Why Choose Barton’s
Early Childhood Education Program?
Early Childhood Education at Barton gives you the opportunity to make a difference for children and families. Barton is committed to your learning and academic success through exposure to the latest research, technology and networking opportunities with educational professionals. The program is developmental as it focuses on the cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and creative development of children ages birth through eight years and the planning of activities and programs that are developmentally appropriate. Knowledge, theory, and practice are foundations to the program.

“An estimated six million children under the age of three spend some or all of their day being cared for by someone other than their parents.” (Zero to Three Institute).Early Childhood Education is exploding with scientific brain research showing how critical the first three years of a child’s life are in terms of their development and early experiences. The State of Kansas Early Learning Standards are imbedded in all Barton Early Childhood courses.

Early Childhood students have the opportunity to use the resource room to create games, felt boards, and other educational materials. It houses a collection of toys, books, and equipment such as a laminator, die-cut, copy machine, and computer.

Student involvement opportunities include the Barton County Child Education Fair and Kansas Association for the Education of Young Children conference which enables students to attend educational sessions on current and future issues.

Cutting-Edge Program
To stay current and future driven on Early Childhood issues, Barton’s program is assisted by an advisory board consisting of past students, professionals in Head Start, Preschool Administrators, and Early Childhood Special Education programs. Guidance on employer expectations, current and future issues, and responding to workforce needs keep Barton’s program on the cutting edge of Early Childhood Education.

Occupational Outlook for
Careers in Early Childhood
Job Opportunities include Child Care Administration, Professional Nanny, Paraprofessional, Family Child Care Provider, Infant/Toddler Teacher, Preschool Teacher, Parents As Teachers Parent Educator, Early Head Start, Head Start, After School Program Director, and Corporate Child Care Programs.