Early Childhood Education Major

BACHELOR'S DEGREE (BS or BA)

The Departments of Child and Family Studies and Teacher Education offer a major in Early Childhood Education with certification for teaching in programs which serve children from age three through eight years of age (Pre-K through 3rd grade). Students preparing to teach in a public school's early childhood program graduate with a major in Early Childhood Education.
» Program Prerequisite: Students must have completed at least 40 credit hours of general education and relevant prerequisite courses and have either a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above or a minimum GPA of 3.25 on the last 30 semester hours taken. Students must also meet the Teacher Education admission and certification requirements (see Teacher Education Department in this catalog).
 
» Minor: Not required.
 
» Grade Requirements: A grade of "B-" or better in each course is required for this major in addition to a cumulative GPA of 3.00 for all courses. Students will receive the final grade they have earned in each course. If a grade in a major course does not meet the minimum requirement for graduation, the student may retake the course once. In special circumstances, by the judgment of the department chair, the student may petition to the Family Studies or Early Childhood Committee, as appropriate, to graduate with the lower grade.
 
» Credit Hour Requirements: A minimum of 120 credit hours is required for a bachelors degree -- 88 of these are required within the major. A minimum of 40 upper division credit hours is required (courses numbered 3000 and above).

Advisement

Students must follow the Department of Child and Family Studies Advisement procedures. Contact the student advisor located in the McKay Education Building, Room 248 (801-626-6411). (Also refer to the Department Advisor Referral List.)

Admission Requirements

Declare your program of study. Early Childhood Education majors must meet the Teacher Education admission and certification requirements (see Teacher Education Department).

As part of the Teacher Education admission requirements and/or before enrolling in CHF 2600, 2610 or 2620, students must be fingerprinted and have a background check. If the background check reveals misconduct you will not be allowed to enroll in these courses or any others which include field experiences, practica, or student teaching. This is in compliance with Utah State law. Allow an eight week response time from the state.

General Education

See General Requirements for either Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts requirements. CHF SS1500 will satisfy a general education requirement and is prerequisite to most Child and Family courses. COMM HU1020 may be taken to fulfill both a support course and a general education requirement. A science class with a lab is a requirement for Teacher Education.

Course Requirements for BS or BA Degree

Pre Core Course Required (3 credit hours)

Core Courses Required (28 credit hours)

* Taken concurrently.  Students are encouraged to apply two semesters prior to teaching in the Melba S. Lehner Children's School.

Support Courses Required (20 credit hours)

Support Course Elective (2-4 credit hours)

Select one course from the following
* May not be used as both a support elective and general education

Professional Education Courses Required (39 credit hours)

° Level 1 (Core)
° Level 2 (Learners and Literacy)
° Level 3 (Interdisciplinary Methods)
Students are encouraged to take their Praxis exam prior to Level 4.
° Level 4 (Synthesis)
Admission to Teacher Education is required prior to enrollment in professional Education classes.

Suggested Course Sequence

The following suggested course sequence is provided to assist students in planning their schedules. Use this only as a guideline and be sure to consult with an advisor.

Freshman Fall

Freshman Spring
ENGL EN1010 3 ENGL EN2010 3
Gen Ed 3 CHF SS1500 3
Gen Ed 3 MATH QL1050 4
Support 3 Support 3
Gen Ed 3 Gen Ed 3
Support 3  
Total Hours 18 Total Hours 16
 

Sophomore Fall

Sophomore Spring
CHF 2500 3 CHF Core 3
CHF 3500 3 CHF Core 3
MATH 2010 3 MATH 2020 3
Support 3 Support 3
Support 3 Support 3
Total Hours 15 Total Hours 15
 

Junior Fall

Junior Spring
EDUC Level 1 4 EDUC Level 2 11(8)
CHF 2620 3 CHF 4720 6
CHF 3640 3 CHF 4710 3
Electives 3    
Total Hours 13 Total Hours 20
 

Senior Fall

Senior Spring
EDUC Level 3 12 EDUC/CHF Level 4 12
EDUC 3390 2 Electives 3
CHF 4990A 1  
Support 3  
Total Hours 18 Total Hours 15

 

Weber State University 2006-2007 Catalog