Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education

Mission Statement: In keeping with the purpose of teacher education at West Chester University, the primary mission of the teacher preparation program in Early Childhood Education is to prepare teachers who can articulate, synthesize and apply self-knowledge and general knowledge of (a) foundation of the study of early childhood education, (b) young children with diverse needs and cultures and their families, (c) appropriate content and effective pedagogy for the education of young children.  We believe that the synthesis of these forms of knowledge encourages reflection on the act of teaching and supports the development of a professional who makes and applies sound, ethical decisions regarding curriculum and teaching practices for young children.

The B.S.Ed. in Early Childhood Education curriculum is designed to provide both the liberal education and special preparation required for careers in public and private school teaching and directorship, as well as supervisory work in early childhood programs other than those under the auspices of the public schools. Upon satisfactory completion of the program, the student will qualify for a Pennsylvania Instructional I Teaching Certificate valid for six years of teaching in preschool, kindergarten, and grades one through three.

General requirements for B.S. ED. Degree in Early Childhood Education
Students Entering Fall 2005 or later

1. General Education Requirements - 48 semester hours
   Includes the following coursework:
   LIT 352 Literature for Young Children
   MAT 101 Math for Elementary Teachers I
   SOC 240 Sociology of the Family
   Requirements in art, humanities, social sciences, and sciences; and a second math course as a student elective
    
2. Professional Education - 12 semester hours
   EDF 300 Democracy and Education
   EDM 300 Intro to Educational Technology
   EDP 250 Educational Psychology
   EDP 351 Evaluations and Measurements
    
3. Specialized Preparation - 60 semester hours
   ECE 100 Orientation to Early Childhood
   EDA 230 Inclusive Classrooms
   ECE 225 Infant Development and Field
   ECE 232 Preschool Learning Environment & Field Experience
   ECE 308 Social Studies & Science Primary
   ECE 311 Families and Early Childhood Education
   EDR 321 Middle Childhood & Adolescent Development
   EDR 325 Teaching Reading & Field Experience
   MAT 349 Teaching Math in Early Childhood
   ECE 404 Integrated Learning in K
   ECE 405 Administration & Supervision of Early Childhood Program
   ECE 407 Diversity Perspectives in ECE
   ECE 410 Student Teaching & Practicum
   ECE 411 Student Teaching & Practicum

Formal admission to Teacher Education Requirements
September 1, 2003 and thereafter

• 48 earned college level credits
• Minimum 2.8 cumulative GPA
• Pass Praxis PPST (examinations)
• 6 earned credits in college-level mathematics, 3 credits in literature, college-level English composition
• Departmental approval

      3.0 GPA required at completion

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Bachelor of Science in Special Education

Mission Statement: In keeping with the purpose of teacher education at West Chester University, the prime mission of the Teacher Education program in Special Education is to prepare teachers who can synthesize self-knowledge and general knowledge of (a) foundations of the study of disability, (b) the learner with disabilities, (c) appropriate content for the learner with disabilities, and (d) effective classroom pedagogy.  We believe this synthesis encourages reflection on the art of teaching and results in a professional who is able to make sound, ethical educational decisions regarding curriculum and instructional strategies for students with disabilities.

The B.S. Ed. in Special Education prepares teachers who can provide diverse student populations with the knowledge, skills, and values considered essential for effective participation in society. It provides relevant and comprehensive education for those who desire to support the educational, emotional, and physical needs of students with disabilities, from birth to 21 years of age, in the public schools of Pennsylvania. Upon satisfactory completion of the program, the student will qualify for a Pennsylvania Instructional I Teacher Certificate, valid for six years of teaching. 

General requirements for B.S. ED. Degree in Special
Students Entering Fall 2005 or later

1. General Education Requirements - 48 semester hours
   Student electives selected under advisement (suggested general education student elective MAT 102 Math for Elementary Teachers II)
    
2. Professional Education - 12 semester hours
   Required:
                 EDF 300 Democracy and Education
                 EDM 300 Intro to Educational Technology
                 EDP 250 Educational Psychology
                 EDP 351 Evaluation & Measurement
    
3. Special Education - 45 Semester hours
   Requirements are structured in the following blocks:
       High Incidence:
                  EDA 302 Field Experience & Seminar
                  EDA 350 Methods for High Incidence Disability
                  EDA 360 Assessment in Special Education
       Low Incidence:
                  EDA 301 Field Experience & Seminar
                  EDA 320 Behavior Management
                  EDA 349 Methods for Low Incidence Disability
       Introductory and major courses:
                  EDA 104 Introduction to Special Education & Field Experience
                  EDA 230 Inclusive Classroom
                  EDA 380 Life Transition for Individuals with Disabilities
                  EDA 416/417 Student Teaching
       One program elective from the following:
                  EDA 200 Practicum
                  EDA 280 Integrating the Arts
                  EDA 341 Inclusion & Reading in the Content Area
    
4. Required Supporting Courses - 12 semester hours
                  EDR 311 Introduction to Reading Instruction
                  HEA 206 Human Development
                  MAT 357 Teaching Mathematics to Diverse Populations
                  SPP 240 Development & Disorders of Language

Formal admission to Teacher Education Requirements
September 1, 2003 and thereafter

• 48 earned college lever credits
• 2.8 cumulative GPA
• Pass Praxis PPST (examinations)
• 3 earned credits in college-level English composition, 3 credits in literature, and 6 credits in college-level mathematics
• Departmental approval

      3.0 GPA required at completion

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Students who desire admission to the minor in early childhood or special education must have a minimum GPA of 2.65 and a minimum of 27 semester hours for admission to the department.

Minor in Early Childhood Education - 10~18 semester hours
     Required courses:
            ECE 100 Orientation to Early Childhood
            ECE 231 Child Development (2 - 5 year)
            ECE 232 Preschool Learning Environment            
            ECE 404 Integrated Learning in Kindergarten
            ECE 405 Administration and Supervision of Early Childhood Programs
            OR
            ECE 407 Diversity Perspectives in Early Childhood Education

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Minor in Special Education - 18 semester hours
Current trends, enforced by recent litigation, have increased the need for a general understanding of the individuals with disabilities in our culture.  Therefore the department offers a minor in special education.  The program is designed to introduce students to individuals with disabilities through coursework and field experiences. 
      Required courses:
            EDA 104 Introduction to Special Education & Field Experience
            EDA 200 Practicum
            EDA 302 Field Experience & Seminar: High Incidence Disabilities
            EDA 350 Methods for High Incidence Disabilities
            EDA 360 Assessment in Special Education

The minors do not lead to Instructional I teacher certification by the Pennsylvania Department of Education

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Application and Approval for Student Teaching

Students must apply through the Department of Early Childhood/Special Education for approval for student teaching placements. Prerequisites for student teaching include:

• Formal admission to Teacher Education
• 96 credits, including all professional educational courses and all specialized preparation courses with necessary grade prerequisites, with a cumulative GPA of 2.8
• Completion of the following forms: Student Teaching Application, Child Abuse History Clearance form, Request for Criminal Record Check, and a TB test. Allow enough time to receive responses for clearance. All clearance forms except TB Test are valid for one year. The TB Test is valid for the duration of the WCU career, but must be done no longer than 3 months prior to entering the initial field placement.

The application for student teaching must be filed in November prior to the academic year in which student teaching is to be scheduled. Application meetings will be announced at the beginning of the fall semester each year. Students register for student teaching as they would for any other University courses.

Field Placement in Schools

All field placements, including student teaching, are arranged by the department.  Students are not to solicit placements.  While student needs are considered in assigning placements, no particular placement can be guaranteed.  Transportation to and from field placements is the responsibility of the individual student.

West Chester University does not place students at religiously affiliated schools when public schools are available for a student teaching experience. In addition, the University will make every attempt to first place students into public (vs. private) schools for student teaching and related activities. Further, students will not be assigned student teaching or other related duties at nonsectarian private schools or agencies unless they specifically request such placement. Each request will be considered individually to ensure that the private entity does not receive special benefit from the arrangement that outweighs the benefit to the University and its students.

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