Westchester Community College, State University of New York

Welcome to the Early Childhood Curriculum.

Our faculty enthusiastically looks forward to working with you in achieving your goals.

Our program prepares competent and thoughtful professionals for a career in a variety of school settings. Opportunities include positions in Pre-k through second grade in public schools, Head Start programs, child care centers (birth through five year olds), and nursery schools.

Faculty support students in developing their understanding through course work and field experiences that encourage students to examine effective environments that nurture a sense of social justice, curiosity and discovery in children. This foundation of practice enables students to become reflective teachers who are ready to meet the diverse needs of children and families in today’s society. Students leave the program with a solid philosophy and experiences upon which to reflect and build.

Core Liberal Arts courses expand students’ understanding and knowledge and provide a solid foundation for those who plan to further their education in baccalaureate programs and become certified public school teachers, as well as those who seek employment in the field upon completion of the program.

Classes are held during the day and evenings to meet the needs of students.

Be sure you are enrolled in Early Childhood Development and Foundations of Early Childhood Education (ECE 170 & 171). This is important for future course sequencing.

I look forward to welcoming you in person.

Sincerely yours,

Professor Sheila Hanna, MS. Ed. Curriculum Chair, Childhood Education

“ Teaching is a profession of the heart and the intellect.”

Contact Information

Phone: 914-606-6625
Office location: Classroom Building - Room 46
Email: sheila.hanna@sunywcc.edu
Title(s): Faculty
Department/Division: Department of Education, School of Business and Careers

Degree Information:

• MS. Ed. (Administration/Early Childhood Education), Bank Street College of Education

• Child Development
• Foundations of Early Childhood Education
• Observation & Assessment
• Early Childhood Curriculum; Field 1; Field 3

• Sophie and Joseph Abeles Curriculum Chair
• SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching
• NISOD Excellence Award University of Texas
• Childcare Council of Westchester “Joey” Award

• Hanna, S. (1999) “Creating a Cozy Classroom.” Pre-K Today. Scholastic, Inc. New York.
• Hanna, S. and Theilheimer, R. (in press)
• “Reconceptualizing the Social Studies curriculum from all about me to action,” in Bloch, M.and Kessler, S. Reconceptualizing the Early Childhood Curriculum.

• “Who’s got the power? Rethinking social studies in the early childhood classroom. Board of Jewish Education Greater New York. Great Neck. NY. May 19, 2005.
• “I had it first! Making social dilemmas part of the classroom curriculum” (presenter, with Dr. Rachel Theilheimer,) National Association for the Education of Young Children 2002 Annual Conference. New York, NY. November 22, 2002.
• “Social justice: implications for curriculum development.” All Souls School, New York, NY. October 6, 2010.
• “ Rethinking Early Childhood Curriculum Courses.” Prospect Center for Research in Education. Bennington, VT. July 2015.
• “On Becoming A Teacher: A personal Journey.” Saturday Seminars for Educators. Sarah Lawrence College. February 6, 2016.

• Chaired Human Service Departmental Committee , Fall 1999-Fall 2004.
• Served Search and Screening Committee:
• Human Services Department Field Coordinator, 1998
• Human Services Department Chair, 2001.
• Organized and brought noted speakers in Education to WCC for the Joseph and Sophia Abeles Endowed Chair for Early Childhood lectures.
• Member of African American Male Education Committee.
• Mentor Early Childhood Adjuncts and College Faculty.

Financial Aid

Nearly 33% of Westchester Community College students receive some form of financial aid. Financial Aid is available to students who qualify. In addition, the Westchester Community College Foundation offers $1.6 million in scholarships annually.

Sports

The Westchester Community College Athletic Department sponsors thirteen different intercollegiate athletic teams in various sports. The roster of sports offered includes Men’s Baseball, Women's Softball, Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Men’s and Women’s Bowling, Men’s and Women’s Cross Country, Men's Golf, Men's and Women's Track and Field, Men’s Soccer, and Women’s Volleyball. Visit the Vikings Athletics website for schedules, reports, and more.

Locations

We’re accessible: Public transit-friendly main campus and extension locations. Online classes for wherever you are. Valhalla (main campus); extension sites in New Rochelle, Mount Vernon, Yonkers, Shrub Oak, Mahopac, Ossining, Port Chester and Peekskill (Center for the Digital Arts) and White Plains (Center for the Arts).