Early Childhood Education
Associate Degree
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there a set sequence for taking the required Professional Education courses?
- Must I maintain a certain GPA to be eligible for registration in EDUC courses or for graduation?
- Do I have to complete a School of Education Portfolio?
- When should I begin collecting artifacts and writing reflections for my Portfolio?
- Do I have to apply for a Practicum (EDUC E317)?
- Do I need to see my advisor before I plan to graduate?
- If I choose to seek a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Early Childhood, will the courses I’ve already taken count?
1. Is there a set sequence for taking the required Professional Education courses?
There are no prerequisite requirements for the Professional Education courses. However, because of the foundational nature of EDUC P249 Growth and Development in Early Childhood and EDUC E335 Introduction to Early Childhood Education, we strongly suggest that students enroll in these in the first year of their program.
Suggested sequence of courses for a full-time student:
-
Fall Semester—Credits: 15
- COM 114: Fundamentals of Speech Communication
- ENG W131: Elementary Composition I
- EDUC E335: Introduction to Early Childhood Education
- SOC S161: Principles of Sociology
- MA 101: Math for Elementary Teachers I
-
Spring Semester—Credits: 17
- EDUC E336: Play as Development
- EDUC E346: Discipline/Parenting for Young Children
- EDUC K201: Schools, Soc and Except
- EDUC P249/M101: Growth and Development in Early Childhood
- EDUC Q200: Introduction to Scientific Inquiry
- EDUC W200/M101: Using Computers for Education
- FNN 302/303: Nutrition
- Fall Semester—Credits: 16
- EDUC E333:
- EDUC E337:
- EDUC E347:
- EDUC K206:
- ENG L101/L102:
- MUS Z241:
- Spring Semester—Credits: 16
- EDUC H340:
- EDUC E317/M501:
- EDUC E330/M101:
- EDUC E338:
- PSY 120:
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
| COM 114 ENG W131 EDUC E335 SOC S161 MA 101 Credits = 15 |
EDUC E336 EDUC E346 EDUC K201 EDUC P249/M101 EDUC W200/M101 FNN 302/303 Nutrition Credits = 17 |
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
| EDUC E333 Inquiry in Math & Sci EDUC E337/M101 Class Lrng Envir EDUC E347 Language Arts for EC EDUC K206 Tch Meths Spec Needs ENG L101/L102 West World Master MUS Z241 Intro to Music Fund Credits = 16 |
EDUC H340 Educ&American Culture
EDUC E317/M501 Practicum in ECE EDUC E330/M101
Infant Lrning Envir EDUC E338 The EC Educator PSY 120 Elementary Psychology Credits = 16 |
2. Must I maintain a certain GPA to be eligible for registration in EDUC courses or for graduation?
Yes. Those persons in the Associate Degree program must maintain a 2.0 GPA for continued enrollment and for graduation. Those in the Bachelor’s Degree must maintain a 2.5 GPA for admission, continued enrollment, and graduation. Therefore, if a student in the Associate Degree program would like to continue on to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree’s, the student would need a 2.5 GPA.
3. Do I have to complete a School of Education Portfolio?
Yes. All graduates of the School of Education, regardless of program enrolled in, must complete a performance-based portfolio assessment. Guidelines for portfolios can be obtained during EDUC F300, from other course instructors, or from the department secretary in Neff 240.
4. When should I begin collecting artifacts and writing reflections for my Portfolio?
As soon as possible! All courses taken at IPFW (i.e., General Education and Professional Education courses) have the potential for an artifact. We realize that a portfolio is a fluid document with frequent changes as artifacts are gathered and analyzed. You must take primary responsibility in collecting, organizing, and reflecting on artifacts beginning in your first course in the program.
To assist students with being successful in the portfolio process, we have created a system of checkpoints. There are two formal checkpoints in the Associate Degree Program. The first checkpoint comes at the end of the first year when you enroll in EDUC P249 Growth and Development in Early Childhood. The last checkpoint occurs during your Practicum course. However, if you take more than 2 years to complete the program, you should seriously consider having your portfolio checked between the first and final checkpoint. Any faculty in the program would be more than willing to provide feedback to facilitate your successful progress in the program.
5. Do I have to apply for a Practicum (EDUC E317)?
Yes. All students must complete an application and receive permission to register for Practicum. The Practicum Application, due the semester before you wish to enroll, can be found on the School of Education- Early Childhood Education web site. Please obtain this information early so that a completed application can be submitted by the stated deadlines.
6. Do I need to see my advisor before I plan to graduate?
It is recommended that you make an appointment with your advisor to discuss your attainment of program requirements, including completing 64 credits of required courses for the Associate Degree program.
7. If I choose to seek a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Early Childhood, will the courses I’ve already taken count?
Yes. Almost all of the courses you have taken will apply to the bachelor’s degree.
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