UC’s School of Education renames early childhood education program
The College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services’ (CECH) early childhood education program (ECE) has a new identity, rebranding as the elementary education program. The program’s name change reflects an expansion to the license achieved by the program, which now covers grades PreK-5th grade.
The decision to rebrand from ECE to elementary education, finalized in February 2023, was made in response to a few factors, including:
Accurately reflecting the program’s grade bands: The new name, elementary education, more accurately reflects the grade bands covered by the program - PreK-5th grade.
Clarification between ECE and ECE Online: Many students and prospective students have been confused between the early childhood education program (ECE) and the early childhood education online (birth-age 5) program. This has been attributed to the similarity in names, as well as to the fact that both programs offer teacher training.
Elementary education students work together on a lesson plan. Photo/provided.
“The new title of elementary education appropriately captures what we do as a teacher preparation program, as we develop, advance, and recommend teacher candidates for Preschool through 5th grade licensure,” said program directors Beth Kouche and Julie Walson in a joint statement.
CECH’s elementary education program is committed to providing students with a rigorous and comprehensive education that will prepare them to be effective teachers in primary schools and beyond. The program offers a variety of courses and experiences that will help students develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to be successful educators.
Elementary education students smile together during a group collaboration. Photo/provided.
“We are proud of the wide range of rich field experiences and high-quality instruction our program offers and hope the new name will help potential students in connecting to the University of Cincinnati’s elementary education program,” Kouche and Walson said.
After seeking input from our faculty, students, and community partners, our faculty felt it was important to move forward with this program name change.
Beth Kouche and Julie Walson, Elementary Education Program Directors
Featured image at top: Elementary education student reads a book to children during an experiential learning opportunity. Photo/provided.
CECH’s School of Education is highly regarded for preparing the next generation of educators. The program is led by a team of experienced and qualified faculty who are dedicated to teaching students to meet the demands of modern classrooms and address the educational needs of diverse student populations. The program offers a variety of courses and experiences that will help students develop their understanding of child development, instructional methods, and classroom management.
For more information about the School of Education, please visit the school’s website.
Contact the College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and Information Technology.
Related Stories
UC IT students recognized for co-op achievement
April 12, 2021
University of Cincinnati School of Information Technology students excel in real-world work experiences
CNBC: Students push for more financial education
April 19, 2021
Students are joining the cause for more personal finance education. University of Cincinnati economist Julie Heath, who helped to develop the SmartPath curriculum, is quoted in a CNBC article, saying schools can start teaching financial education early; by age 7, a lot of kids’ attitudes about consumption are set or beginning to form.
Over 100 Mental Health Champions graduated this spring
April 28, 2021
On April 15, 2021, over 100 faculty and staff across the University of Cincinnati graduated to become official Mental Health Champions, a now Healthy UC initiative. These dedicated colleagues successfully completed three trainings focused on creating connections and community, supporting students and co-workers with resources, and investing in their own personal wellness. Trainings were hosted by fellow colleagues who became facilitators in Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR), Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), and the Be Well UC employee wellness program. All Mental Health Champions actively demonstrate their commitment to building the culture of positive well-being at the University.
WCPO: 'The economy’s not equal'
June 4, 2021
UC's Alpaugh Family Economics Center reveals the harsh realities of income inequity for Black women.
UC staff have elected their 2021-23 Staff Senators
June 8, 2021
Join us in congratulating the 2021-23 new Staff Senate members! Elections were held in early May, and new senators will begin their two-year term in July 2021. All UC staff are encouraged to be part of the enthusiasm and excitement for our new senators by attending the Staff Senate online meeting via WebEx, June 30, 9-11 a.m.
Helping her hometown understand the world
June 7, 2021
Becca Costello’s path to on-air reporter for Cincinnati’s WVXU started as young child — sledding down the hill behind the University of Cincinnati Clermont College.
UC Faculty Awards 2021: Bonnie Fisher
April 5, 2021
Criminal justice scholar and victimology researcher Bonnie Fisher is awarded UC's 2021 Distinguished Researcher Award.
The making of a successful Faculty & Staff Campaign
May 25, 2021
More than one-third of UC’s nearly 7,000 faculty and staff have already contributed to the 2020-21 Faculty & Staff Campaign, putting the goal of 45% within reach.
Students establish Association for Women of Color in Engineering
May 12, 2021
Three University of Cincinnati student found a new student organization to support women of color in engineering.
Three additional days off for UC employees
July 14, 2021
President Neville G. Pinto announced that UC employees will receive three additional days off in 2021 for going 'above and beyond' during the pandemic. The time away will take place during Winter Season Days.