An early childhood educator with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Inclusive Education is a person who can work with and meet the needs of children, families, and other educators from preschool to elementary school. Inclusive teachers are trained as generalists, learning how to work with all children, including those with disabilities and children with diverse cultural backgrounds.
The education of an early childhood practitioner integrates both theory and practice. Students are exposed to basic ideas and concepts in the classroom, and then have the opportunity to put those ideas and concepts to practical use in educational settings.
Graduates with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Inclusive Education are employed in both public and private schools, and may serve as family childcare providers, family advocates, parent educators, administrators, or staff trainers. They meet the requirements of federal legislation, which require that paraprofessionals in public schools have a minimum of two years of college. Graduates may be eligible for licensure in the state of Ohio as an Educational Paraprofessional Associate. Graduates may also choose to complete an associate degree leading to Prekindergarten licensure from the Ohio Department of Education or an associate degree leading to a bachelor’s in inclusive education.
Graduates must satisfy degree requirements as stipulated by BGSU associate degrees. The coursework in the Associate of Applied Science degree can be applied to BGSU’s bachelor’s degree in Inclusive PreK - Grade 5 Education, providing all admission standards are met for entry into the bachelor’s degree program.
Inclusive Education Associate Program Admission
Following admission to the University, the student is responsible for contacting the Inclusive Education program at BGSU Firelands.
Before students may enroll in any course with a clinical component or field experience, they must pass a criminal history background check allowing them to enter clinical settings, as required by Ohio law:
The student will meet the following criteria:
- Earn a C or better in the following courses:
Students are responsible for the following related to participation in the clinical directed practice:
- Transportation to and from clinical sites;
- Professional dress;
- BGSU identification
Note: Professional liability insurance coverage is provided by BGSU and is not a student expense.
Learning Outcomes
Based on a background in typical and atypical child development, education psychology, and developmentally appropriate practices, teacher candidates have coursework and clinical experiences to address the four programmatic stands:
Graduates of this program will possess the following knowledge, skills, and behaviors:
- Constructivist, Child-centered Pedagogy: Planning and implementing a curriculum that is interdisciplinary, active, and engaging as well as facilities the growth and learning of all children based upon individual needs, backgrounds, research, and content standards.
- Developmental and Diverse Perspectives: Assessing the needs and progress of all children to create an inclusive environment that reflects cultural diversity and multiple perspectives.
- Collaboration with Families, Communities, and Other Professionals: Partnering to meet the individual needs of children and their families by contributing assessment data and instructional knowledge, listening reflectively, and engaging in mutual decision making.
- Professionalism and Reflective Practice: Acting as an inclusive childhood professional who reflects on practice, makes decisions based upon ethics of the profession, and advocates to improve the lives of all young children and their families.
Degree Requirements
Designed to provide a basic college education, the Associate of Applied Science in Inclusive Education is founded on the concept of a strong general education in the humanities, mathematics, science, and other areas. Students are introduced to a variety of learning opportunities in child development and Inclusive curriculum and pedagogy. A key component of this program is hands-on field or clinical experiences. Students pursuing the Associate of Applied Science in Inclusive Education complete a minimum of 62 credit hours and approximately 300 field hours.
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