Francis Worldwide: Early Childhood Education, B.A.

Dean: Dr. Karen Srba

Program Description:

B.A. Early Childhood Education 

Student Learning Outcomes:

• Content and Pedagogical Knowledge:  Students will acquire knowledge of teaching content and pedagogy including understanding and knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice, teaching standards, varying forms of assessment, differentiated instruction, technology integration, state and federal mandates, behavior management, and implementation of best practices.
• Clinical Competence:  Students will possess the ability to provide effective instruction to a diverse population of students.  Students within the professional program will utilize assessment and observation to guide instructional practices.  Graduates will possess the necessary content knowledge as well as clinical reasoning and problem solving abilities to provide appropriate instruction for all learners in an educational environment conducive of learning.
• Interpersonal and Communication Skills:  Students will  possess interpersonal and communication skills  including verbal, nonverbal, and written forms that result in effective information exchange with students, parents, administration, and colleagues.
• Professionalism:  Graduates will demonstrate effective academic and professional skills, attributes, attitudes, and behaviors necessary to function as a practicing educator. 

Admission Requirements:

Francis Worldwide follows the University’s standard undergraduate admission requirements.

Admission to the University  

Technical Standards or Essential Functions:

Saint Francis University is committed to the principle that no qualified individual, on the basis of disability, be excluded from participation in or denied the benefits or services, programs or activities of the University, or be subjected to discrimination by the University as required by the Americans with Disability Act. The Education Department adheres to the policies for academic accommodations as determined by the Center for Academic Success. The Center’s Office of Disability Services assists eligible students in receiving basic services as determined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disability Act. Every effort is made to arrange appropriate academic accommodations for students who experience physical or mental disabilities. Students are required to provide appropriate documentation to the accessibility coordinator upon request of the accommodation.

Graduation Requirements:

A candidate for graduation must satisfy the following requirements:

• Complete all requirements for an approved program of study;
• Complete the minimum number of credits (128 for a bachelor’s degree; 64 for an associate’s degree);
• Repeat for an acceptable passing grade any course required for the major in which the grade of “F” has been received;
• Complete the last 30 credits for the degree at SFU;
• Achieve a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or better in all courses taken at SFU;
• Achieve a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or better in all major or collateral requirements;
• Satisfy the requirements of the General Education core curriculum;
• Satisfy the capstone requirement as specified by the major department(s);
• Submit a completed Application for Degree form at least one semester prior to graduation date; 
• Satisfy financial obligations to the University;

Capstone Requirement:

Student teaching is the culminating experience for the senior student enrolled in the professional phase of the teacher preparation program at Saint Francis University. University faculty and cooperating teachers place emphasis on helping student teachers develop as reflective decision makers while applying educational theory to practice. Experiences include lesson observation, planning, and teaching; using a variety of instructional strategies, resources, materials, and technology; adapting instruction for special needs students; teaching diverse populations; assessing student achievement; and participating in all activities normally expected of a teacher. Student teachers are required to attend weekly seminars designed to reinforce and enhance the standards and expectations of the program. The student teaching seminar aligns with the requirements for the Keystone Seminar, CORE 407.The discussion-based forum will meet once per week for the duration of an entire semester. Content will include in-depth discussion of complex issues including: instructional best practices, ethical considerations, community collaboration, professional etiquette, school safety, technology and the Danielson Framework for Teaching. 

The course will also address the criteria of Core 407 through presentations and lectures/speakers: 

• Ethical and Moral Decision-Making Skills 
• Critical Reasoning Skills 
• Communication Skills 
• Research Skills 
• Interdisciplinary Synthesis and Reflection 
• Leadership and Collaborative Skills 

Development of an electronic student teaching portfolio documenting artifacts as related to the Danielson Framework is the final project of the student teaching experience.  Portfolio presentations are open to University faculty, staff, and students.

Other information to include, related to this program:

Field experiences are off-campus activities that provide opportunities to apply theories and concepts studied in the classroom. These mandatory experiences are directed by University faculty, facilitated by teacher mentors, and are an integral part of all education courses leading up to student teaching. Activities include, but are not limited to, observing, tutoring, lesson planning, and developing instructional materials. Field experiences may take place in public or non-public schools, or in community agencies approved by University faculty.