Liberal Arts & Sciences: Childhood Education (General Science Transfer Advising Guide)

Associate in Science Degree

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This program is the first step for students seeking teacher certification in Childhood Education (grades 1-6), Early Childhood/Childhood Education (Birth-6th grade) or Childhood Special Education. In order to earn teacher certification, students must transfer to and complete an appropriate bachelor’s and master’s degree at a transfer institution. As part of the first two years of that process, students in the Childhood Education (grades 1-6) program complete all ten of the general education areas required by SUNY for a bachelor’s degree and up to nine hours of professional courses which include at a minimum 30 hours of classroom observation. They must also complete 15-18 credit hours in a concentration (English, History/Social Studies, or Science). Specific courses depend on the area of concentration and the transfer institution. Students in the Early Childhood/Childhood Education (Birth-6th grade) degree program complete 28 credits in pre-professional and professional courses in addition to the General Education requirements. These students select a concentration when they enter the transfer institution. Students interested in Special Education may enroll in either the Birth-6th grade or 1st-6th grade degree program depending on which transfer institution is selected. It is important for students to contact the college to which they may transfer in order to plan their curriculum. In some cases, it may require careful planning for students to complete a bachelor’s degree in four years. Individuals interested in becoming a Teacher’s Assistant in a public school are encouraged to complete the Birth-6th grade degree program to meet the new 2012 Federal guidelines regarding educational requirements for a classroom Teacher Assistant.

Goal 1 To provide students with a core foundation of knowledge of the liberal arts

  • Students will successfully complete courses in 10 out of 10 SUNY General Education areas
  • Students will be able to demonstrate effective ways of utilizing technology as an aid to learning

Goal 2 To provide students with core concepts in multicultural education

  • Students will identify educational issues within a multicultural, diverse society
  • Students will complete 4 diversity tutorials.
  • Students will complete a minimum of 2 courses that meet the DGV requirements.

Goal 3 To provide students with core concepts in special education

  • Students will describe educational strategies used with special education populations

Goal 4 To provide students with an opportunity to explore education as a career path

  • Students will complete 45 hours of classroom observation.
  • Students will analyze teaching strategies and how they apply to teaching theory.
  • Students will analyze child behavior and apply developmental theories.
  • Students will interact with a diverse population of students.

Goal 5 To prepare students to demonstrate information literacy

  • Students will use traditional and contemporary information technology.
  • Students will identify, access, and appropriately use authoritative sources of information.

Total Credit Hours: 61

First Semester

This course is an opportunity for students to develop the skills necessary to be successful in college. Students learn the importance of the faculty-student and advisor-advisee relationship, develop time management techniques, apply effective study skill techniques, recognize the implications of living in a diverse society, utilize college resources, and explore career and transfer requirements. Collaborative projects are included. Students matriculated in a degree program must take this course in their first term of study.

This course provides a study of the philosophical, historical, sociological, ethical, and political bases of the N-12 American educational system. It includes a comprehensive introduction to the issues, laws, policies, and practices affecting the education system, teaching, learning, and assessment. It explains ways that teachers and schools can work with students and families to provide a meaningful and equitable education. Topics include diversity in student populations, school funding, high-stakes testing, school desegregation and re-segregation, technology, standardized tests, and learning standards. The history of the American educational system is discussed in relation to current issues and topics in education, teaching, and learning. A 15-hour observation in a general education classroom must be completed.

This course focuses on several kinds of writing-self-expressive, informative, and argumentative/persuasive, and others. A minimum of five essay compositions are required. The course emphasizes the composition of clear, correct, and effective prose required in a variety of professions and occupations. Prerequisites: Appropriate high school GPA or placement test score or EN090 Basic Writing Skills or SL116 ESL4: Advanced Composition or SL145 ESOL Advanced Composition

This course introduces the many and varied facets of psychology. Emphasis is on interactions of individuals in their cultural, social, and economic environments as determined by their cognitive, behavioral, and emotional experiences and training.

Natural Science electives include: BI101, BI102, BI105, BI216, BI217, CH101, CH131, CH141, CH142, CH247, CH248, GL101, GL102, PH131, PH141, PH142, PH151, PH152.

(a) The language requirement consists of a two-course sequence in the same world language. American Sign Language counts as a world language in education programs within the SUNY system. Regents level 4 foreign language in high school (or level 3 with a score of 90 or better) allows students to take one semester of that language at a level of 191 (Review) or higher to satisfy this requirement.

Take any Physical Education Course

Second Semester

This course examines children’s physical, social, emotional, language, and cognitive development from pre-natal to age twelve. Topics include childhood development theories and research, the recognition and understanding of significant child behaviors, the role of parenting and culture, the role of the teacher, influence of peers, and play. Students must complete a 15-hour child observation in a daycare setting, observing both infants/toddlers and preschool children.

This course encourages a deeper understanding of human nature and the human condition through the study of ideas and values expressed in imaginative literature. Emphasis is placed on the use and development of critical thinking and language skills. Library-oriented research is required. Prerequisite: EN101 English 1: Composition or EN105 English Composition for Speakers of Other Languages or EN106 English 1: Composition & Reading.

Four Natural Science electives include: BI141, BI142, CH141, CH142, GL101, GL102, PH141, PH142, PH151, PH152 (must be taken in sequence)

This course continues to survey the development of the American story from an agricultural, frontier society to an urban, industrial nation. Emphasis is placed on the economic revolution of the post-Civil War era, its social, political, and military aspects, and the emergence of America as a world leader. It begins with Reconstruction and concludes with the present.

Language requirement consists of a two-course sequence in the same world language. American Sign Language counts as a world language in education programs within the SUNY system. Regents level 4 foreign language in high school (or level 3 with a score of 90 or better) allows students to take one semester of that language at a level of 191 (Review) or higher to satisfy this requirement. Those who are exempt MUST replace language credits with courses approved by the advisor.

Take any Physical Education Course

Third Semester

This course introduces the nature and study of history, and covers the emergence and development of Eurasian civilization to about 1500 A.D. in the Near East, India, China, Europe, the Western Hemisphere, and Africa. Attention is given to religion in these civilizations and on the rise of the West to a position of world power during the Middle Ages.

This is the first of a two-course sequence for students preparing to teach at the elementary school level. Topics include the study of real numbers through a development of natural numbers, whole numbers, integers, rational numbers, decimals, and irrational numbers, together with operations on them. Number theory is presented, along with a discussion of numeration systems including

bases other than 10. The language and nature of reasoning, together with basic elements of set theory, are introduced. Problem-solving is emphasized. Prerequisite: Appropriate high school GPA or placement test score or MA089 Arithmetic.

Four Natural Science electives include: BI141, BI142, CH141, CH142, GL101, GL102, PH141, PH142, PH151, PH152 (must be taken in sequence)

Fine Arts: HU187, HU204, HU205, or GC244

Take any Physical Education Course

Fourth Semester

This course provides an overview of the education of children and adolescents with exceptionalities, focusing on those with disabilities and those with giftedness. Topics include the historical, philosophical and legal foundations of special education and other exceptionalities and their prevalence, causes, and characteristics. Educational modifications, accommodations, and teaching strategies for general and specific classrooms are addressed. Current issues and trends educating children with exceptionalities are explored. A minimum of fifteen hours of observations in a special education setting must be completed. Prerequisites: ED150 Social & Philosophical Foundations of Education and ED205 Child Development or PY212 Adolescent Psychology. Prerequisites must be met with a minimum grade of “C”.

This course is a survey of traditional and contemporary literature for children from birth through Grade 6. Literary models include picture books, traditional literature, poetry, fantasy, juvenile fiction and nonfiction, biography, and informational books. Prerequisite: EN102 English 2: Ideas & Values of Literature.

This is the second of a two-course sequence for students preparing to teach at the elementary school level. Topics include elementary geometry of two and three dimensions, measurement, coordinate geometry and transformations, probability, and statistics. Prerequisite: MA171 Foundations of Mathematics 1.

Four Natural Science electives include: BI141, BI142, CH141, CH142, GL101, GL102, PH141, PH142, PH151, PH152 (must be taken in sequence)

Take any Physical Education Course

A prior criminal record or a history of behavior that presents a direct risk to the safety, well-being, or health of students, faculty, or staff in PK-12 settings may make placement for mandatory classroom observations unfeasible, thereby hindering the successful completion of the program.

(a) The language requirement consists of a two-course sequence in the same world language. American Sign Language counts as a world language in education programs within the SUNY system. Regents level 4 foreign language in high school (or level 3 with a score of 90 or better) allows students to take one semester of that language at a level of 191 (Review) or higher to satisfy this requirement.

(b) Four Natural Science electives include: BI141, BI142, CH141, CH142, GL101, GL102, PH141, PH142, PH151, PH152 (must be taken in sequence)

(c) Fine Arts: HU187, HU204, or HU205.

* Students are required to earn a minimum grade of “C” in these courses to meet the graduation requirements.