Interview With Cecelia Westby, Director of the School of Early Childhood Education

1. Why go into a career in early education now?

There are phenomenal things going on in early childhood education. For example, the State of Minnesota just obtained $45 million in Federal education grant money, called Race to the Top, that will benefit all early learning programs throughout the state. In addition, each year we learn more and more about healthy development and the value of early childhood education in a young child's life!

2. What are some things you’ll learn through the Rasmussen College Early Childhood Education program?

As a student in the early childhood education program at Rasmussen College, you will learn the "whys" behind early childhood education, like:

• Why do we believe play is how children learn?
• Why are some materials and activities more beneficial to a child’s growth and development?
• Why is a well prepared teacher so important to a young child?

3. What courses can you expect to take as an Early Childhood Education degree-seeking student?

• Curriculum and Instruction: Using hands on materials and equipment to promote child’s development and involving parents
• Externship: Student teaching where you apply what you learn in the college classroom to the children and families in your care
• Foundations of Child Development: The theory behind why early childhood educators do what they do and make the decisions we do on behalf of children and families

4. What is your favorite thing about this profession?

The belief that the investment we make in young children contributes to a healthy, thriving community.

5. What piece of advice could you give young professionals in early childhood education?

Keep the children and their family's welfare first and foremost in your decision-making process throughout the day.