Multi-campus program meets national ‘standard of excellence’
The early childhood education (ECE) associate-degree program offered at Baker College of Jackson and seven other Baker College campuses across the state has earned accreditation through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Baker College joins nearly 160 colleges across the country that offer NAEYC-accredited programs. Accreditation standards include promotion of child development and learning, building family and community relationships, and content knowledge to build meaningful curriculum.
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“We had confidence that our program was among the top nationally, and full accreditation without any conditions on the first application proved that was true,” said Jean Allison, Baker College of Jackson department chair of early childhood education. “This is excellent news for our students. Employers recognize the benefits of hiring a graduate of a NAEYC-accredited program.”
The application process took three years and was intensive. It included a lengthy self-study report, a campus peer visit/review and a post-visit report to summarize the findings. ECE program directors at the other Baker College campuses and Peni Aldrich, director of human services for Baker College System, were involved in the coordinated submissions and meetings.
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Graduates of Baker’s two-year ECE program are eligible for jobs as child care program directors, preschool teachers, teacher assistants and family child care managers.
Allison explained that a majority of graduates continue their education to pursue bachelor’s degrees. “An ECE associate degree can help a student obtain jobs, such as a preschool teacher or other related positions, while pursuing a bachelor's degree,” she said. “It’s smart. They gain work experience in the subject they are studying, which makes their educations more relevant.”
ECE students learn to plan and organize age-appropriate curricula and environments for infants, toddlers, and preschool-and-school-age children in before-and-after-school settings. The program examines current challenges that early childhood educators will face as they enter the educational profession.
In addition to Baker College of Jackson, the ECE program is offered at Baker College campuses in Allen Park, Auburn Hills, Cadillac, Clinton Township, Flint, Jackson, Muskegon and Owosso.
For more information about the ECE associate degree program, contact Baker College of Jackson admissions at 517.788.7800 or kevin.pnacek@baker.edu.
NAEYC is the largest organization working as an advocate for high-quality early care and education in the U.S.
The largest private college in Michigan, Baker College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. It is a nonprofit higher education institution, serving more than 35,000 students on 12 campuses and in three satellite locations. Baker grants certificates and associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business, health sciences, education and human services, and various technical fields, as well as a doctorate of business administration. As a career college, the Baker College system is pleased to report that 97 percent of its available graduates are employed. For more information about Baker College, please check out our website at www.baker.edu.