Bachelor in Early Childhood Education

At Siena Heights, the curriculum covers the growth, learning, and development of children in three distinct age groups: Infant to Toddler, Pre-Primary, and Primary. The program offers a balance of educational theory and practical experience. Students observe and work regularly with children in schools and child development centers.

The purpose of the Early Childhood Education program is to establish quality programs for young children and their families and prepare competent and ethical childcare workers and educators.

The program is offered as a four-year Bachelor of Arts degree. The curriculum includes the growth, learning, and development of children in three distinct age groups:

• Birth-Kindergarten
• Montessori Education, Infant and Toddler 0-3 Years
• Montessori Education, Early Childhood 3-6 Years

Montessori Education is a two-year Associate of Arts degree and Teacher Education endorsement (ZS) in Early Childhood Education. Students also may pursue institute training to earn a Montessori credential through the Montessori Children’s House adjacent to campus.

The program offers a balance of educational theory and practical experience. Coursework focuses on developmental characteristics/behaviors, appropriate practices, assessment, and administration.

Fast Fact

This state-approved program is only one of 12 in Michigan in compliance with standards and approved for state-funded pre-K programs. All programs meet the national standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Career Opportunities

Graduates in Early Childhood Education are prepared for a variety of careers working with young children and their families.

Career opportunities include direct service to children and families as child care program directors, lead/assistant caregivers, teachers (preschool, infant/toddler, elementary certification with early childhood endorsement), nannies, recreation leaders, and early interventionists.

Careers providing indirect service include early childhood advocates, licensing specialists, consultants, researchers, consumer advocates, marketing representatives, and software developers. In addition, graduates completing the Montessori concentration degree are prepared for placements with infants/toddlers (0-3) and early childhood (3-6) Montessori emphasis.

To prepare students for career placement, students compile a professional portfolio including a résumé, log of field experience, professional statements, and work samples. Students also participate in mock interviews which help to prepare them for future interviews.

Accreditation

Siena Heights University’s Division of Education was granted national accreditation by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) for the full seven years, from Spring 2020 to Spring 2027. This accreditation certifies the forenamed professional initial certification programs has provided evidence of meeting all CAEP’s standards.

Siena Heights University is a Catholic university founded in 1919 and sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters. Enrolling a diverse community of traditional-age and working adult students, Siena Heights is a coeducational institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission that was founded in the liberal arts tradition, offering associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. The University is headquartered in Adrian, Mich., with degree completion centers in Dearborn, Southfield, Benton Harbor, Monroe, Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Jackson, and Online.

Mission

The name Siena honors St. Catherine of Siena, a 14th-century Italian Dominican who dedicated her life to a quest for truth and social responsibility. Similarly, the mission of the institution – to help students become more competent, purposeful, and ethical – grows out of the philosophy of Siena.

Throughout its history, Siena Heights has built a proud tradition of innovative responses to challenging social needs. Originally a college for women who intended to become teachers, Siena broadened its offerings over the years and by the 1950s was recognized as one of the nation’s 10 best liberal arts colleges for women.

The mission of Siena Heights University, a Catholic University founded and sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters, is to assist people to become more competent, purposeful, and ethical through a teaching and learning environment which respects the dignity of all.

Accreditation

Higher Learning Commission

In addition to the accreditation of Siena Heights University by the Higher Learning Commission, the following academic programs are accredited by their professional organizations:

• BFA and BA Programs in Art are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
• BSW in Social Work is accredited by the Council for Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation (CSWE).
• The Division of Education at Siena Heights University is granted Accreditation at the initial-licensure level by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
• The baccalaureate degree programs in nursing at Siena Heights University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
• The master’s degree program in nursing at Siena Heights University is pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. Applying for accreditation does not guarantee that accreditation will be granted.

Siena Heights holds membership in the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, the Michigan Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Michigan, the Michigan Colleges Foundation (MCF), the Council of Independent Colleges, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, the Council for Opportunity in Education, the Association of Governing Boards, the National Association of College and University Business Officers, and several athletic conferences, including the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference.

The University is authorized to prepare students for teacher certification in Michigan and other states. Upon request, students may review University accreditation at the office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Sacred Heart Hall, Room 202, on the Adrian campus.