EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION SUGGESTED MINORS Counseling Education Studies Literacy Psychology
CAREER COMPETENCIES
If you enjoy the charisma of young children, then a degree in Early Childhood Education could create a career path for you by offering a dynamic teacher preparation program that leads to a BA in Early Childhood Education and a rewarding career working with children in Pre-K -3rd grade! The Early Childhood Education program provides preparation for teaching in PK-3 classrooms. The goal of this program is to provide prospective early childhood candidates with a theoretical knowledge base to develop an awareness of the content necessary to teach young children. Field experiences include placements with infants through 3rd grade.
SUCCESS AS A SAINT
Communication
Check the advising worksheet in The Halo to review your major requirements.
Critical Thinking
Discuss your progression and future goals with a Success Coach.
Equity & Inclusion
Talk to a Career Educator about your steps after Limestone in terms of further education, career goals, certifications, and more.
Leadership
Get the experience you need through opportunities at Limestone using Saints Maps.
HOW TO USE THIS MAP Use this map to help plan and guide your experience at Limestone; including academic and co-curricular opportunities. Each student’s Limestone experience is different and activities in this map are suggestions. Always consult with your advisors whenever possible for new opportunities and updates.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION FIRST YEAR Review your 4-year degree plan and the academic catalog
DEVELOP
LEARNING & ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
ENGAGE LEARNING EVERYWHERE
Introduce yourself to your First-Year Advisor/ Success Coach and meet with them regularly Discover library resources and the Equity & Inclusion Office Prepare for and pass the Praxis Core if you did not exempt with ACT/SAT scores Follow Limestone University Teacher Education on social media Explore service-learning opportunities or tutoring positions Meet each of the faculty members in the Education department and participate in department events
PREPARE FOR SUCCESS
MIDDLE
Apply to the Teacher E passing Praxis Core, p or higher and maintai
Meet with your new fa benchmark meetings
Apply for Student Tea before Clinical Practic
Register for Global Ex
Apply for SC State De Practice Clearance
Complete fingerprintin background check to Practice
Invest in business casual clothing
Start finalizing your re
Create Handshake account
Join Pi Lambda Theta higher
Complete PathwayU assessment to be reassured of your career choice Explore average salaries for your career field
Make sure all state tes Core, PLT, Praxis II)
Create a LinkedIn pro
SAINTS ADVANTAGE Engage in these opportunities to build competencies for your future.
E YEARS
Education Program after passing ED 200 with a C ining a 2.75 GPA
aculty advisor and attend
aching at least 9 months ce
xperience IS250 course
epartment Clinical
FINAL YEAR Work with your faculty advisor to ensure you have no outstanding course requirements Attend Senior Seminars and all final conferences and benchmark meetings Complete Clinical Practice Apply to graduate
Schedule a mock interview with the Center for Career & Professional Development Finalize your elevator pitch and attend the Spring Career Fair
ng for SLED and FBI prepare for your Clinical Present in the bi-annual Student Research and Presentations Symposium
esume if you have a 3.5 GPA or
sting is complete (Praxis
ofile
Set up an appointment with the Center for Career & Professional Development to ensure you are ready for the workforce
CAREER PATHS Elementary School Teacher
Childcare Center Director
Curriculum Designer
Reading Specialist
FURTHER EDUCATION Graduate/Doctoral Degree in Education, Administration, or Curriculum & Instruction MBA Graduate Degree in Psychology or Counseling
SKILLS Collaboration
Keep a catalog of networking contacts and identify potential references
Time Management
Apply for jobs in your field
Technological Skills
Mindfulness
Goal Setting & Evaluation
FAST FACTS & MARKET TRENDS According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the need for elementary school teachers is projected to grow 4% from 2019 to 2029.
GRADUATE SUCCESS The data below outlines the path students in the program take within one year of graduation. (based on knowledge rate from 2021 graduate survey)
Limestone University has a proven track record of preparing educators for a career in education with a 96% retention rate. Many students secure a position prior to graduation. A team of Limestone students earned a grant to travel to NASA Langley for a weeklong summer institute to gain firsthand experiences of integrating STEM into educational practices.
LIFE AFTER GRADUATION
100% Employee Rate
“I’m extremely thankful for the education program at Limestone. The hands-on learning experiences provided through this program truly helped me receive the foundation I needed for my career in early childhood.”
Thank you to the Major Maps Committee for their work on this project & dedication to student success: Lindsay Bartholomew Justin Davis Katie Jones Tom LeGrand
Katie Maher Stacey Mason Michelle Phillips-Meek Kelly Tillinghast
Ali Bowles ‘19 Teacher - Aiken County Public Schools
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION limestone.edu/early-childhood-education 1115 College Drive Gaffney, South Carolina 29340