Education

The Early Childhood Program prepares individuals to plan and implement developmentally appropriate programs in a variety of early childhood settings, including infant toddler programs, preschool programs, preschools and childcare centers, family childcare homes, Head Start and Early Head Start. 

Ojibwe culture, values and language are integrated throughout the curriculum. Coursework includes theory and foundations of child growth and development; child health, safety, and nutrition; child guidance; curriculum planning; administration of ECE programs; observations and assessment; working with parents and families; and understanding children with exceptionalities. Students engage in field experiences to develop the knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions necessary to advocate for the development and learning of young children.

  • *This program is not accepting applications at this time. Please contact Chief Academic Officer Worthing with questions.

    This is a teacher preparation program. Upon successful completion, graduates will be eligible to seek an educator’s license in the State of Wisconsin, pending Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s approval of LCOOU as an educator preparation program. Graduation from the degree program does not guarantee an educator’s license from the State of Wisconsin. Graduates must apply for licensure through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

  • ECE Associate of Science Program Outcomes:

    Students who successfully complete the Associate of Science Degree in Early Childhood will:

    1. Foster excellence through the Ojibwe cultural teachings to be continuous learners, leaders, and stewards of the Ojibwe language and culture.

    2. Identify major theories and theorists in the field of early childhood education as well as social, and ethical issues that affect children and families.

    3. Demonstrate professional knowledge and explain the physical, emotional, social, language, and cognitive development of the young child.

    4. Employ critical thinking, problem solving and performance skills by using a variety of teaching strategies, forms of assessment, and curriculum development.

    5. Reflect and evaluate critical perspectives of their work, making informed decisions that integrate knowledge from a variety of sources, including ethical guidelines, and implementation of sound educational practices and policies in various early childhood settings.

  • ECE Certificate Program Outcomes:

    Students who successfully complete the Certificate in Early Childhood will:

    1. Foster excellence through the Ojibwe cultural teachings to be continuous learners, leaders, and stewards of the Ojibwe language and culture.

    2. Identify major theories and theorists in the field of early childhood education as well as social, and ethical issues that affect children and families.

    3. Demonstrate professional knowledge and explain the physical, emotional, social, language, and cognitive development of the young child.

Career Outlook 

The demand for Early Childhood professionals continues to increase.

The careers that are available after graduation include: 

·     Child Care Teacher 

·     Child Care Teaching Assistant 

·     Family Child Care Provider 

·     Infant/Toddler Caregiver 

·     Head Start Educator 

·     Public/BIE School Teaching Assistant 

ECE Program Goals 

The overall goals of the Early Childhood Education Program are:

  1. 1. To provide students with an appropriate core body of knowledge while advancing professional skills.

    2. To embrace the values and dispositions of children and families of the community in which the teacher candidates serve. 

    3. To advocate for the development, learning, and well-being of all young children in the field of Early Childhood. 

 The Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University’s Early Childhood Education Program is aligned with both Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction & National Association for the Education of Young Children Program Standards and reflects Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework throughout.