Monroe College to offer Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education

April 21, 2011 - PRLog -- Monroe College President Stephen Jerome announced today that the New York-based college will introduce an Early Childhood Education Bachelor of Science Degree program beginning in September, 2011. It will focus on preparing teachers to work with children in nursery and pre-schools as well as kindergarten-through second grades in high-needs schools that serve students from disadvantaged backgrounds.   "This new program builds on Monroe’s commitment to providing quality career education and at the same time meeting the needs of communities in the New York metropolitan area," said President Jerome.

The faculty for this intensive program will consist of urban educators with significant teaching experience in high-needs schools.   Graduates of the program will have completed more than 400-hours of field and student teaching experience, which is double the amount required by current regulations. In addition, the College will offer ongoing support and mentoring for students after graduation through a series of monthly symposiums to help keep them in the classroom beyond the current three-year average.

“It’s no secret that one of the biggest challenges in urban education today is recruiting and retaining highly-qualified teachers to work in high-needs schools,” added Vice-President of Academics Steven Waldow. “Through a combination of a rigorous curriculum and ongoing mentoring, our graduates will provide a pipeline of effective early childhood educators for public schools throughout metropolitan New York.”

In addition to helping preschools and elementary schools fill critical shortage areas, Monroe’s early-childhood program aligns with several federal and New York State Board of Regents priorities by providing more real-world training for prospective educators and helping to attract more minorities into teaching. Though African-Americans and Latinos represent 35 percent of students across the nation, they represent fewer than 15 percent of teachers.

Admission to the early-childhood program will be selective and competitive.  Applicants should visit www.monroecollege.edu for more information or call 1-800-55-MONROE.

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ABOUT MONROE COLLEGE
Founded in 1933, Monroe College offers programs designed for career development in business, technology, and professional studies. In addition to campuses in the Fordham section of the Bronx, downtown New Rochelle, and on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia, Monroe offers online degree programs. Monroe offers Master’s degree programs in business management and criminal justice; Bachelor’s degree programs in accounting, business management, criminal justice, early childhood education, general business, health services administration, hospitality management, information technology, public accounting, and public health; Associate degree programs in accounting, baking and pastry arts, business administration, criminal justice, culinary arts, hospitality management, information technology, medical administration, medical assisting, nursing, and pharmacy technician; and a Certificate program in practical nursing. There is also a continuing education program.