Early Childhood Education

Developing Young Learners

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Early Childhood Education is a program suited for those with a heart for teaching young children. This degree will prepare students for the Illinois Early Childhood Professional Educator License/ESL endorsement.

Teachers of young children set the tone for a lifetime of learning and development. Students studying early childhood education will learn how to create and manage a nurturing, safe classroom where every child thrives. They will plan and lead lessons and activities that help develop motor skills, expressive language and literacy. 

At Olivet, early childhood education majors have opportunities in and outside the classroom to learn and grow in their field. These students will study instructional methods, children’s literature, language development, sociology of the family, as well as learn about the philosophies of early childhood education, including Montessori, High Scope, Bank Street and Dewey. For hands-on experience, students will visit and observe the Head Start program at work in Kankakee County, and work with children in an off-campus classroom under their teacher’s supervision.

By the Numbers:

Education at Olivet

98%
pass rate for seniors on edTPA license
100%
of faculty members have taught in PK-12 classrooms
2017
first graduates from new special education teacher training program
16
education majors, minors and concentrations
Early Education Careers

Preschool teacher, kindergarten through second-grade teacher, preschool director, day-care center teacher, day-care center administrator, prekindergarten teacher, teacher’s aide

Specialized Education

From Art to Special Ed, Olivet students choose their area of focus, and spend valuable time as student and with students.

Math in Life

Many elementary, middle school and high school students say that math courses are their most difficult. Olivet math education grads excel in introducing students to the joys of learning.

Mentors and Professors

At Olivet, the classes are kept smaller, to ensure every student experience the one-on-one relationship with their academic mentors.

Tomorrow’s Educators

The School of Education strives for responsiveness in keeping its programs current. Within the last three years, the Early Childhood, Elementary Education and Middle Grades programs have been revised to meet licensing and hiring requirements. The newest program is the Special Education Teacher Training Program with the first graduates in the Class of 2017.

Special Education Teacher Training Program

Licensure

Olivet Nazarene University’s Teacher Education Program is a recognized education preparation program by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) in consultation with the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board (SEPLB). Each teaching program that is offered at Olivet has been individually approved for licensure, meaning that when a teaching candidate graduates with a teaching degree they will also have earned an Illinois Professional Educators License. The School of Education continues to update existing programs to meet and exceed the Illinois State Board of Education standards and is aligned with the top educational preparation standards in the nation.

Education with a Christian Purpose

The best way to see if Olivet is a good fit for you is to visit the campus. We offer unique, customized visit days every weekday, and special Purple & Gold days, too, where you can get up close at all things ONU.

Schedule a Visit