Kent State University’s early childhood education program is the first in the world to offer an undergraduate program authorized by the International Baccalaureate (IB) Organization — the IB Primary Years Program Certificate in Teaching and Learning.
The IB Primary Years Program is a curriculum for students, ages 3 to 12, and focuses on the development of the whole child in the classroom and in the world outside. The IB is a recognized leader in the field of international education. The program defines international education as developing citizens of the world in relationship to culture, language and learning to live together. It also encourages diversity and flexibility in teaching.
Under this recognition, early childhood educators graduating from Kent State will not only be qualified to serve in Ohio, but also in any of the IB “world” schools that exist in more than 128 countries. Kent State is also recognized as one of 10 universities in the world to offer the Certificate in Teaching and Learning at the graduate level.
“Over the past three years, early childhood education curricular changes have been made to further internationalize the program and align with IB philosophies. Sixteen faculty members have attended IB workshops to continue their professional development and refine teaching methods. IB will help us to continue to lead the way in educational practices and to support schools in teacher preparation,” says Martha Lash, Ph.D., Kent State’s IB Primary Years Program coordinator.
For more information about Kent State’s College of Education, Health and Human Services, visit www.kent.edu/ehhs.