Today, children and families are increasingly mobile. This is especially true for military families, immigrant families, families who must travel to make a living, homeless families and families living in poverty. Young children and their families need professional support from individuals who are interested in working with them in a society that is always "on the go." That person could be you.

Early Care and Education for a Mobile Society (ECEMS) is an online undergraduate program provided by seven universities working in collaboration on The Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (IDEA) Program. This bachelor's degree program will prepare you to work in early childhood settings with young children. When you complete the program you will be qualified to work in a variety of programs that offer early care and education in the community and on military installations. Some of these programs are:

• Childcare centers and homes
• Infant/toddler and preschool programs
• Head Start programs
• Before and after-school programs for children ages birth to eight.

Upon successful completion of the ECEMS bachelor's degree program, you will be able to:

• use your understanding of young children's characteristics and needs, and of multiple interacting influences on children's development and learning, to create environments that are healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging for each child;
• understand how successful early childhood education depends upon partnerships with children’s families and communities and value the importance and complex characteristics of children’s families and communities;
• use child observation, documentation, and other forms of assessment, in partnership with families and other professionals, to positively influence the development of every child;
• use your knowledge of academic disciplines to design, implement, and evaluate experiences that promote positive development and learning for every young child;
• identify and conduct yourself as a member of the early childhood profession, using ethical guidelines and other professional standards related to early childhood practice; and
• demonstrate, through sequential practicum experiences and clinical practice the knowledge, skills and professional dispositions necessary to promote the development and learning of young children across the entire developmental period of early childhood.

The ECEMS Curriculum

Pre-Practicum One Courses:

These must be taken first – prior to enrollment in Practicum 1 and Pre-Practicum Two courses.

• CYAF 203: Child Development -- Birth To 3 (Infant/Toddler)
• CYAF 204:Child Development -- Ages 4 to 8
• CYAF 306: Introduction to ECEMS

Pre-Practicum Two Courses:

These can be taken concurrently with Practicum 1. However, students are recommended to take Practicum 1 immediately after completion of Pre-Practicum One courses.

• CYAF 205: Child Guidance and Classroom Environments
• CYAF 302: Development of Curriculum for Children Ages Birth to Age Three
• CYAF 303: Development of Curriculum for Children Ages 4 to 8
• CYAF 304: Understanding and Adapting for Developmental Differences
• CYAF 301: Assessing Young Children and their Environments to Enhance Development

Professional Development Block Courses:

These may be taken anytime during the program, except for the Administration and Supervision course.

• CYAF 405: Administration and Supervision in Early Childhood Settings (prerequisite: Practicum 2)
• CYAF 406: Diversity in the Lives of Young Children and Families
• CYAF 407 Health, Safety, and Nutrition
• CYAF 408: Technology and Young Children
• CYAF 409: Working with Families

Practicum Block:

• CYAF 307: Practicum 1; can only be taken after completion of Pre-Practicum One Courses
• CYAF 305: Practicum 2; can only be taken after completion of Practicum 1 & Pre-Practicum Two Courses
• CYAF 410: Practicum 3; can only be taken after Practicum 1 and 2 & Pre-Practicum One and Two Courses

Degree and course titles will vary by institution. This degree program does not lead to teacher licensure.

A sample 4-year plan is found below. For more information, contact Dr. Soo-Young Hong or the Great Plains IDEA Campus Coordinator, Kaelie Kellner.