UMO Reaching “Milestones” in ECE Program
UMO Reaching “Milestones” in ECE Program
WASHINGTON – The Early Childhood Education (ECE) program at the University of Mount Olive (UMO) is one of the most popular program choices among adult students. The University has graduated more than 700 ECE students in the past 10 years. Graduates of the program are working in 34 North Carolina counties in a variety of early childhood settings and are thus making a positive impact in the lives of numerous children from infancy through kindergarten.
When asked what has made the program such a hit, Dr. Tommy Benson, division chair for the Department of Education at UMO, stated, “Our program is a gateway for many students to reach their educational and career goals. Because of the one-night-a-week format and our seven convenient locations, the program is accessible to individuals who might otherwise not have the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree.”
Lita Ward, director of UMO at Washington describes the program by saying, “Our Early Childhood Education program is organized in a coherent and sequential program of coursework that includes individual study, peer learning, field experiences and performance assessments. It is easily accessible through face-to-face classes and some online courses with professional and qualified instructors.”
The University of Mount Olive ECE program prepares students to work with children from birth through kindergarten in various learning environments, applying theory to practice. Coursework includes child growth and development, curriculum planning, practicum experiences, family and social issues, communication skills, preschool programs and administration, and inclusion of exceptional children. Graduates are prepared to plan and implement developmentally appropriate programs in diverse early childhood settings. Students can complete the degree as licensure or non-licensure candidates.
Many of the University’s ECE graduates are continuing their education by pursuing masters and doctorate degrees in early childhood education. JoAnna Morgan of Farmville is one of those students. Morgan said, “The rigorous ECE degree program at the University of Mount Olive at Washington has definitely prepared me for graduate school.” Morgan is expected to graduate from Liberty University with her master’s degree in 2016, and possibly teach at the collegiate level or go into the field of early intervention.
For more information about the ECE program, contact the UMO Office of Admissions at 1-800-NEW-GOAL or e-mail Lita Ward at Lward@umo.edu.
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University, sponsored by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists, has locations in Mount Olive, New Bern, Wilmington, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Research Triangle Park, Washington, Jacksonville, and in Smithfield at Johnston Community College. For more information, visit old.umo.edu.
