West Shore Community College’s Early Childhood Education program was awarded accreditation renewal by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
The accreditation signifies the college demonstrates it adheres to national professional standards for early childhood teacher education. West Shore is one of 200 accredited early childhood programs in the nation.
“NAEYC has always been the leading authority for best practices in early childhood education, and this accreditation attests to our program’s high quality standards in helping students prepare to become competent early childhood educators,” said Lisa Morley, professor of early childhood education and child development.
The program prepares students to work effectively with children and their families in the field of early childhood development and teacher preparation. The curriculum provides students with opportunities to complete observations, assignments and student teaching experiences utilizing area early childhood education centers for preschool children.
The college’s program currently offers a child development national credential, a one-year certificate in early childhood education, and an associate of applied arts and science degree.
The college also offers a “3 plus 1” program in partnership with Ferris State University which allows students to complete a bachelor of ECE degree on the WSCC campus. The degree encompasses three years of WSCC classes followed by one year of Ferris classes.