Mapping your Early Childhood Education Major

Please note that sample four year plans are examples. Students, in consultation with their advisor, will discuss an individualized degree plan reflecting their academic preparation, interests and goals. Actual sequences will vary based on course availability, need for developmental coursework, and student preference. For complete information on degree requirements, reference the Undergraduate Course Catalog at http://hood.smartcatalogiq.com/.

Year One

Year Two

Year Three

Year Four

Notes: In addition to EDUC coursework, the ECE major requires 6 credits in English, 9 credits in social sciences (U.S. History, Introduction to Psychology, Cultural Geography), 10-12 credits in science (at least one course in BIO and PHSC 101), and 9 credits in mathematics (MATH 106, MATH 107 and MATH 112).

Learning, Self-Exploration, and Academic Excellence

The Hood College Center for Career Development and Experiential Education is here to support you through your four-year educational journey. Whether you are headed toward additional educational pursuits after graduation or on to the exciting world of work, we recommend that you investigate all your opportunities through three distinct types of exploration. These include Cultivating knowledge of your major and occupations related to your studies, Engaging in activities that give you hands-on experience, and taking practical steps toward Preparing for life after college. Below are three tables that will help you understand these areas and associated activities. Want to know more? Meet with a counselor in the Career Center. Email careers@hood.edu to make an appointment.

Cultivate

Explore your Major and Related Occupations

Year 1

• Explore the major through the Hood College early childhood education website. Explore the backgrounds of faculty and learn about course offerings.
• Visit the What Can I Do With the Major? and the CareerOneStop websites.
• Take the O*NET Interest Profiler to learn more about additional areas of career interest.
• Meet with Career Center staff to begin developing a resume.

Year 2

• Visit with a counselor in the Career Center to update your resume and consider locations for an Early Childhood Education specific internship.
• Explore club and engagement opportunities such as Student Education Association, Best Buddies, Volunteering for Special Olympics, Volunteering in tutoring opportunities.
• If eligible, investigate federal work study positions in a department of career related interest.
• Explore the possibility of Study Abroad. Attend a Fall or Spring Study Abroad Fair or Information Session.

Year 3

• Update your resume to include classes from the previous year and any experiences, volunteer, internship, research, or employment related.
• Use EDUC 399 to gain work experience and college credit.
• Explore club and engagement opportunities such as Buddy Club and Student Education Association (SEA)

Year 4

• Update your resume to include classes from the previous year and any experiences, volunteer, internship, research, or employment related. Be sure to include your research skills.
• Use Phase II and Phase III internships to gain additional work experience and college credit.

Engage

Locally and Globally

Year 1

• Explore club and engagement opportunities such as Buddy Club and Student Education Association (SEA)

Year 2

• Participate in Career Center workshops on interviewing for success and creating a LinkedIn page.
• Conduct informational interviews with Hood College alumni working in the education field. (Work with a faculty member or a Career Center counselor to identify individuals).

Year 3

• Attend Chamber of Commerce (or other major relevant organizations) industry related events. Speak with a Career Center counselor to learn more about these.
• Update your LinkedIn page to reflect new experiences and coursework.
• Consult with faculty members about professional conferences you might attend, or professional organizations you could join.
• Conduct informational interviews or shadow Hood College alumni working in the Early Childhood Education field.

Year 4

• Attend the annual Business Etiquette Dinner. Register for this once-a-year event in Handshake.
• Conduct informational interviews with Hood College alumni working in the education field.

Prepare

For Post-Graduation Success

Year 1

• Attend the Fall and Spring Community Engagement Fairs to learn more about not-for-profit agencies that provide low or no-cost services to those in need.

Year 2

• Attend the Spring Internship & Career Fair to meet directly with employers from a variety of industries who are recruiting interns.
• Regularly check the Handshake events page to see employers providing information sessions on campus.
• If considering part-time employment, work with the Career Center and consult faculty to learn about opportunities within the job field.
• Consider taking an exploratory micro-internship in your field of interest.

Year 3

• Meet with staff in Career Services to identify potential internships, consider competitive national experiences.
• Attend the Spring Internship & Career Fair and/or STEM Career Expo to meet directly with employers from a variety of industries are seeking interns and new hires.
• Attend Career Center workshops on interviewing for success and how to conduct a job search.
• Select part-time jobs and internships in your field of interest.

Year 4

• Attend the Spring Internship & Career Fair to meet directly with employers from a variety of industries who are recruiting new hires.
• Attend conferences of professional associations.

• Utilize resources at the Library and Learning Commons
• Meet regularly with your academic advisor
• Work with tutors at the Writing Center
• Complete the FAFSA and apply for scholarships

Learn more about careers in early childhood education: https://whatcanidowiththismajor.com/major/education/

• Teaching:
  • Pre-school
  • Elementary
  • Middle
  • Secondary
• Administration:
  • Principal
  • Superintendent
• Specializations:
  • Reading
  • Title 1
  • Library/Information services
  • Special education
  • Career/Technical education
• Specializations continued:
  • Enrichment
  • English language acquisition
  • Curriculum supervision
  • Subject area supervision
• Tutoring services
• Test preparation
• Elementary, middle and secondary schools:
  • Public
  • Private
  • Montessori
  • Magnet
  • Charter
• Day care centers
• Nursery schools
• Boards of education
• Tutoring and learning centers
• Test preparation companies
• Overseas schools for military dependents
• Language immersion programs

Explore more career opportunities in early childhood education: https://www.onetonline.org/