Degree Requirements
The program in early childhood education requires 120 hours of general education courses, health and physical development courses, and professional education courses. Transfer students may be required to complete additional hours in general education to meet licensure requirements. Students seeking licensure in early childhood education must meet SIUE general education requirements.
Students are required to read the University catalog and to study the Teacher Education Handbook, available online through the SIUE website. Students should review it as soon as they identify an interest in the teaching profession. Then they should schedule an appointment with a School of Education, Health and Human Behavior advisor.
Senior Assignment
The senior project, a University requirement, is an integral part of the early childhood education program. Additional details are provided by program faculty and University supervisors. Students pursuing a career in teaching should make certain their courses are in compliance with University and departmental degree requirements, as well as state licensure requirements. Information about these requirements is provided to undergraduates by the education advisors in the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior Student Services. Important notices are posted for review.
Moving from Non-Licensure to Licensure:
Students admitted under a non-licensure option, or who graduated without licensure, may pursue initial teacher licensure in Illinois. To be eligible for licensure students must:
- Reapply to an early childhood program with a licensure option
- Have graduated less than five years prior to the date of application for admission to a licensure program
- Be in good academic standing at SIUE
- Have a combined GPA of 2.5 or higher of all postsecondary work
- Pass all applicable licensure tests
- Complete all applicable program and/or licensure requirements
- Successfully complete an appropriate student teaching experience
Retention
To remain in the early childhood education program, the student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and earn a grade of C or better in all courses for the major. Normally, a student also must receive a satisfactory recommendation from the cooperating teacher and University instructor in field placement courses. If, at any point in the program, students decide that they do not wish to pursue initial teacher licensure in Illinois, they may reapply to the early childhood education program to pursue a non-licensure option. Application forms may be obtained from School of Education, Health and Human Behavior Student Services. Students who apply for a non-licensure option will have an internship experience in place of student teaching. Prior to any field placements, candidates must pass a criminal background check and be free of any offenses which would prohibit one from receiving licensure from the Illinois State Board of Education.
