Department Contact:
Division of Professional Studies Dean: Dr. Tricia McFadden
Division of Professional Studies Director: Mrs. Sherri Link, Academic & Student Affairs
Partnering Academic Department: Education
Chair: Dr. Stephanie Ivory, sivory@francis.edu
Program Description:
The Bachelor of Science 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.S. in Education degree that qualifies them to teach all Early Childhood subjects.
Accreditation Statement:
The teacher preparation and certification programs offered at Saint Francis University at the undergraduate and graduate level are approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), 333 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17126; (717)783-6788. PDE approved preparation programs are designed to prepare and certify educators to teach or serve in the schools of the Commonwealth. www.education.pde.gov
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 Division of Professional Studies for Admission criteria and information.
Admission Deadline:
The program has rolling admission.
Admission to the Professional Teacher Certification Program:
A student must complete an application for admission and be accepted into the Professional Teacher Preparation Program prior to registering for 300/400 level Education courses.
To be accepted into the Professional Teacher Preparation Program, the candidate must have:
- Completed no less than 48 credits as required by the PDE;
- Achieved at least a 3.0 cumulative QPA;
- Achieved no grade lower than C in major and collateral courses;
- Demonstrate proficiency in Basic Skills: Reading, Writing, and Mathematics (SAT exemption, ACT exemption, PAPA, and/or CORE, EDUC 421);
- Completed at least 6 semester hour credits in college level English;
- Complete at least 6 semester hour credits in college level Math;
- Completed EDUC 150;
- Met with advisor in the Education Department;
- A brief essay (“Why I Want to Pursue Teaching as a Career”);
- Letter of recommendation (Candidate must have a letter endorsed by a faculty member outside the education department).
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 Division of Professional Studies 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.
Certification and/or Licensure:
Upon completion of the program requirements, candidate must pass the required Praxis exams. Upon successful completion of all requirements, the candidate will be recommended by Saint Francis University for certification through the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Teacher Information Management Systems (TIMS).
Total Credits Required:
132 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 the Division of Professional Studies.
See Education for additional requirements related to teacher preparation programs (i.e., Progression and/or Retention Criteria, Field Experiences, Student Teaching, Clearances).