Liberal Arts and Sciences: Humanities and Social Sciences (Jointly Registered with SUNY Buffalo State University - Childhood Education 1-6 BS), A.A.

Contact Information

Program Requirements

Typical Program

Degree/Certificate:     Associate in Arts
HEGIS Code:             5649
SUNY Code:              2518
Major Code:              EDCJ

The Career

The jointly registered Childhood Education program aims to equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and experiences for a smooth transition to Buffalo State College’s bachelor’s program. This program focuses on preparing individuals to teach grades one through six, addressing a demand for teachers as many current ones retire or leave the profession. The demand for teachers is expected to be high in the next decade due to projected vacancies and the implementation of new educational programs and practices. To meet these demands, there is a requirement to hire teachers to fill upcoming vacancies and support new educational initiatives.

The SUNY Niagara Approach

Upon completing the Childhood Education program at SUNY Niagara, students will possess the knowledge, skills, and foundation needed to transfer to Buffalo State University for a Bachelor of Science degree. This degree qualifies them for certification to teach grades one through six in New York State. Additionally, students have the option to pursue certifications in Early Childhood or Special Education while at Buffalo State. SUNY Niagara provides an environment with small class sizes, fostering open and in-depth discussions, building strong relationships among students, and allowing faculty to provide personalized attention. During their education courses, students will engage in approximately 60 hours of field placement experiences in elementary classrooms. The program emphasizes relevant coursework in liberal arts and sciences as required by Buffalo State University. Students in this program will benefit from individual advisement by faculty with a special interest and expertise in childhood education.

Admission

Students admitted in fall, spring and summer.

Due to the sequencing of courses, it may take more than four semesters of full-time study if a student begins this program in a spring or summer semester.

Program Goals and Objectives

• To prepare SUNY Niagara students for seamless transfer into the Bachelor of Science degree program in Childhood Education at SUNY College at Buffalo
• To provide the opportunity for first-generation college students, many of whom are from rural areas, to consider teaching as a career
• To encourage teachers to consider careers in rural areas of New York State
• To offer individual advisement that will assist each student with developing specific educational and career goals that will facilitate seamless transfer to the Bachelor of Science degree program in Childhood Education at SUNY College at Buffalo
• To develop students’ knowledge about the sociological, philosophical, physiological, historical and psychological aspects of American childhood education
• To provide students with knowledge to assist them with the development of their own philosophy of childhood education
• To make students aware of the certifications necessary for each career track and the employment potential in a wide variety of childhood education-related areas and begin preparation in the development of skill and accumulation of knowledge that leads to these certifications
• To assist students with the acquisition of knowledge and skills necessary to investigate career possibilities and make intelligent decisions with regard to future directions
• To develop students’ understanding of those characteristics that define responsible and successful childhood educators
• To provide students an opportunity to participate in field experiences including observations, shadowing, and instructional assistant experiences

Program Learning Outcomes

The student will:

• Identify and implement the current New York State learning standards in unit plans and lesson plans.
• Develop a philosophy about childhood education and the role childhood education plays in American society.
• Demonstrate reflective learning abilities to ensure continuous improvement personally and professionally.
• Successfully complete 60 hours of field experiences counting toward the 100 clock hours required in Childhood Education grades 1-6.
• Demonstrate current literacy learning theories and practices supportive of diverse populations.