PHILOSOPHY � EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM

The quality of learning that young children experience is directly related to the competency and quality training of their teachers.  The Early Childhood Program at SUNY Orange strives to develop professional practitioners, sensitive to the needs of young children�s development, and to the needs of parents and families in our ever-changing and complex society.

We believe that teachers of young children must be individuals with a liberal arts and specialized education that:

? develops an understanding of psychological principals as they relate to individuals, families, and community...

? exposes and trains the student in the basic early readiness areas of language, math, science, behavior, and social skills...

? exposes and trains the student in varied forms of creative expression through art, music and dance, drama, and physical education...

? develops an unbiased understanding and appreciation of a population that is diverse in appearance, performance, and culture...

? includes opportunities to learn and practice verbal and written skills...

? prepares one to effectively and appropriately plan for, manage, assess, and integrate theory and practice in an early childhood setting.