work with children in early childhood centers and social service agencies. It provides the student with approved academic training for group teacher positions in state-licensed child care facilities. The degree also provides a foundation of courses suitable for students interested in certification in early childhood education at a bachelor’s degree level.

For further information about this degree, contact faculty advisor, Lisa Stein, at (609) 343-4960 or lstein@atlantic.edu, or contact area coordinator, Heather Boone, at (609) 343-4934/ hboone@atlantic.edu.

Upon Completion of this program students will be able to:

• Analyze major theories of child development with emphasis on similarities and differences and the interaction of the four learning domains and models from infancy through age eight;
• Evaluate family and community characteristics in relation to their role in the economic, political and cultural institutions of society;
• Apply the goals, benefits and uses of assessment using observation, documentation and other appropriate assessment tools and approaches;
• Recognize and apply effective approaches, strategies and tools to positively influence children’s development and learning;
• Articulate and uphold ethical standards and other professional guidelines and engage in informed advocacy for children and the profession;
• Document children’s development and apply the documentation to curriculum development.