Oct 10, 2024  
2020-2021 Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Early Childhood Education


Lincoln Campus and Online

Types of Jobs Available

  • Preschool teacher
  • Infant and toddler caregiver
  • Before/after school activity coordinator
  • Professional nanny
  • Paraprofessional in public/private elementary schools
  • Child care administrator
  • Family support worker
  • Corporate/public/private child care provider
  • Family child care home provider
  • Home Visitor
  • Family Advocate
  • Early Childhood Program owner/operator

Program graduates are working in various early care and education positions throughout Nebraska and in other states. Graduates can continue their education at four-year colleges and universities.

Program Overview

The program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. 1313 L St. NW, Suite 500, Washington, D.C. 20005, 202-232-8777, 800-424- 2460, www.naeyc.org

This program is located on the Lincoln Campus and online. Students can enter every semester, be a full- or part-time student and select from day, evening and online classes. Students may earn a Certificate in Early Childhood Education (with focus in Infant/Toddler Care or Preschool Care or In-Home Care) or a Diploma in Early Childhood Education (early care and education in a group setting) or an Associate of Applied Science degree that includes teaching and administration.

ECED Online

The ECED online courses are designed to provide both theory and practical application of course content. Students are required to observe, implement and record their interactions with children in a variety of early childhood settings. Assignments with a requirement of interaction with children will be submitted through various formats within the online classroom. Practicum field experience will be coordinated with the ECED Practicum Coordinator to assure a meaningful experience in an approved setting.

Special Program Requirements

Upon admission to the college students are required to submit an application for Criminal Background Check Fingerprinting.  This requirement is in compliance with Nebraska Health & Human Services/Child Care Licensing.  Forms will be directly mailed from Admissions and are also available on the ECED Program page of the college website, in the Arts & Sciences Division Office (V-14) as well as the ECED Program Office (D-9).  A fee of $45.25 is paid to the Nebraska State Patrol for this required background check. Delay in completing this requirement may result in the inability to complete practicums, fieldwork, and/or cooperative/internship experiences required for the program.

A college required Criminal Background Check (seperate from the Fingerprinting Background Check) will be required for each student in this program. A social security number or state identification may be required to complete this check. Based on the outcome of the backgrund check the student may be prevented from taking certain courses, accessing certain laboratory experiences, or completing the program. This background check includes a child and adult abuse central registry check by the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services. A nonrefundable fee of  $45 will be assessed for the CBC.

In addition to the criminal background check, each student will receive a child and adult abuse registry check by the State Department of Health and Human Services. Clearance through this check is required in order to take certain courses, access certain laboratory experiences, or complete the program.

First Aid/CPR certification is required prior to taking ECED 2065 Child Care Head Teacher Practicum  

A grade of C or higher is required for all ECED courses.

For more information contact:
Crystal Kozak, Department Chair
402-437-2455, 800-642-4075 ext. 2455
ckozak@southeast.edu

or the College Admissions Office
Lincoln 402-437-2600, 800-642-4075 ext. 2600

Awards