Francis Worldwide: Early Childhood Education, B.A.

See Education  and Francis Worldwide, School of Continuing Studies  for more information.

Department Contact:

Francis Worldwide Dean: Dr. Tricia McFadden
Francis Worldwide Director: Mrs. Sherri Link, Academic & Student Affairs

Partnering Academic Department: Education
Chair: Dr. Stephanie Ivory, sivory@francis.edu

Program Description:

The Bachelor of Arts degree completion program in Early Childhood Education (PreK-4) is designed for the work-experienced adult with some prior college level coursework. Students receive a B.A. Education degree that prepares them for the advanced positions in preschools and director positions in Early Childhood Education. This degree does not lead to state certification, which is required to teach in public school settings.

Accreditation Statement:

This program does not require approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Estimated Completion Time:

Typically 3 to 5 years of part-time study

Student Learning Outcomes:

• Content and Pedagogical Knowledge:  Pre-service teachers 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:  Pre-service teachers 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:  Pre-service teachers 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. Program completers will demonstrate qualities and characteristics as defined by the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS) for recommendation for Level I teaching certification.

Admission Requirements:

See Francis Worldwide, School of Continuing Studies  for Admission criteria and information.

Admission Deadline:

The program has rolling admission. 

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. Francis Worldwide and the Education Department adhere 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.

Licensure and/or Certification:

This program is not designed to lead to licensure or certification.

Total Credits Required:

128 credits

Note:

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.

This program is offered in an online format through Francis Worldwide.