The Early Childhood Education (ECE) program provides the academic preparation for students who plan to further study in the field of education.

The program focuses on the development of teaching skills, such as assessment, lesson planning, and classroom management, which are used in early childhood education settings. It fosters an interdisciplinary approach to empowering students and developing the knowledge and skills necessary for the provision of quality education. Students can discover and articulate how their faith life enlightens their chosen academic pathways.

Program Student Learning Goals
  • Students will demonstrate content knowledge needed for effective teaching in early childhood settings.
  • Students will demonstrate application of content knowledge in early childhood education and development.
  • Students will be able to articulate a Christian worldview to education.
Curriculum
FIELD EXPERIENCE

Field experience is an essential element of the Esperanza College program for students gain first-hand experience in the field they plan to pursue. For students in the early childhood education concentration, these opportunities may include assisting a teacher, working with small groups, or tutoring students. As part of their coursework, students are gradually introduced to the full range of experiences associated with a teacher’s role. Students can expect to gain invaluable experience, connections, and an understanding of the field. Upon matriculation into the program, students will be informed of field experience placement and timeline from the Director of the concentration.

Examples of field experience have included:

4-YEAR PLAN

The Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education provides a strong foundation for further coursework towards a bachelor’s degree. Upon completing their associate degree at Esperanza College, students can continue working towards a bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution. The exact number of credits transferred is determined by each receiving institution, but those who choose to continue at Eastern University can do so without missing a beat: the two years of undergraduate work along with the initial prerequisites of the program will be counted toward the degree without any loss of credits.

CAREER PATH

Many of our students are interested in teaching. They can work as teachers, teacher’s aides, group supervisors, and more.

Faculty

Andria Kallarakal, Program Director

Dr. Andria Kallarakal, Program Director

Ph.D., Sociology, University of Kerala, India
M.A., International Development and Social Change, Clark University, Worcester, MA
M.Phil., M.A., B.A., Sociology, Madurai Kamaraj University, India

Dr. Andria Kallarakal joined the team at Esperanza College in July 2010 as an Adjunct Professor. In July 2012 she assumed the position of Director for Criminal Justice, and currently serves as the Director of Public and Social Services which includes Community and Human Services (CHS), Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education (ECE), Child Development Associate program, and PA Director Credential programs.

Prior to her work at Esperanza, Dr. Kallarakal held Assistant professor positions and non-profit managerial positions in India. She has taught at several community colleges in and around Philadelphia. She is passionate about justice issues, death and dying, race, class and gender. She has presented papers on environmental degradation, developmental communication, and women’s health.

Dr. Kallarakal (Dr. K) lives in Philadelphia, PA with her husband Jain and her pet Leo.

Courses Taught:

  • SOCI 100 | Introduction to Sociology
  • EDUC 250 | Early Childhood Education Field Experience

Email – akallara@eastern.edu

Ryan Babich

Ryan Babich

ESL Program Cert., LaSalle University
MS, Educational Administration and Supervision, Baruch College, New York, NY
MS, Elementary Education, College of Staten Island, Staten Island, NY
BA, Child Study, St. Joseph’s College, Brooklyn, NY

A native of Brooklyn, NY, Professor Ryan Babich has been a child educator for over 20 years. He has taught at Esperanza since 2011 in both the English and Early Childhood Education Departments. Prior to teaching at Esperanza College, Professor Babich instructed adult English Language Learners at DPT Business School.

Professor Babich believes that Esperanza has a wonderful cohort model, encouraging students to collaborate and support each other. He values Esperanza’s smaller class sizes, which grant the professor and students more time to communicate. He also finds that the overall small college setting provides opportunities for students to be guided and supported by their professors.

Courses taught:

  • ENGL 101 | Introduction to Academic English
  • EDUC 400 | Early Literacy Foundations in the Primary Grades
  • EDUC 205 | Child Development
  • EDUC 328 | ECE Principles and Procedures
  • EDUC 329 | Curriculum and Assessment
  • EDUC 382 | Methods of Classroom Management

Email – rbabich@eastern.edu

Kim Lucas

Kim Lucas

Courses taught:

  • CSCI 110| Computer literacy
  • INST 105 | Student and Career Success
  • EDUC 201 | Introduction to Special Education
  • EDUC 328 | Early Childhood Education: Principles and Procedures
  • EDUC 329 | Early Childhood Education | Curriculum and Assessment
  • EDUC 250 | Early Childhood Education Field Experience
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