Changes spur growth in education courses, addition of new major In May, both the Illinois State Board of Education and the Millikin board of trustees approved adding a new major in early childhood education to the Millikin curriculum. The addition of this program is due in part to changes in state certification for individuals who work in early childhood education agencies and programs. The major is not a new idea at Millikin, but one that has become more financially feasible and necessary following the legislative changes. "Essentially we have been discussing the possibility for about 10 years," says Dr. Darlene Hoffman, chair of the education department. "The government is beginning to realize that one dollar invested in daycare can save $10 in remedial education in high school, so a number of financial incentives are being thrown about to offer the degree. Plus, more school districts are hiring early childhood experts to do intervention programs and daycare centers are expected to hire certified teachers, which requires a four-year degree." "There is a movement now to give it the same amount of importance as other levels of education," says Jodi Kupper, director of the School of Education. The new program will be offered through the day program to traditional students beginning this fall and will be offered through MU’s evening adult learning program, PACE (Professional Adult Comprehensive Education), beginning in January 2005. In addition to the required coursework for the degree, the program will include internship opportunities with Baby TALK, a nationally-recognized early childhood education organization in Decatur, and the preschool program for Decatur School District No. 61. "We’re excited about the opportunities that this program provides for those wanting to work in early childhood education," Kupper says.