The Education Department at Luna Community College is committed to encourage students to pursue a career in education providing students a stimulating, creative environment that enhances professional performance and career growth leading to a degree. The goal of the Education Department is to increase student success by enhancing and upgrading learning styles, theories and practices through professional development. We work collaboratively with colleagues, parents and the community to promote teaching effectiveness and partnerships with children in the learning process.
The Early Childhood Development Center and Preschool is founded on best-practice models for supporting developmentally and culturally appropriate practice in Early Childhood Education. The philosophy is one based on experiential enrichment, early literacy, constructivism and early learning prevention prescriptions. The mission is to provide quality early childhood programming in a safe, nurturing and supportive environment. The philosophical base includes Piaget's theory that children learn by doing, Erickson's framework of socio-emotional development, Montessori's practical skills model, as well as many other accepted and emerging models. As a Laboratory School, student interns, practicum students and parent volunteers also participate.
The Education Department offers the following:The Early Childhood Development Certificate prepares students to work with young children in a variety of settings. Child physical and cognitive development, developmentally and culturally appropriate practice, early literacy skills, developmental guidance and expressive arts are some of the highlights of this program. Theory and practice are intertwined throughout the program of study.
The Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education is designed for students who intend to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor's degree with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education or a related field.
The Associate of Arts in Teacher Education is a two-year degree, which provides a foundation for those students who pursue higher learning in the elementary and secondary professions. A broad selection of courses from the core curriculum and a variety of supplementary courses are provided. The associate of arts degree prepares students with competencies that are mandated by the New Mexico State Department of Education. The mission of the Teacher Education program is to provide quality instruction to students that build on their knowledge, skills, and experiences. Students will receive support and guidance from faculty and advisors throughout their studies.
The LCC Preschool is an on-campus laboratory program for children between two and five years of age. Based on the philosophy of the department, the program is utilized by the early childhood classes to demonstrate developmentally and culturally appropriate practice and to enhance and enrich the learning foundations of the children and adult students.
Luna Community College
366 Luna Drive
Las Vegas, NM 87701
(505) 454-2500
1-800-588-7232
