LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Ivy Tech Community College’s Nursing Program announces that Judith I. Faust, MSN, RN has earned the designation Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) after successfully completing a rigorous certification examination developed and administered by the National League for Nursing.

Judith I. Faust, MSN, RN, CNE began teaching at Ivy Tech in August, 2000 as an instructor in the Practical Nursing Program. She currently is an Associate Professor in the Nursing Program. She began her Nursing career at St. Elizabeth Medical Center after graduating from Ball State University. In 2007, Judith received the President’s Award for Excellence in Instruction at the Ivy Tech Community College’s Lafayette campus and the NISOD Excellence Award which she received in Austin, Texas. She is married to Thomas E. Faust and they have four children: Brianne, Jonathan, Brittney and Jordan.

Ivy Tech Community College is one of the nation’s largest statewide community college systems and the state’s second largest public post-secondary institution with more than 110,000 students enrolled annually. Ivy Tech has 23 campuses throughout Indiana. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

LAFAYETTE, Ind. –- Ivy Tech Community College is adding new accreditation status to its long standing Early Childhood Education Program. On August 15, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accredited the college’s associate degree program.

Program Chair and Assistant Professor for Early Childhood Education Amanda Barche Lindberg, and her team of faculty and adjunct staff, began the accreditation process during the summer of 2006 when they initiated a self-study. In great detail the Self-Study Report examined students and faculty, the program design and mission, and community advisory boards. The self-study took nearly a year to complete and was followed by a site visit in March 2008.

“It is a very dynamic process. Even when you initially receive accreditation you are approved for a specified period of time, it’s not a ‘done deal’, but that is what we want. We encourage reevaluation because we want our program to continue to change and to be responsive to the needs of employers and the community,” explained Amanda Barche Lindberg.

NAEYC was the first organization to set standards for early childhood higher education programs. The accreditation system establishes professional preparation standards to raise the quality of teacher education, and in turn raise the quality of early childhood education programs serving young children. Accreditation is granted on the basis of five standards: promoting child development and learning; building family and community relationships; observing, documenting, and assessing children’s development; early childhood methods and content; and professional standards of ethics. Coursework and student experiences in practicum study also weigh into the accreditation process.

“We have a core of faculty and adjunct staff that have made this possible. It really is a team, and they have been critical to this process,” said Barche Lindberg.

Ivy Tech- Lafayette’s Early Childhood Education Program is now one of only 51 associate degree programs in the country accredited by NAEYC.

Ivy Tech Community College delivers professional, technical, transfer and lifelong education that prepares Indiana residents to learn, live and work in a diverse and globally competitive environment. Ivy Tech offers affordable, open access education and training programs that enhance the development of Indiana’s citizens and communities and strengthens its economy. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. More information is available at www.laf.ivytech.edu.

LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Ivy Tech Community College is hosting its second annual Homecoming celebration on September 14, 2008 from 12pm to 2pm. The Lafayette-West Lafayette community is encouraged to join in the festivities which include children’s games, magic shows, a volleyball tournament, and a classic car show. The classic car show will have extended hours until 4pm.

New to this year’s Homecoming is a Chili Cook-off which is sure to feature some of the best chili in town. The Chili Cook-off will take place from 12pm to 2pm. The contest is open to all Ivy Tech students, employees, and alumni. To enter, please contact Beth LeBreton at blebreton@ivytehc.edu or call (765) 269-5218. The community is welcome to participate in the Chili Cook-off judging; the only requirement is to come hungry. Judging will begin at 1:30pm.

All Homecoming events will take place on the Ivy Tech campus located at 3101 South Creasy Lane, Lafayette, Indiana.

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – High school students and their parents can learn more about college financial aid during an upcoming presentation by representatives of Purdue University and Ivy Tech Community College in Lafayette.

The presentation will be offered at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday (Jan. 15) at the Ivy Tech Community College Auditorium, 3101 S. Creasy Lane, Lafayette. The Indiana Student Financial Aid Association is sponsoring the presentation.

The presentation will begin with a short overview of financial aid basics. After a break, students and parents will hear details about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, process.

Parents and students also can attend College Goal Sunday on Feb. 17 at Ivy Tech Community College. Starting at 2 p.m., financial aid counselors will be available to help families fill out the financial aid application and answer questions about financial aid.

For information, contact David Reseigh, Indiana Student Financial Aid Association regional coordinator and Purdue’s Division of Financial Aid outreach coordinator, at (765) 494-5056, dlreseigh@purdue.edu.