Wheelock CollegeBachelor of Science Degree

in Early Childhood Education

Information Session for Prospective Studentsfor Full Time BSc Program in Partnership with SIT

Singapore, October-November, 2012

Who We AreWheelock College•Founded in 1888 with a mission to improve the lives of children and families•US News and World Reports-ranked Liberal Arts institution•Specialists in Education, Teacher Training and Social Work at Bachelors and Masters level•Located in Boston, MA, Wheelock is accredited by NEASC, oldest accreditation body in US

“We hear and read constantly of the greatness of this country of ours and all our magnificent institutions… On the other hand, we are constantly reminded of other issues yet to be confronted…The answer to all these questions as to the future is to be found in the kindergarten and [early childhood education].”

- Lucy Wheelock, 1891

What Sets Wheelock Apartand by what we do:•Prepare children-centered, family-focused and community oriented teachers•Tightly integrated curriculum explicitly links theory and practice, emphasizing the needs and strengths of diverse learners•Focus on subject matter preparation and pedagogic mastery•Embed systematic research about learning, teaching and school context into program of study

Linda Darling-HammondPowerful Teacher Education (Jossey Bass, 2006)

Judge us by the company we keep: Alverno College Bank Street College Trinity University University of California –Berkeley University of Southern Maine University of Virginia

•Over 20 years of history and experience in Singapore•First Foreign Specialized Institution to be partnered with a Singapore Polytechnic to offer a baccalaureate degree•More than 3,000 alumni between BSc and Master’s programs in country

– Great networking– Community of practice

•Outstanding reputation internationally and in Singapore•Very successful graduates

“The Wheelock programme challenged us to think…My Wheelock experience keeps me grounded in my current work with children and families, to place their welfare at utmost priority and to enhance and advocate for the quality of life for all children and families.”

Cynthia Tan ‘09

“The two years with Wheelock were the BEST years of education for me. It taught me to reflect on myself as an educator and a person, and to reflect also on practices in the field so that I can soar even higher. I cherish the wonderful experiences shared with my Wheelock friends who I now call family.”

Tan Yi En ‘10

“Education is vital to the future of Singapore, to creating hope for a better tomorrow and hope is essential to our future and to the Singapore story…[we] need to improve the quality of our preschool education. We now know how important the early years are for children’s development…[G]ood preschool education will prepare students to enter Primary One and it will provide many long-term benefits later on in life.

I think we have to substantially raise the quality of preschool education and …if you are going to raise standards considerably, it is going to mean more resources, higher costs, you are going to recruit more teachers, even better quality teachers, it is going to cost money… So the government will invest substantial resources in preschool education and play a more active role.

The transformation will take some time but I am confident that in five to seven years, we will be able to see results.”

Singapore’s bright future and a new day for early childhood education

From the Prime Minister’s National Day Rally Speech,

August, 2012

• Good career prospects and future professional development• Many ways to exercise creativity, both intellectual and

entrepreneurial• Early Childhood Education in Singapore is a growth field with

serious resources and backing from the government• Degree holders will be especially valued in the labor market• Two great partners: SIT and Wheelock College-Singapore

– Diploma holders have advanced standing– An overseas degree: advantages without cost of lengthy relocation

Why get a degree in Early Childhood

Education?Why now? Why here?

•Focus on: – Special Education and Inclusion– Early Childhood Leadership, Policy,

Management and Administration•American-style teaching and learning:

– All classes are highly interactive, with intensive group work, oral presentations, reflection papers and field exercises

•Co-Instruction model – 6 and 8 week segments to most courses

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A Rigorous Curriculum…•2 years of full-time study, with 2 semesters running from early July to early October, and from early January to mid-April•21 courses; 81 credits•Content is a balance between theory and practice, knowledge and skills•All classes are highly interactive, with intensive group work, oral presentations, reflection papers and field exercises•Classes are rigorous and demanding, but learners are fully supported by faculty and staff in their studies, both within and outside the classroom

And an International Perspective•Culturally relevant program that addresses the needs of learners in Singapore and globally•30-hour Service Learning Requirement for graduation

– Increase opportunities for service learning abroad

•Five week summer immersion program at Wheelock in Boston at beginning of Semester 3

– Take 3 courses on Boston campus– Visit state of the art childcare centers supporting children with learning

challenges– Study demonstration schools and dynamic environments– Meet visionary entrepreneurs who have designed innovative products and

services– Experience the cultural dynamism of one of America’s leading cities

What does it take to be a Wheelock Student?•Whole student perspective: we consider not just test scores but who the person is – we seek qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds and who see themselves as creative agents of change. We want you to Inspire a World of Good. •Scholastic achievement with strong reading, writing, speaking and mathematical competencies are important.•A 2.3 (C+) cumulative grade-point average is the minimum acceptable standard.

Key Dates for Class of 2015

• Application period begins February 1, 2013 and closes April 30, 2013

• Orientation: June 28, 2013

• First Day of Classes: July 01, 2013

For Further EnquiriesFor Further Enquiries To find out more about how you can become a Wheelock student or if you have other questions,contact Rajes, at 64606257 or via email at kor@np.edu.sg. You can also reach me at tcraig@wheelock.edu

and set up a time to visit. We hope to see you.