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Division of HHS: Early Childhood Education: General Resources Lists

The Students will be prepared to work as professionals in various infant to Pre-K child care settings

Division Mission Statement

Mission Statement:
The students will be prepared to work as professionals in various infant to Pre-K child care settings with the skills and knowledge of early childhood development, education, and care.

Program Description:
The Early Childhood Education program prepares students for fulfilling and exciting careers in early childhood settings such as in-home or facility-based daycare providers and directors, preschool teachers, nannies, and child care licensing professionals. Additionally, students who complete an associate’s degree in early childhood can apply it towards a bachelor’s degree in education. This program provides students with hands-on experiences in existing early childhood settings, prepares students to carry out developmentally appropriate practice, emphasizes the importance of family involvement, and allows students to acquire  knowledge of child care licensing laws and regulations.

Academic Help 101

Online Databases for Research

Q: What does "Scholarly Article" or "Peer-Reviewed Article" Mean?

Coulter, P. (2016). Richard G. Trefry library: American public University System. Libanswers. http://apus.libanswers.com/faq/44354

"Scholarly" and "peer reviewed" are often used synonymously, but they are not necessarily the same thing.   Peer reviewed articles are always scholarly, but not all scholarly sources are peer reviewed.   It may seem confusing, but it makes more sense if you think of "scholarly" as an umbrella term for several different kinds of authoritative, credible sources.  These include:

  • Peer reviewed journals.  These journals primarily exist to publish the research findings of experts in a field. The articles that you see in these journals have been closely scrutinized by a panel of reviewers (also experts in the same field) before they are published.   
  • Trade or professional journals or magazines.  The articles in these periodicals are also written by and for experts, but there is no peer review.  The articles aren't limited to research...they may be news, best practice tips or opinion pieces. 
  • Government Publications  Many government agencies publish books, reports, data or statistics.  Government researchers, like those who publish in peer reviewed or trade journals, are often experts in their field.
  • Books.   Many researchers publish books or book chapters.  

How can you tell if an article is scholarly?  You will have to do some detective-work, but there are some telltale signs:

  • Author(s): Ideally, you should rely on information that has been published by an expert, someone who has studied the topic long and hard.    Most scholarly publications will list an author's credentials (their degrees -- M.S., Ph.D., Ed.D., etc. -  and the institution that they work for) along with his or her name.
  • Content:  Look for articles that cover a topic in detail (more than just a few pages long, typically).   It will probably include some kind of literature review, and discuss the work of other authors, in addition to any original research findings.  Make sure it cites its sources (a scholarly article will always have a "references," "bibliography" or "works cited" list). 
  • Audience:  Scholarly articles are written for professionals in the field.  You will probably notice a lot of technical language and/or discipline-specific jargon.  The tone will be formal.
  • Publisher.  Visit the journal's website to see what organization publishes it.  Professional associations, universities and government agencies are particularly good signs.  As you become more experienced, you'll also start to recognize major publishing companies in your field of study (Wiley, Elsevier, Sage, etc.).
  • Purpose and scope.  When you're on the journal's website, look for an "about" link to learn who the intended audience is and what kind of articles are accepted.

Library

Physical Library  Hours: 

Fall 2023 LIBRARY HOURS

MONDAY thru FRIDAY

8:00 am- 4:00pm

M123- Main Campus Building

If you are needing the library assistance at any time; if you arrive and the library is not open, or if you are needing to check out a laptop- contact 620-341-1323 OR contact student services at 620-341-1300. 

If any information needs to be updated or a link needs to be fixed- please e-mail: lworthen@fhtc.edu

Library Hours: 7:30 am to 7:00 pm Monday thru Thursday; 7:30 am to 5:00 pm Friday Located at 3301 W. 18th Ave. Emporia, Kansas 66801