2022-26

Motion Introduced by:  Curriculum and Academic Programs Committee,

Date of First Reading:    January 31, 2022

Date of Second Reading: February 28, 2022

Title of Motion: Request from the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College – Division of Teacher Preparation – for the establishment of an undergraduate certificate – Early Childhood Education

Action Requested: This curricular proposal has received all college, school, unit and university administrative approvals, and is being presented to the Senate for review and voting decision.   

Rationale: The certificate in Early Childhood Education will enable students enrolled in select Teacher Preparation programs to add the Early Childhood Education certificate to their major and to gain valuable experience when working with young children. Through the certificate area, graduates will earn eligibility for an institutional recommendation for an Early Childhood Education credential through the Arizona Department of Education. The Early Childhood Education certificate will prepare educators to become change agents and advocates for children ages birth to age 8 (grade 3). Through the certificate, graduates will have engaged with innovative coursework centered on child development theory, development of young children, assessment practices, and instructional pedagogy. Graduates will have opportunities to engage in instruction to become reflective practitioners.