Academic
Q: Is there less coursework for the B.A. degree in Early Childhood Education without certification?
A: The amount of coursework to receive a B.A degree in Early Childhood Education from Kendall College is 184 quarter credit hours, whether or not you pursue certification.
Q: If I begin in the B.A. degree in Early Childhood Education not leading to certification and decide that I do want to get certified, is it possible to switch?
A: Yes. There are two options:
- If you decide to pursue certification while you are still enrolled at Kendall, you will need to meet the requirements for and apply to the certification program. Once accepted into the certification program, you will need to complete all certification requirements.
- If you graduate from Kendall with a B.A. degree in Early Childhood Education, you may apply to the certification program and re-enter the Kendall School of Education as a certification-only student, provided that you meet the program requirements.
Q: Why do I have to take courses related to primary education if my goal is to teach pre-kindergarten?
A: Early Childhood Education spans birth through age 8. An effective early childhood educator understands the continuum of learning and teaching from pre-primary through the primary grades.
Q: I have not completed my Associate degree because I need the practicum courses. Can I transfer into Kendall without completing my Associate degree?
A: Yes. You do not need to have an Associate degree to transfer to Kendall College.
Q: Can I receive credit for my work experience?
A: You may be able to receive credit for current work experience directly related to teaching in the field of early childhood education. Through the Kendall School of Education’s Prior Learning Assessment, you may petition to receive credit for specific required courses. To learn more about the Prior Learning Assessment, talk to an Enrollment Advisor at 800-569-8179.
Q: Can I transfer into the B.A. program if I haven’t completed all of my general education and lower-level education courses?
A: Yes, but you must provide official college transcript(s) showing completion of at least 16 semester or 24 quarter hours of transferable credit and have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 from all previous colleges attended.
Certification
Q: If I complete the Kendall Early Childhood Education certification program, will I be officially certified in Illinois?
A: No. Only the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) grants actual teaching certificates in Illinois. If you successfully meet all of the requirements of the Kendall Early Childhood Education certification program, and you pass the required Illinois teacher certification tests, Kendall College “recommends” you for certification to ISBE. You would then officially apply to ISBE for your certificate. ISBE has the final decision on whether or not to grant anyone a teaching certificate. For more information, go to the ISBE Web site: www.isbe.net/certification and click on “Becoming an Illinois-Certified Teacher.”
Q: What is the Illinois Basic Skills Test? When do I have to take it?
A: The Basic Skills Test (as well as two other tests, the Content Area Test in Early Childhood Education and the Assessment of Professional Teaching in Early Childhood Education) is required by the state of Illinois for teacher candidates who wish to receive Illinois Type 04 Certification. Students must pass the Basic Skills Test prior to applying to the certification program. For more information about this and other Illinois tests, go to the Illinois Certification Testing System Web site at http://www.icts.nesinc.com/. Note: Dates of passing scores for all Illinois-required tests must be no older than five years prior to the time a certification candidate applies for certification.
Q: If I complete all coursework but cannot complete clinical practice (student teaching), what will happen? Can I still receive a bachelor’s degree?
A: Yes. You would switch to the non-certification track. You would then need to complete two required internships. See the “Field Experiences” link for more information on internships.
Financial Aid
Q: How will I know if I qualify for student loans through FAFSA? If I don’t qualify, what are my options? Where can I learn more about how to finance my education?
A: FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. You can obtain more information on Federal Student Aid eligibility on the FAFSA Web site. To find out if you qualify to receive aid through the program, you must submit the FAFSA.
Many students take advantage of grants, loans, scholarships, T.E.A.C.H. grants, employer reimbursement, and similar programs to fund their Kendall education. To find out about these and other options for financing your education, visit http://kendall.edu/TuitionFinancialAid/tabid/57/Default.aspx or contact the Kendall College Financial Aid Department at 866-803-9988.
Enrollment
Q: How do I apply for the School of Education?
A: Speak to an Enrollment Advisor today to learn more about how Kendall can help you achieve your professional goals. Call 800-569-8179 or click here to request more information.