These Program Outcomes are aligned with the West Chester University Conceptual Framework(WCU) and the National Association for the Education of Young Children Standards(NAEYC).

WCU-ECE Program Goals

1. Preparing early childhood teacher candidates who demonstrate awareness of the foundation of early childhood education and the nature of diverse early childhood settings through planning and implementing research-based, child-centered learning experiences. (NAEYC Standard 1, CoE Knowledge Base & Unit Outcomes 1)  

2. Developing early childhood teacher candidates who view themselves as members of a community of learners, influencing the school and community where they teach to provide the optimal learning and life experience for young children (NAEYC Standard 2, CoE Knowledge Base & Unit Outcomes 3)

3. Providing experiences in neighboring communities where early childhood teacher candidates interact with young children, families, teacher-colleagues, teacher-mentors and community members with respect, while consistently advocating for the best interests of all children. (NAEYC Standard 2 and 5, CoE Knowledge Base & Unit Outcomes 4)

4. Preparing early childhood teacher candidates who demonstrate knowledge of, and competence in, adapting curriculum based upon appropriate child assessments to meet the needs of all learners including children with disabilities, children from diverse cultures, and children with academic challenges. (NAEYC Standard 3, CoE Knowledge Base & Unit Outcomes 2)

5. Preparing early childhood teacher candidates who reflect upon their own professional learning and development, to assess and teach young children, and to communicate effectively and sensitively with colleagues, family members, and members of their neighboring community through the effective use of oral and written communication and technology. (NAEYC Standard 3 and 5, CoE Knowledge Base & Unit Outcomes 5)

6. Preparing early childhood teacher candidates who understand the structure of, interpret and apply strategies and techniques pertaining to, child-centered content area learning experiences, and promoting skills, problem-solving strategies, and techniques of inquiry. (NAEYC Sub-Standard 4, CoE Knowledge Base & Unit Outcomes 1 and 2)

7. Preparing early childhood teacher candidates who demonstrate knowledge of various integrated, developmentally effective curricula that are grounded in research-based practices and supported by current knowledge in the field. (NAEYC Sub-Standard 4d, CoE Knowledge Base & Unit Outcomes 1 and 2)

8. Preparing early childhood teacher candidates who demonstrate behaviors indicative of dispositions of personal and professional ethics and thoughtful, reflective practices of teaching and learning, as well as respectful, sensitive and positive attitudes toward diversity, inclusion, culture and community. (NAEYC Standard 5, CoE Knowledge Base & Unit Outcomes 4 and 5)

*Each outcome is further defined by NAEYC (www.naeyc.org)