Early Childhood Education

Early Childhood Education provides a foundation for students interested in a wide array of people-oriented careers, not just teaching. This program offers students insights into how children grow, learn, and develop. By studying child development, positive guidance, and effective communication, students gain skills highly transferable across many professions. Early Childhood Education offers students a strong start, whether their future career paths lead to classrooms, clinics, or community work.

• Hands-on Activities- Students in the Early Childhood Education class create original children's books, design age-appropriate learning games for subjects like math and literacy, and assemble sensory bins to practice fine motor development. Students engage in hands-on placements where they observe various classroom settings and directly assist teachers by tutoring individuals or leading small group activities 
• Real World Opportunities- In this class, students will meet with professional guest speakers, participate in organizing community early childhood events, and network with professionals at a state-wide conference.  
• Related Careers- K-12 Teacher, Daycare Lead Teacher, Nanny, Behavioral Specialist, Speech-Language Pathologist, School Administrator, and many more.
• College Credit- Education Early Childhood is a direct college credit program with Mid Michigan College. Students who successfully complete the program will earn the following credits:
  • ECE 101- Introduction to Early Childhood (4 credits)
  • ECE 114- Interacting with Children, Parent/Adult, and Child Relations (4 credits)

Instructor: Pepper Near

Year Started at CCRESA: 2016

Work Experience in Career Field: Head Start, Great Start, and Private Preschool, Center Assistant, Parent Liaison, Lead Teacher, Center Director, and Childcare Center Owner

What inspired you to teach in your program career field? I have a natural capacity for teaching others in ways that connect individually. I believe that early childhood is such a critical period in forming a child’s foundation. Teaching those considering working with young children is a way to have a big impact on forming that foundation.

What are some interests outside of the classroom? Hiking, biking, running, roller derby, reading, and crafts

How do you hope your students will remember you? I hope they remember me as authentic, respectful, and accepting.