Education

Elementary/Middle School Education Program

The Elementary/Middle School Education Program at LCOOU prepares compassionate, culturally grounded educators to serve PreK–9 classrooms, especially in indigenous, rural, and Ojibwe immersion settings. Students learn to design inclusive lessons, assess learning, and support each child’s development through Indigenous knowledge, land-based learning, and environmental stewardship.

The program aims to increase Native American teacher representation and welcomes all applicants committed to educational equity. Graduates are prepared for roles including licensed teachers, daycare administrators, preschool educators, and Ojibwe immersion instructors. Candidates pursuing a career in Ojibwe immersion must demonstrate or develop Intermediate-Low Ojibwe language proficiency in order to enroll in immersion-specific courses. In order to achieve the desired proficiency, candidates are strongly advised to enroll in Ojibwe language courses each semester. A background check is required for admission into the program and field experiences.

Program Outcomes: 

1. Interpret exceptionalities in children and determine the best supports to deliver instruction. WI DPI #1, #2; CAEP #1, AMLE #1

2. Produce assessments that are aligned to subject outcomes and consider appropriate developmental abilities of the child being assessed. WI DPI #6, CAEP #3; AMLE #4

3. Develop a curriculum that is aligned to subject outcomes and integrate holistic approach practices. WI DPI #1 , #4, #7, #8; CAEP #2, #4; AMLE #2.

4. Prioritize relationships with students, families, and communities to establish reciprocal exchange of knowledge. WI DPI #10; CAEP #5; AMLE #5. 

5. Investigate social justice education epistemologies of marginalized young children especially indigenous youth. WI DPI #9, ; CAEP #5. 

6. Modify educational programs to instruct and guide the individual holistic development of diverse children. WI DPI #1, #7, #9; CAEP #5

7. Integrate Anishinaabe ontological relational knowing of culturally responsive practices to promote cultural and self identity in the classroom. WI DPI #3, #7; CAEP #3, AMLE #1.

8. Maximize the holistic development of the child by prioritizing a healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging environment in the classroom and beyond for all children. WI DPI #3, #5; CAEP #1, #4; AMLE #1, #3. 

9. Evaluate family, community, tribal, and school cultural practices pertaining to the schools region and validate marginalized peoples cultural nuances especially Anishinaabe which influences children's development and learning. WI DPI #2, #9, #10; CAEP #1; AMLE #1, #3. 

Career Outlook: 

• Elementary school teacher

• Daycare administrator

• Preschool teacher

• Ojibwe immersion teacher

• Substitute teachers

Early Childhood Education Program 

LCOOU’s Early Childhood Education Program equips students to create developmentally appropriate learning experiences for children from birth to age eight. Through coursework and hands-on fieldwork, students gain skills in child development, health and safety, curriculum design, and family engagement—rooted in Ojibwe culture, language, and values.

Graduates are prepared to support young children in diverse settings, including childcare centers, preschools, and Head Start programs. A background check is required for participation in all coursework and field experiences.

Program Outcomes: 

1. Demonstrate understanding of how family structures, cultural values, community contexts, and Indigenous pedagogies influence children’s development and learning by incorporating these perspectives to create meaningful, culturally grounded learning experiences. (NAEYC Standard 1: Relationships)
   

2. Build practices that affirm the diverse identities and home languages of children and their families, including those rooted in Indigenous epistemologies and worldviews. (NAEYC Standard 2: Families and Community)

3. Develop learning environments that are physically and emotionally safe, culturally affirming by integrating indigenous and other culturally responsive practices to support the holistic development and well-being of all children. (NAEYC Standard 7: Physical Environment, Standard 6: Health)

4. Apply best practices of curriculum and instruction to foster physical and emotional well-being for all children, including indigenous children and staff (NAEYC Standard 4: Teaching). 

5. Develop reciprocal partnerships with children, families, and colleagues that nurtures a sense of belonging, cooperation, and mutual respect across the classroom and broader community, especially indigenous communities (NAEYC Standard 1: Relationships; Standard 2: Families and Community). 

6. Apply research-based theories and developmentally appropriate practices in curriculum planning, instruction, and assessment that show ongoing commitment to professional growth and reflection (NAEYC Standard 3: Curriculum; 4: Teaching; 5: Assessment; 8: Professionalism).

Career Outlook: The demand for Early Childhood professionals continues to increase. The typical careers that are available after graduation include:

• Childcare teacher 

• Childcare assistant teacher 

• Family childcare provider 

• Infant or toddler caregiver 

• Head Start educator 

• School teacher aide

This certificate program prepares students to support young children from birth to age eight in settings like preschools, childcare centers, and Head Start programs. Rooted in Ojibwe culture, the curriculum covers child development, curriculum planning, and cultural responsiveness. The program also fulfills requirements for the CDA (Child Development Associate) License. A background check is required for all coursework and field experiences.

Program Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate understanding of how family structures, cultural values, community contexts, and Indigenous pedagogies influence children’s development and learning by incorporating these perspectives to create meaningful, culturally grounded learning experiences. (NAEYC Standard 1: Relationships)
   

2. Build practices that affirm the diverse identities and home languages of children and their families, including those rooted in Indigenous epistemologies and worldviews. (NAEYC Standard 2: Families and Community)
   

3. Develop learning environments that are physically and emotionally safe, culturally affirming by integrating indigenous and other culturally responsive practices to support the holistic development and well-being of all children. (NAEYC Standard 7: Physical Environment, Standard 6: Health)
   

4. Develop reciprocal partnerships with children, families, and colleagues that nurtures a sense of belonging, cooperation, and mutual respect across the classroom and broader community, especially indigenous communities (NAEYC Standard 1: Relationships; Standard 2: Families and Community). 

Career Outlook: The demand for Early Childhood professionals continues to increase. The typical careers that are available after earning the certificate include:

• Family Child Care Provider

• Daycare Childcare Provider

• Assistant teacher/helper