The structure and content of the program is designed to assist students in developing the knowledge, skills and disposition needed to become effective leaders and advocates for social justice in the field of education. Each program is led by worldrenowned faculty, staff and graduate associates who oversee the progress of each individual pre-service teacher as he or she progresses through an intense program of study. Upon completion of the program, students will also obtain initial licensure to teach age 3 through third grade. This major is offered on the Columbus, Lima, Marion, Mansfield and Newark campuses.

Through their course and field work, students will:

• Use their understanding of children’s and adolescents’ characteristics and needs and of multiple interacting influences on children’s and adolescents’ development and learning to create environments that are healthy, respectful, supportive and challenging for all children and adolescents
• Know about, understand and value the importance and complex characteristics of children’s and adolescents’ families and communities
• Know about and understand the goals, benefits and uses of assessment
• Integrate their understanding of and relationships with children/adolescents and families; their understanding of developmentally effective approaches to teaching and learning; and their knowledge of academic disciplines to design, implement and evaluate experiences that promote positive development and learning for all children and adolescents
• Identify and conduct themselves as members of the early childhood education teaching profession