田纳西大学

The undergraduate early childhood education (PreK–Kindergarten) track in child and family studies is designed to prepare students for licensure to teach children with and without disabilities, birth through age five. Students who wish to pursue this licensure must complete the early development and learning teacher licensure PreK–K track.

The PreK–K track contains courses designed to meet state licensure requirements and emphasizes learning through three basic tenets: (1) understanding child development theory in context, (2) examining early childhood education concepts that impact teaching and learning, and (3) providing opportunities to teach in a variety of settings. Once students have progressed into the program and successfully completed all of the core CFS requirements and PreK–K track courses, students must complete a semester-long student teaching practicum (CFS 472).

Progression

For all students interested in the program, progression is the formal acceptance into the major. In the case of Pre K–K candidates, progression is governed by applying for and being accepted into the Teacher Licensure program. However, before students can apply for the Teacher Licensure program, they must first become eligible through fulfilling the progression prerequisites. In order to be formally accepted into the teacher licensure program, students must complete the Admission Boards Interview Process.

Student Teaching Practicum

Student Teaching Practicum Overview

The major course of study concludes with a 12-credit-hour field-based experience that enables students to hone practical skills and knowledge in a work setting consistent with their personal and professional goals. PreK–K Interests will complete a semester-long student teaching Practicum. If you are currently following a PreK–K track and would like more information, please contact your assigned faculty advisor for details on applying, student teaching practicum placement options, prerequisites to the student teaching practicum, and other general information necessary for successful completion of the student teaching practicum and program.

Important Progression Considerations

• Students are expected to know the criteria they must meet in order to progress into the program and should regularly monitor their progress in meeting these criteria.
• Students must work closely with advisors to ensure that they understand the requirements for progression and that they strictly follow the application process for the practicum experience of their choice. Students are advised to start working with faculty advisors as early as possible.
• If students do not appear able to meet these criteria, they are encouraged to work closely with their faculty advisor to plan an alternative educational program.