ECE Higher Education

To address demographic changes in our early childhood population and the need for leaders who reflect our families and children, and the early childhood workforce, First 5 is working with Cal State East Bay, Mills College and University of California Berkeley to increase higher education opportunities.

Cal State East Bay (CSU East Bay)
In January, 2007, 18 students entered a cohort program leading to a BA at CSU East Bay. The 18 students, selected through a competitive process, will attend classes part time for three years while working in the field and will graduate with a BA in Human Development with a Minor in Child Development. First 5 is funding faculty coordination costs, a Liaison for the cohort, and most of the tuition costs for the first year. For further information, contact Edna Rodriggs, ECE Professional Development Coordinator
edna.rodriggs@csueastbay.edu; 510.885.7293

Mills College
With funding from First 5, Mills College has piloted a BA for Working Adults in Early Childhood. First 5 also supports Mills College in piloting two Leadership Programs in Early Childhood (LPEC): a MA and an EdD designed to accommodate working professionals. Contact Diane Ketelle, Associate Professor;510.430.2189
dketelle@Mills.edu

The University of California at Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
UC Berkeley is offering a minor in Early Childhood Studies, beginning January, 2007. 20 students are enrolled in the program that includes counseling as well as support for students to graduate in their chosen major and acquire the Early Childhood credits necessary for working in subsidized early childhood programs in California. Students can also elect to take a practicum with their minor to prepare them for a Child Development Teacher Permit. For more information, contact Mirella Almarez at the Center for the Study of Child Care Employment (CSCCE) almarez@berkeley.edu; 510.723.7431.

UC Berkeley is also researching the possibility of creating an Interdisciplinary Master's In Early Childhood Studies. First 5 funded Dr. Marcy Whitebook at CSCCE to develop a proposal with several departments that would bring the School of Education, Social Welfare, Public Policy, Public Health, and Psychology together to create a leadership experience for early childhood professionals. The proposed Master's is in early planning stages. For more information, contact Dr. Whitebook: mwhk@berkeley.edu; 510.643.7091.

Scholarship Opportunities
The Early Care Education Scholarship Fund was established to:

• Generate funding to support students pursuing higher education with the professional goal of working with children birth to five in early care and education programs in Alameda County
• Award funding to students who meet specific selection criteria and need as determined by the First 5 Fund donors and administrators