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2012-2013 Academic Catalog and Handbook

Early Childhood Authorization

Early Childhood Education Authorization (age 3 to grade 4)

Students desiring to add an authorization level to their Oregon Teaching License can do so within the doctor or master of education program, or as a stand-alone program. Students desiring to add an authorization level only would complete the requirements below.

Admission Requirements

Applicants seeking admission to the Early Childhood Education Authorization program must hold an approved bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. In addition, applicants must complete the following to be considered for admission to the program:

Applicants seeking to meet TSPC licensure requirements upon completion of the program must also complete the following:

  • Verification of valid Oregon teaching license or the equivalent, such as an expired or out-of-state license, education degree, or documented and appropriate teacher experience (applicants to the program that do not have a teaching license should submit a letter of explanation as to how the program would meet their professional goals.)
  • Completed Teachers Standards and Practices Character Questionnaire

Transfer Credit

No transfer credit is allowed toward the Early Childhood Education Authorization program from non-accredited graduate schools. Students must have earned a grade of B or better for a course to be considered for transfer. Transferability of credits earned at this institution and transferred to another is at the discretion of the receiving institution. Consult the registrar's office for information on eligibility of transfer credit.

Residence Requirements

Of the 5-14 hours required for the Early Childhood Education Authorization program, all hours must be taken in resident study at George Fox University. All work leading to the authorization must be completed within seven years from the time of matriculation. Extension of this limit requires approval of the Educational Foundations and Leadership (EDFL) Faculty. However, only one such extension may be considered due to special circumstances, such as ill health. Reinstatement to the program after withdrawal requires Admissions Committee action and may subject the student to additional requirements for the degree.

Course Requirements

The Early Childhood Education Authorization program is generally 1 year in length with 5-14 semester hours of course work required as a minimum for graduation. Of the total hours required for the program, 4 are in early childhood education courses and 1-10 hours of practica.

Other Program Requirements

In addition to the core requirements, students must complete Praxis content area exam required by Oregon Teachers Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC).

Graduation Requirements

In order to graduate with the Early Childhood Education Authorization students must:

  • Satisfactorily complete a minimum of 5-14 semester hours with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above.
  • Achieve no grade lower than a B in all core courses. If a grade of a B- or lower is received in a designated course, that course must be retaken (for more specific information, please refer to the student handbook).

Curriculum Plan

EDFL 519 Practicum 1-10
EDFL 520 Early Childhood Education 2
EDFL 521 Early Childhood Methods 2
 

Students must complete additional content area courses as determined by Educational Foundations and Leadership faculty to meet the requirements of the authorization.

EDFL Course Descriptions
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