How To Get A Degree In Early Childhood Development

Transcription

1 Taking Growing Beyond ACDS the Next Step WEST VIRGINIA HIGHER EDUCATION POLICY COMMISSION

2 Apprenticeship for

3 CONTENTS Introduction: How Do I Get Started? 1 What Path Should I Take? STARS Pathway 2 Opportunities Ahead 3 Where Can I Find a Degree Program? 3 Map of Participating Institutions 5 Profiles of Participating Institutions Blue Ridge Community and Technical College 6 Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College 7 Kanawha Valley Community and Technical College 8 Mountwest Community and Technical College 9 New River Community and Technical College 10 Pierpont Community and Technical College 11 Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College 12 West Virginia Northern Community College 13 West Virginia University at Parkersburg 14 What Financial Help is Available? 15 Additional Useful Resources to Check Out 17 Acknowledgments 19 Taking the Next Step

4 Apprenticeship for T I P F O R S U C C E S S Make a plan and start small take one step at a time.

5 Introduction: How Do I Get Started? Congratulations on earning your Apprenticeship for Child Development Specialist (ACDS) certificate and becoming a part of West Virginia s early childhood development workforce! Your commitment to providing quality care to West Virginia s young children is invaluable and you now have the opportunity to continue your career along an exciting pathway. Continuing your journey provides you with many benefits such as: Increasing your knowledge Increasing your compensation Having more career options West Virginia s children will also benefit by being able to bond with someone who has made a commitment and who understands early childhood education. By continuing your journey, you will be making a lasting impact on shaping the future of West Virginia s children. The purpose of this booklet is to provide you with information and resources to help you make a plan. As a first step, learn what careers and degree programs are available in West Virginia, as well as resources and information to help make your journey affordable and easy. Make a plan, get ready, and go! What Path Should I Take? West Virginia has a professional development system called STARS (State Training and Registry System) to help you move through eight different levels of preparation, known as the Career Pathway. The Career Pathway recognizes your educational accomplishments and experience from entry level to an advanced degree, and offers you different ways to earn professional credentialing. By earning your ACDS certification, you have put yourself in a good place to start moving along the career pathway. For example, you can move from being a teacher s aid, to a teacher, a child care center director, or an administrative technical assistance provider. The Registry is a way to recognize your levels of competence and accomplishments on the Career Pathway, and helps you to track your experience and training. After completing an application process, you will document your professional preparation and experiences. You will then receive a credentialing document indicating where you are on the Career Pathway. Once registered, you will be eligible to receive early care and education Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and the West Virginia Training Certificate in Early Care and Education. The West Virginia Training Certificate in Early Care and Education is awarded once you are credentialed on the Career Pathway and have completed 120 training hours. Training for the certificate is provided through approved trainers at registered workshops and training programs throughout the state. Information regarding WV STARS including applications and forms can be accessed online at one Taking the Next Step

6 Apprenticeship for two WV STARS Career Pathway Levels Level VIII Requirements: Advanced (master s or doctorate) degree in an early care and education field or advanced degree with 18 college credit hours in early care and education and either 90 practicum contact hours or 1 year of relevant occupational experience or advanced degree and 5 years of relevant occupational experience. Abilities: Directly involved in the activities of state, regional and/or national groups; contribute to the formation, evaluation and implementation of policies within the field. Level VII Requirements: Bachelor s degree in an early care and education field or bachelor s degree with 15 college credit hours in early care and education and either 90 practicum hours or 1 year of relevant occupational experience or bachelor s degree and 3 years of relevant occupational experience. Abilities: Develop, select, and evaluate the early childhood program; apply theory into practice. Level VI Requirements: Associate s degree in an early care and education field or associate s degree with 12 college credit hours in early care and education courses or associate s degree and 2 years of relevant occupational experience or 64 college credit hours with 12 college credit hours in early care and education courses or 64 college credit hours with 2 years of relevant occupational experience. Abilities: Make curricular decisions that conform to Core Knowledge and Core Competencies. Level V Requirements: Apprenticeship for (ACDS) certificate or other comparable certificate program in early care and education or college credit hours, with 9 college credit hours in early care and education, or college credit hours and 1 year of relevant occupational experience. Abilities: Plan and adapt programming which conforms to Core Knowledge and Core Competencies. Level IV Requirements: Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent or 12 college credit hours in early care and education and 300 clock hours of relevant occupational experience or 4 completed semesters of the Apprenticeship for Child Development (ACDS) program. Abilities: Practice and implement programming that conforms to Core Knowledge and Core Competencies. Level III Requirements: WV Training Certificate in Early Care and Education (WVTCECE) which includes completion of 120 clock hours of registered training through WV STARS or 120 completed training hours required for the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent or 3 completed semesters of the Apprenticeship for (ACDS) program or completed 4 courses of the WVDE (CDS) Career and Technical Education program. Abilities: Practice programming that conforms to Core Knowledge and Core Competencies. Level II Requirements: At least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent and 0-1 years of experience. Abilities: Understand and practice Core Knowledge and Core Competencies with direction and instruction or through sponsorship/affiliation with a professional organization or qualified mentor. Level I Requirements: At least 16 years old and enrolled in High School or GED preparation classes. Abilities: Conform to Core Knowledge and Core Competencies for Early Care and Education Professionals by following supervisory direction and instruction.

7 Opportunities Ahead Completion of the Apprenticeship in program provides you with various opportunities to apply the credits earned in the program toward completion of a variety of degree programs including: The requirements for public school paraprofessional certification, The requirements for an associate degree in an early education field from selected West Virginia community and technical colleges, and The requirements for certification as an early education or preschool teacher at Marshall University or West Virginia University. You can find additional information on certification requirements online at: Where Can I Find a Degree Program? In an effort to be responsive to your needs, West Virginia schools and colleges offer a variety of educational degree options. An overview of each degree is below: Associate in Applied Science Degree Occupational Development, This two-year degree program allows you to combine college credit for training and experience gained through ACDS to earn an associate degree. (Credit is awarded when you complete the required college courses.) This degree requires general education coursework plus completion of ACDS classroom and on-the-job training. Often this degree is considered terminal because no additional degree is required for you to practice in the field. On the other hand, some institutions may award credit for ACDS toward advanced academic degree programs. Associate in Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Development This two-year degree program generally requires course work in general education, in addition to math and sciences courses. Some credit may be awarded for ACDS coursework. Upon graduation, you may practice in the field, or use this degree as a stepping stone into another degree program. Associate in Arts Degree in Early Childhood Development This two-year degree program generally emphasizes the arts, humanities and social sciences and prepares you to transfer to a four-year degree program. Typically most classes are in general education course work. three Taking the Next Step

8 Apprenticeship for four Where Can I Find a Degree Program? Continued Regents Bachelors of Art Degree (RBA) ACDS graduates who complete the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Occupational Development Early Childhood Specialization can receive credit towards the RBA, which is offered at all public colleges in West Virginia. The Regents degree may require a portfolio review of the student s work and field experience, and college equivalent credit may be awarded. A Bachelors of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Development These are four- year degree programs. Currently, the following institutions provide degree programs in Early Childhood Development Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K): Concord University, Glenville State College, Potomac State College, Marshall University, West Liberty University, and West Virginia University. Since many students continue to work while attending college part-time, increasing numbers of programs offer on-line courses, evening classes, and classes at various locations across the state. Use the following map to find colleges that are a part of the ACDS program, and also colleges and universities participating in the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood West Virginia Scholarship program. The goal of T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood West Virginia is to provide scholarships for current or potential Pre-K teachers to go back to school to receive more education and consequently to reduce turnover rates and raise wages. Additional information on this scholarship program is included in the Financial Help section.

9 Map of Participating Institutions and Satellite Campuses ACDS Sites: Blue Ridge CTC Kanawha CTC New River CTC ACDS and T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood West Virginia Scholarship Sites: Eastern CTC Mountwest CTC Pierpont CTC Southern CTC WV Northern CC WVU at Parkersburg T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood West Virginia Scholarship Sites: Concord Glenville Marshall West Liberty West Virginia University Students may also take classes at off-campus sites not shown on map. Online classes are also available. five September 2010 Taking the Next Step

10 Apprenticeship for six Profiles of Participating Institutions Blue Ridge Community and Technical College & Tech Center Admissions Office: Financial Aid: ext or Campus Location The campus is located in Martinsburg, West Virginia. Online courses are offered for core classes. Degree(s) Offered in Early Childhood Associate in Applied Science in Occupational Development Child Development Specialization Blue Ridge Community and Technical College 400 West Stephen Street Martinsburg, West Virginia Blue Ridge CTC Tech Center (TC) 5550 Winchester Avenue Martinsburg West Virginia Degree and Hours of Credit ACDS Can Be Applied To Associate in Applied Science in Occupational Development Child Development Specialization: 32 hours of credit Requirements for Receiving ACDS Credit Valid certification of ACDS from the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training. Contact for Additional Information Margie Ways Phone: ext

11 Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College 316 Eastern Drive P.O. Box 59 Moorefield, West Virginia Admissions Office: or (toll free) Financial Aid: ext. 236 (toll free) Campus Location The main campus is located at the Moorefield Academic Center in Moorefield, West Virginia, with regional access centers in Mineral, Hampshire, Tucker, Pendleton, and Hardy counties. Online courses are also offered. Degree(s) Offered in Early Childhood Associate in Applied Science in Occupational Development Early Childhood Development Specialist Degree and Hours of Credit ACDS Can Be Applied To Associate in Applied Science in Occupational Development Early Childhood Development Specialist: 33 hours of credit T I P F O R S U CC E S S Talk to other students who have been successful in starting on the Career Pathway. Requirements for Receiving ACDS Credit An award letter and certification from the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training. T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood West Virginia Scholarship Site Contact for Additional Information Debbie Bachus Phone: dbackus@eastern.wvnet.edu seven Taking the Next Step

12 Apprenticeship for eight Kanawha Valley Community and Technical College Admissions Office: or (toll free) or Financial Aid: or Campus Location The main campus is located at Institute, West Virginia, with an additional campus at the Valley Fork Community Center in Wallback. Online classes are also offered for core courses. Kanawha Valley Community and Technical College P.O. Box 1000 Institute, West Virginia Degree(s) Offered in Early Childhood Associate in Applied Science in Occupational Development Early Childhood Development Specialist Degree and Hours of Credit ACDS Can Be Applied To Associate in Applied Science in Occupational Development Early Childhood Development Specialist: 33 hours of credit Requirements for Receiving ACDS Credit Admittance and active transcript to Kanawha Valley Community and Technical College, and an award letter of certification from the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training. Contact for Additional Information Kim Sovine Phone: T I P F O R S U C C E S S Take time to celebrate your success You are making a difference in the lives of West Virginia s families and young children!

13 Mountwest Community and Technical College Mountwest Community and Technical College 1 John Marshall Drive Huntington, West Virginia Admissions Office: (toll free) Financial Aid: or ofa@mctc.edu Campus Location The main campus is presently located at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, and some classes may be offered in surrounding counties. The campus will be relocating in late summer 2011 to th Street in Huntington (atop 5th Street Hill). Online courses are also offered. Degree(s) Offered in Early Childhood Associate in Applied Science in Occupational Development Child Care Practitioner Associate in Applied Science in Early Childhood Education Degree and Hours of Credit ACDS Can Be Applied To Associate in Applied Science in Occupational Development Child Care Practitioner: 32 hours credit Associate in Applied Science in Early Childhood Education: 12 hours credit for students who received their ACDS certificate on or after Fall Graduates with this degree may apply all 63 hours credit toward Marshall University s Bachelor of Arts, Birth Pre-K program. Requirements for Receiving ACDS Credit Valid Certification of ACDS from the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training. T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood West Virginia Scholarship Site Contact for Additional Information Sarah Dick Phone: crouse@mctc.edu nine Taking the Next Step

14 Apprenticeship for ten New River Community and Technical College Admissions Office: or (toll free) or Financial Aid: or Campus Location The main campus is located in Beckley, West Virginia, and additional campuses are located in Greenbrier, Mercer, and Nicholas counties. Online courses are also offered. New River Community and Technical College 221 George Street, Suite 2 Beckley, West Virginia Degree(s) Offered in Early Childhood Associate in Applied Science in Occupational Development Child Care Practitioner Degree and Hours of Credit ACDS Can Be Applied To Associate in Applied Science in Occupational Development Child Care Practitioner: 33 hours of credit Requirements for Receiving ACDS Credit An award letter and certification from the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training. Contact for Additional Information Dr. Harry Faulk Phone: hfaulk@newriver.edu T I P F O R S U C C E S S Join a professional early childhood network for support.

15 Pierpont Community and Technical College Pierpont Community and Technical College 1201 Locust Avenue Fairmont, West Virginia Admissions Office: or (toll free) or Financial Aid: or opt.3 (toll free) or Campus Location The main campus is located in Fairmont, West Virginia, with two offsite campuses. The northern service area includes classes at technical centers and high schools in Philippi, West Union, Fairmont, Morgantown, Kingwood, and Grafton. The Off-Campus Programs-South is located at Lewis County High School in Weston. Online courses are also offered Degree(s) Offered in Early Childhood Associate in Applied Science in Occupational Development Child Care Practitioner Early Childhood Associate of Applied Science Degree and Hours of Credit ACDS Can Be Applied To Associate in Applied Science in Occupational Development Child Care Practitioner: 28 hours credit. Graduates with this degree may apply 51 hours credit, of the required 64 hours credit towards a Birth through Four teaching certification degree at West Virginia University. Early Childhood Associate of Applied Science: Graduates with this degree may apply all 64 hours credit towards a Birth through Four teaching certification degree at West Virginia University, or to the bachelor s degree program in Family and Consumer Science Child Development Specialist at Fairmont State University. Requirements for Receiving ACDS Credit An award letter and certification from the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, or a letter of completion from the agency or organization providing the training. An evaluation fee is also required at the time of application for graduation. T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood West Virginia Scholarship Site Contact for Additional Information Barbara Alvarez Phone: balvarez@pierpont.edu eleven Taking the Next Step

16 Apprenticeship for twelve Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College Admissions Office: 866.SWVCTC1 (toll free) Financial Aid: 866.SWVCTC1 (toll free) Campus Location Campus sites are located in Boone, Logan, Lincoln, McDowell, Mingo, Raleigh, and Wyoming counties. Online courses are also available. Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College P.O. Box 2900 Mount Gay, West Virginia Degree(s) Offered in Early Childhood Associate in Applied Science in Occupational Development Associate in Applied Science in Early Childhood Development Degree and Hours of Credit ACDS Can Be Applied To Associate in Applied Science in Occupational Development : 32 hours credit Associate in Applied Science in Early Childhood Development: 15 hours credit of which 9 hours of credit may be applied towards the Bachelor of Arts, Birth Pre-K degree program at Marshall University. Requirements for Receiving ACDS Credit An award letter and certification from the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, and payment of $10.00 per credit hour administrative fee. T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood West Virginia Scholarship Site Contact for Additional Information Mary Hamilton Phone: marymh@southern.wvnet.edu

17 West Virginia Northern Community College West Virginia Northern Community College 1704 Market Street Wheeling, West Virginia Admissions Office: Financial Aid: ext or Campus Location West Virginia Northern Community College has three campuses in Wheeling, Weirton, and New Martinsville and offers classes in six counties: Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, Marshall, Wetzel, and Tyler. Online courses are also offered. Degree(s) Offered in Early Childhood Associate in Applied Science in Occupational Development Associate in Applied Science Early Childhood Care and Education Associate of Arts 2+2 in Elementary Education Pre-Elementary Education Degree and Hours of Credit ACDS Can Be Applied To Applied Science in Occupational Development Child Development Specialist: 30 hours credit Associate in Applied Science Early Childhood Care and Education: Courses taken for ACDS may be considered equivalent to early childhood care and education courses. Please check with the Registrar and program advisor for specific information. Requirements for Receiving ACDS Credit Valid certification of ACDS from the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training. T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood West Virginia Scholarship Site Contact for Additional Information Kathy Herrington Phone: ext thirteen Taking the Next Step

18 Apprenticeship for fourteen West Virginia University at Parkersburg Admissions Office: or (toll free) Financial Aid: Campus Location The main campus is located in Parkersburg, West Virginia, and a second campus is located at the Jackson County Center in Ripley. Online courses are also offered. West Virginia University at Parkersburg 300 Campus Drive Parkersburg, West Virginia Degree(s) Offered in Early Childhood Associate in Applied Science Early Childhood Development Degree and Hours of Credit ACDS Can Be Applied To Associate in Applied Science Early Childhood Development: 33 hours Requirements for Receiving ACDS Credit Valid certification of ACDS from the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training and review of student records by the Certification Analyst. T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood West Virginia Scholarship Site Contact for Additional Information Amy Wolfe Phone: amy.wolfe@mail.wvu.edu

19 What Financial Help is Available? Often, the cost for college and training can be a barrier to your career goals. Most students receive some kind of financial help to help pay for the cost of their education. There are federal and state financial aid programs to help you pay for college level courses. A good place to start is the College Foundation of West Virginia website: where you will find information on how to plan, apply, and pay for a college education. There is a link for Financial Aid Resources for Adult Learners, which includes links to federal and state grants, scholarships, and loans. In addition, the following two programs offer scholarships specifically for degrees in early care and education: Child Development Scholarship Program College scholarships are available for child care workers who have successfully completed the Apprenticeship for (ACDS) program, or who are in the fourth semester of the program. To be eligible, students must be enrolled, or accepted for enrollment, in an undergraduate degree program in early childhood education or development in West Virginia. In addition, the student must be employed full time in a year-round licensed child care center in the state, or must be an approved in-home provider. T I P F O R S U C C E S S Take advantage of free trainings. The scholarship program provides awards for up to two 3-hour courses per semester to pay for tuition and fees, plus a stipend of $250 per course for books and related educational expenses, such as travel, parking or child care. Contact the Higher Education Policy Commission at for additional information and applications. T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood WEST VIRGINIA Scholarship Program River Valley Child Development Services offers scholarships for current and potential Pre-K teachers working in licensed child care centers who would like to obtain their associate degree or bachelor s degree in early childhood education. T.E.A.C.H. WV pays a large portion of tuition and book costs, a travel stipend each semester, partial reimbursement to the sponsoring center for paid release time, and a bonus for the recipient. The sponsoring child care center is responsible for a small portion of tuition cost, providing release time and a bonus or raise for the recipient. The recipient is responsible for a small portion of tuition and book costs and must make a one-year commitment to their sponsoring center following completion of the scholarship contract. Application forms are available at: under the T.E.A.C.H. WV link, or by calling , ext Application forms are also available at community colleges or universities offering an early childhood education program. fifteen Taking the Next Step

20 Apprenticeship for sixteen The following program offers scholarships to child care workers who are pursuing training in the ACDS program. Ann Nutt ACDS Scholarship Program This program awards scholarships to cover the ACDS registration fee. To be eligible, a student must be employed at least 20 hours/week working with children ages birth to 8 years old, and employed by a program that is currently registered with the United States Department of Labor or in the process of registering. For continued eligibility, the student must make a passing grade in the coursework. Applications are available by calling , ext In addition to special scholarship programs in early care and education, child care workers may get additional funding from the following grant programs, which are based on financial need. Higher Education Adult Part-Time Student (HEAPS) Grant Program This program is designed to enable West Virginia students with financial need attend college on a part-time basis. Grants are awarded each year by the participating institution based on the student s eligibility and the availability of funds. In some cases, child care workers may receive a Child Development Scholarship and a HEAPS grant. Questions about this program may be addressed to the Financial Aid Office of the institution you plan to attend. Federal Pell Grants Program Pell grants are awarded to students on the basis of financial need. These grants are considered the foundation of federal financial aid, to which other aid (such as the Child Development Scholarship or HEAPS) may be added. Generally, Pell grants are awarded only to undergraduate students, but, in some cases, students who have earned a bachelor s degree may receive a Pell grant if they are enrolled in a teacher certification program. Grant amounts are dependent on: the student's expected family contribution (EFC); the cost of attendance (as determined by the institution); the student's enrollment status (full-time or part-time); and whether the student attends for a full academic year or less. T I P F O R S U C C E S S Apply to FAFSA regardless of your income to help pay for college costs. Your First Step to Financial Aid Getting financial aid starts with the FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID or FAFSA. By filling it out, you apply for the U.S. Department of Education's federal student aid programs, the largest source of student aid in America. In many cases, the FAFSA is required for eligibility to state financial aid programs, such as HEAPS, and also programs at your school. It is recommended that you complete the FAFSA online at More help is available online, and you'll get a response within 3-5 days, rather than 2-3 weeks by mail. For more information, contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center:

21 Additional Useful Resources to Check Out West Virginia Early Childhood Training Connections and Resources (WVECTCR) is a statewide program designed to provide professional development opportunities for the early care and education community. This website provides an extensive network of information, training and technical assistance, and resources: River Valley Child Development Services was established in 1971 as the Region III Early Childhood Demonstration Center, a component of a statewide system of regional early childhood centers. The purpose of the regional early childhood center was to demonstrate appropriate programs for preschool systems. This website will provide you information on West Virginia programs and training opportunities: The Teach WV website will provide you with key information on teaching careers, credentialing, professional standards and job opportunities in West Virginia: ZERO TO THREE is a national, nonprofit organization that informs, trains, and supports professionals, policymakers, and parents in their efforts to improve the lives of infants and toddlers. The website is: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is the world's largest organization working on behalf of young children. Membership is open to all individuals who share a desire to serve and act on behalf of the needs and rights of all young children. Professional development opportunities, resources, programs, standards, and policies can be found at the website: National Professional Development Center on Inclusion (NPDCI) works with states to ensure that early childhood teachers are prepared to educate and care for young children with disabilities. This website includes a forum for people to come together and share challenges, ask questions, and contribute ideas on issues related to early childhood professional development and inclusion, as well as webinars on a variety of topics, and other resources related to inclusion: seventeen Taking the Next Step