Dte: March 28, 2007
Contact: Carol Connelly, Director, Media & Communication Services, ext. 5267, cconnelly@pnc.edu

PNC Education Department Earns Early Childhood License

WESTVILLE – Purdue University North Central Elementary Education program was recently granted approval by the Indiana Department of Education Division of Professional Standards to offer students the opportunity to pursue an Early Childhood Teaching License.

"This addition of the Early Childhood Teaching License will enable eligible PNC students to obtain certification to teach prekindergarten students, in addition to their Elementary Education license which allows them to teach kindergarten through grade 6 students. Students who pursue the license addition will take an additional 18 credit hours, including a practicum in an early childhood setting,” explained Dr. Cynthia Fontaine, chair of the PNC Education Department.

“The Early Childhood Teaching License will qualify our candidates to teach in prekindergarten settings such as preschools, Head Start and child care centers. There is growing acknowledgment of the importance of quality early care and education and now PNC will be able to address this need in our community. Students who wish to pursue this license addition can take courses beginning in the fall semester. Courses will focus on child growth and development as well as teaching and working with young children."

According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, “Research indicated that a key step in raising the quality of early childhood programs is improving preparation and support for early childhood teachers. Faculty at colleges, universities and other institutions play a crucial role in the development and continuing education of early childhood professionals, who will help young children get a great start on learning."

According to Fontaine, early childhood education is key to establishing a foundation upon which all future learning and potential for learning is built. This time is crucial to social, emotional and intellectual development.

The development of this license addition evolved from the needs of the local community.

For example, the Michigan City Area School’s Eastport Early Learning Center, which opened in August to serve 600 3- and 4-year olds, requires that their teachers have a teaching license for prekindergarten.

“The Education faculty worked closely with members of the local early childhood community to develop the PNC program. Local child care centers and early education settings are eager to serve as placement sites for PNC students, offering our candidates real-world experience working with children and families,” said Fontaine.

In addition, PNC will be the site of the first Early Childhood Conference, Saturday, May 19. This event is open to all educators and students preparing to become teachers.

As well, April is the Month of the Young Child, an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the world's largest early childhood education association, with nearly 100,000 members and a network of over 300 local, state and regional affiliates. 

The Month of the Young Child is intended to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs. 

Further information on the PNC Elementary Education program and the Early Childhood Teaching License can be obtained by contacting 800-872-1231,

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