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EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM SUMMARY
Advisors:
Jenny Stout
Years 1 through 3 of Early Childhood Program
Email: jenny.stout@fcs.utah.edu
Office:AEB 232
Phone: (801) 581-4431
Fax: (801) 581-5156
Bobbi Davis
Year 4 of Early Childhood Program
Email: bobbi.davis@utah.edu
Office: MBH 142
Phone: (801) 581-6064
Fax:(801)581-3609
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT & FAMILY STUDIES
W/ EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION EMPHASIS (K-3)
2008-2009
Early Childhood Education
The Early Childhood Education Program is a collaborative effort between the Department of Family and Consumer Studies and the Department of Teaching and Learning. The program focuses on family and human development and the education of young children (ages 3-8). Course work is augmented by clinical experiences with preschool and kindergarten students in the Child and Family Development Center. Students apply for admissions to enter a Licensure Program to participate in a broad range of early childhood methods courses coupled with ongoing field-based experiences and student teaching in both a kindergarten and primary grade classroom (grades 1-3).
Bachelor's Degree Requirements
In order to graduate with a Bachelor Degree in Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education (ECE), students must complete General Education Requirements, Bachelors Degree Requirements and HDFS-ECE Major Requirements.Post Baccalaureate
Post Baccalaureate students (those already possessing a bachelor's degree) will be required to register for graduate level (6000 and above) courses within the Licensure Program Courses (cohort year). This will allow for more in-depth study of research - related topics and the course work can also count towards a graduate degree program within Teaching & Learning. Please note that the University only allows nine (9) hours of non-matriculated (course work taken prior to formal admission in the graduate degree program) to apply to a graduate degree program. To have more than nine (9) hours count towards a graduate degree, the student must be formally admitted to a graduate program. Student teaching (TL 6295, TL 6296 and Field Practicum 6290) will not be applied towards a master's degree credit within the Department of Teaching & Learning. Students must make prior application and be accepted to the Graduate Program. Students interested in the Graduate Program through the Department of Teaching & Learning should contact Bobbi Davis at (801) 581-6064 or bobbi.davis@utah.eduAdvising
Students interested in Early Childhood Education (K-3) as a career should first contact:Family & Consumer Studies Advisor,
Jenny Stout
(801) 581-4431
jenny.stout@fcs.utah.edu
232 Alfred Emery Bldg.
Program information is subject to change without notice.For the most up-to-date information, please contact the Department of Teaching and Learning.updated 06/23/08
www.ed.utah.edu/TandL
1705 E. Campus Center Drive Rm.142
Salt Lake City, UT 84112-9256
Phone: (801) 581-7158
Fax: (801) 581-3609
Requirements to Fulfill When Seeking a Bachelor's Degree at the U of U in Human Development &
Family Studies with the Early Childhood Education EmphasisI. General Education Requirements: For questions please contact the University College at (801) 581-8146
A. Intellectual Exploration -- Foundation/Integration Courses (2 Courses in each area):
2 courses of Fine Arts (FF)
2 courses of Humanities (HF)- 1 HF course offered in the major
2 courses of Physical/Life Science (SF/AS)
2 courses of Social/Behavioral Science (BF)- 2 courses offered in the major
B. Writing 2010 (WR)
C. American Institutions (AI)
D. Quantitative Reasoning:
Math (QA)- Must take Math 1050
Statistics/Logic (QB) - In the Major Math 4020
II. Bachelor's Degree Requirements
A. Upper-division Communication/writing (CW)- in the major
B. Diversity (DV)- in the major
C. International (IR)- in the major
D. Bachelor of Science (2 upper-division quantitative intensive courses for a total of 6 hours):
Quantitative Intensive (QI) - in the major
Quantitative Intensive (QI)- in the major
OR
Bachelor of Arts: Language Requirement
E. Major & College Requirements (Human Development and Family Studies)
F. Minimum of 122 Semester Hours
G. 40 Upper-division Semester Hours
H. GPA 2.00 Minimum (those admitted to Licensure need a 3.0 cum. GPA)
I. Residency Requirement
J. Apply for Graduation
III. Major Requirements
A. Human Development and Family Studies Courses - 39 to 41 hours. Courses in this section must be taken for a grade of "C-" or better. For information on courses and prereq's see Family & Consumer Studies Advisor.
1.FCS 1500 Human Development Across the Life Span (3) (BF)
2.Choose one:
FCS 2400 Family Studies Across the Life Course (3) (BF)
FCS 3450 Family Economic Issues (3) (QI)
3. Choose one:
FCS 2610 Understanding Children: Ecological Contexts (3)
SP ED 5022 Principles of Instruction and Behavior Support (3)
4. FCS 2620 Child Development Practicum (3)
5. FCS 2640 Integrated Curriculum Methods(3)
6. FCS 3200 Research Methods (4)
7. FCS 3180 Home, School, and Community Relations (3)
8. FCS 3215 Development in infancy and Early Childhood (3) (BF)
9. Choose one:
FCS 3904 Modes of Learning - SL Taken concurrently with FCS 3180 or 3215 (1)
FCS 2620 Child development Practicum - Repeated (3)
10. FCS 3290 Ethnic Minority Families (4) (DV/HF)
11. Choose one:
FCS 5170 Creativity and Cognition in Young Children (3)
SP ED 5021 Principles of Assessment & Data-Based Decision Making (3)
12. FCS 5190 Early Childhood Internship (6)
B. Supporting Professional Courses -- 27 hours. Courses in this section must be taken for a grade of "B-"or better. For information on courses and prereq's see Teaching & Learning Advisor
1.SP ED 3011 Teaching Students With Disabilities in Inclusive Classrooms (3)
2. EDPS 3140 Using Technology in Diverse Classrooms (2)
3. Choose one:
TL 5000 Wrtg Instruction & Assess I (K-3) (2)
TL 5005 Wrtg Instruction & Assess II (K-6) (3)
4. ED PS 5441 Integrated Technology into Reading and Writing Taken concurrently with TL 5000 or 5005 (1)
5. MATH 4010 Math for Elementary School Teachers I (4) (QI)
Prereq: Math 1050 - with a grade of "C" or better
6. MATH 4020 Math for Elementary School Teachers II (4) ( QB & QI)
Prereq: Math 4010 - with a grade of "C" or better
7. LING 3200 Linguistics in Education (3)
8. TL 4330 International Children's and Adolescent Literature (3) (IR)
9. T L 5315 Reading Methods K-3 (3) Taken concurrently with TL 5316 Reading Practicum (1) (CW)IV.Early Childhood Education Licensure Program Courses -- 28 hours.
The Early Childhood Education Licensure Program,"the Cohort ", builds on knowledge and skills gained in General Education, Human Development & Family Studies, and Supporting Professional courses. The Licensure Program Courses take two semesters to complete, beginning Fall and ending Spring. The Licensure program can be completed as a continuation of the Bachelors degree or as part of a Masters degree. Prerequisite for all courses: Admission to the Early Childhood Education Licensure Program.
Fall Semester Spring Semester T L 5/6210 EC Classroom Organization & Management (3) T L 5/6291 Action Research/Seminar: EC (3) T L 5/6220 EC Language and Literacy (3) T L 5/6295 Student Teaching: Kindergarten (4) T L 5/6260 EC Math Curriculum & Instruction (3) T L 5/6296 Student Teaching: Primary Grades (5) T L 5/6280 EC Natural & Social Sciences Methods (4) T L 5/6290 Field Practicum: Early Childhood (3) Information About Early Childhood Education Licensure Program
Cohort: During the Early Childhood Education Licensure Program (see Licensure Program Courses outlined above), students are assigned to a cohort (a group of students who remain together throughout a two-semester, field-based sequence). Once assigned, students move through the program with the same cohort in a prescribed sequence of courses. The cohort organization has been adopted to provide support, trust, collegiality, challenge, and to encourage continuous feedback and evaluation.
Time Commitment: During Fall Semester, the student's time will be spent at both the University of Utah and a public elementary school during morning and afternoon hours Monday through Friday. Fall Semester will also include responsibilities during the first few weeks of the public school year prior to the beginning of Fall Semester at the U of U. The Spring Semester will require a full-day, five-days-a-week time commitment from students (7:30am - 4:00 pm and sometimes later depending on when after school meetings are held). Also, during Spring Semester the T L 5/6291 course will be held one night a week.
Student Teaching: Student teaching assignments are located in a group of specially selected Professional Development Schools (PDS) in which teacher candidates observe and practice teaching methods. During the cohort, students teach under the supervision of a cooperating, classroom teacher and a the cohort leader. During Fall semester, teacher candidates will be placed in the schools two days a week and will be on campus three days a week. During Spring semester, teacher candidates student teach full time for 10 to 12 weeks under the guidance of the cooperating classroom teacher and will return to campus for three weeks of full-time closing activities and assignments. Student teaching placements are arranged by the cohort leader in consultation with school personnel from local school districts.
Policies Governing Courses and Requirements within the HDFS Major W/ Early Childhood Education Emphasis and the Early Childhood Education Licensure Program
Time Limit on Courses: Due to developments in the research on teaching and learning and classroom practices, and changes in the Utah State Office of Education Standards for Teacher Licensure, courses over five (5) years old may not be accepted toward the Early Childhood Teacher Education Program at the time of beginning the Licensure Program (Cohort Year).
Correspondence Courses: Correspondence Courses (i.e., Independent Study) are not accepted.
Minimum Grade Requirements: Supporting Professional and Licensure Program Courses must be completed with a grade of "B-" or better (i.e., A, A-, B+, B, B-) and must be taken for a letter grade, not under the University Credit/No Credit Option. T L 5/6290, T L 5/6295, and T L 5/6296 are the only exception to this policy due to the fact these courses are taken only for Credit/No Credit. Family and Consumer Studies Courses must be completed with a grade of "C-" or better (i.e., A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-) and must be taken for a letter grade, not under the University Credit/No Credit Option. In cases where courses in the Early Childhood Teacher Education Program meet and General Education and/or Bachelor's Degree requirements, students must complete courses with the above mentioned standards and not under the University of Utah grade standards. A grade of "C" or better will be accepted for Math 4010 and Math 4020.
Minimum Cumulative GPA Requirement: Students must reach a 3.0 GPA before starting the Early Childhood Education Licensure Program. Students who do not reach a 3.0 GPA by the Summer semester before they begin the Licensure program he/she will be placed on scholastic probation and may not register for any Licensure Program courses.
Substitute Courses: If a course that is a requirement for the Early Childhood Education Licensure Program is not available, the Department of Teaching & Learning and the Department of Family & Consumer Studies reserves the right to substitute course(s) to fulfill that requirement.
Transfer/Equivalent Courses: For Supporting Professional Courses: A formal request must be made to Teaching & Learning from students for course equivalencies by submitting course descriptions of the courses (when needed) and unofficial transcripts. Approval of course equivalencies are required from the Academic Advisor in Family & Consumer Studies (232 AEB, 581-4431). Please note: Licensure Program courses (Cohort Year) will not be accepted from transfer schools.
Licensure Program: All prerequisite course work to the Early Childhood Education Licensure Program (General Education/Bachelor's Degree, Family & Consumer Studies, and Supporting Professional Courses) must be completed prior to starting the Licensure Program Courses (Cohort Year).
Course Offerings: The Family & Consumer Studies and Supporting Professional Courses are not guaranteed to be offered every semester. Students are advised to meet with the Academic Advisor in Family & Consumer Studies to know the most current course offering schedules.
Graduate Hours: Some of the Licensure Program Courses (Cohort Year) may count towards a Master's degree in Teaching and Learning. However, admission to the licensure program does not automatically result in graduate status. Students interested in the graduate program must make a separate application for graduate admissions and status in Teaching & Learning. Contact Bobbi Davis (801) 581-6064 for information about the graduate program.
Student Code: Letters indicating possible violations of the student code, and appropriate student responses, will be placed in the student's file.Applying to the Early Childhood Education Licensure Program: Application and Admission Information
I. Information: Students must apply for admission to the Early Childhood Education Licensure Program. Enrollment is limited and admission is competitive. The Department of Family and Consumer Studies accepts applications for the Licensure Program every month on the 1st of the month (or the Monday after the 1st). The Admissions Committee is composed of faculty from the Department of Teaching & Learning, Department of Family & Consumer Studies, and representatives from local school districts. Admission to the program is based on a holistic rating system that includes no minimum cutoff level on any one criterion. The committee also considers the difficulty of prior course work, trends in performance, workplace and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work with children in a school setting. Additional factors to be considered may be gender and/or minority status consistent with applicable law, and letters of possible violation of the student code. Committee members use their professional judgment to assess a candidate's potential to succeed in the program as well as in the classroom.
II. Time Frame: The application deadline for admission to the following fall cohort is *February 1st of that year. Applications will not be accepted for that year's cohort after the application deadline. Students should plan to apply for admission to the program early in their undergraduate career, ( i.e. freshmen or sophomore years). The Early Childhood Education Licensure Program is a one year program. All prerequisite course work to the Early Childhood Education Licensure Program (General Education, Family & Consumer Studies, and Supporting Professional courses) must be completed prior to starting the Licensure Program Courses. Once admitted, the Early Childhood Education Licensure Program must be completed within two years of program acceptance.
III. Equal Opportunity: The University of Utah is fully committed to policies of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity, and vigorously pursues affirmative action in all programs, activities, and employment with regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, and status as a person with a disability. Religion, sexual orientation, and status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era also are protected under nondiscrimination and equal opportunity employment policies. The University seeks to provide equal access to its programs, services, and activities for people with disabilities. Reasonable prior notice is needed to arrange accommodations. Evidence of practices not consistent with these policies should be reported to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, (801) 581-8365 (voice or TDD). Upon request, this information is available in alternative formats, such as cassette, Braille, or large print.
IV. Requirements and Policies for Applying: It is the student's responsibility to make sure that all required materials are submitted together in one sealed envelope. The Department Family and Consumer Science is not responsible for any materials missing from application materials. The Department will not accept materials submitted to the Department from an outside source (i.e. do NOT have letters of recommendation sent separately). All materials must be turned in at the time of application by the student. Complete files submitted will be given to the Admissions Committee. There is no guarantee that incomplete application materials will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Approximately six weeks after the application deadline, applicants will be notified by mail of acceptance or denial into the Early Childhood Education Licensure Program. Admissions materials become the property of the Department of Family and Consumer Studies and will not be returned to the applicant.
Optional for Post-bach Students: Contact the Graduate Advisor in the Department of Teaching and Learning (801) 581-6064 for application materials and information pertaining to admission to a Master's degree program. Application to and acceptance into a Master's degree program will not impact the parallel application to the Early Childhood Education Licensure Program. Graduate courses taken prior to acceptance into a Master's degree program may or may not be applied to such a program at a later date.A. Be sure you will complete all required course work (General Education/Bachelor's Degree, Family & Consumer Studies, and Supporting Professional Courses) In time to start the Fall cohort for which you are applying to. The FCS advisor will help you with this when you meet together to do the "advisor sign off sheet"
B. Complete an Application for Admission to the Early Childhood Education Licensure Program. The application may be obtained from the Department of Family and Consumer Studies 225 S. 1400 E. Alfred Emery Building Room 228 Salt Lake City, UT 84112.
C. Provide Student Teaching Evaluation reports from the FCS 2620 and FCS 5190 teaching experiences.
D. Request a Human Development & Family Studies Major Sign-Off form completed and signed by the Academic Advisor in Family & Consumer Studies. To schedule an appointment to do this call 581-6521.E. Statement of Professional Purpose - Compose a thoughtful essay (no more than 2 pages) justifying your suitability for the Early Childhood Education Licensure program. Describe events in your life that have prompted you to want to become a teacher rather than pursuing some other career path. Identify personal experiences in which you were able to teach someone and describe the significance to your perceptions of the education profession. Indicate the personal characteristics you possess that would be beneficial in the role of classroom teacher and provide any evidence that these impressions are accurate. Explain the role that you feel a teacher can play in the lives of children as well as the betterment of the wider community and show the ways you believe you can fulfill those roles. The quality of writing, the depth of thought and your commitment to the profession will be important evaluation criteria for the committee.
F. Letters of recommendation should attest to the applicant's professional qualifications. The letters should speak to the potential as an educator and will not be accepted from someone who is known personally (e.g., family, friends, religious advisors) but rather someone who has insights into educational experiences, intellectual abilities, and professional temperament. Letters must also be on official letterhead, be turned in with your application in sealed envelops with the authors signature over the seal.
1. Teaching & Working with Youth - This letter is to be written by a professional educator who has supervised and/or observed you while you are interacting with children in an educative capacity (e.g., a cooperating teacher in whose room you worked during FCS 2620 or FCS 5190).
2. Academic Performance - This letter should be by a university or college instructor who can write knowledgeably about your intellectual performance and your abilities as a scholar (University of Utah instructors are preferred, but not required).
3. Professional Attributes - This letter is a character reference that speaks to your reliability, initiative, organization, communication skills, and contributions to a group working situation (this letter might come from an employer or an additional college instructor).G. Request a current and official transcript from the University of Utah. The transcript must be included in the application packet and must be in a sealed envelope from the Registrar's Office with a stamp over the seal. For more information, call the University Transcript Office, 581-8964.
H. Request current and official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended, no matter how long ago or how little credit was earned, including all correspondence and/or foreign credit. A "Summary of Transfer Credit" will not be accepted. The transcripts must be in sealed envelopes with a stamp over the seal and must be included in the application packet.
I. GPA is considered competitively. Students admitted during their freshman or sophomore year must have a cumulative GPA of 2.50 upon admissions. Students admitted during their junior or senior year must have maintained a cumulative GPA of 2.50 during their first two years of study and a 3.0 cumulative GPA in all upper division coursework for the Early Childhood Education major. Students must achieve a 3.0 cumulative GPA before they begin the licensure cohort they have been accepted to.
J. Take the Praxis I. The Praxis I is designed to measure the basic academic skills vital to all teacher candidates in the areas of reading, writing, and mathematics. It can take up to 8 weeks to get your scores back from this test. Plan accordingly. Below is information for taking the Praxis I.
PRAXIS I: CBT Assessment - Computer Based Format
-Registration: Contact the Prometeric Testing Center (581-7310, SSB 490)
-Test Dates: There are not determined dates to take the PRAXIS I via Computer Based. Plan on taking the PRAXIS I before the February 1st deadline. Please keep in mind, it takes 6-8 weeks from the date you take the test for you to receive your scores. Your scores will only be mailed to you, not the University of Utah.
-Cost: Total: $135 (to take all three sections: reading, writing, and math of the PRAXIS I).
OR:
PRAXIS I: PPST Assessment - Paper/Pencil Format
-Registration: Online at www.ets.org/praxis/prxreg.html
-Test Dates: Usually offered every other month, check registration website for actual test dates.
-Cost: Total: $130 (Registration fee and test fees)
PRAXIS I Scores: Each section is scored between 150-190 (190 being the highest). Average Performance Range: Reading 178-182, Writing 176-178, Mathematics 178-183. Tests scored below 173 will need to be retaken.
"TEST AT A GLANCE": Online, free: www.ets.org/praxis/prxtest.html