Mar 28, 2024  
Graduate Catalog | 2018-2019 
    
Graduate Catalog | 2018-2019 Previous Edition

Child and Family Development: Birth through Kindergarten, Graduate Certificate


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The Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Development: Birth through Kindergarten is a 27-credit hour program that prepares professionals for careers that serve young children with and without disabilities and their families. It is designed for prospective students already working in professional settings who wish to pursue a North Carolina Standard Professional 1 (SP1) Professional Educator’s License in Birth-Kindergarten (B-K) on a part-time basis.

All courses for the Graduate Certificate must be completed within four years.

General Requirements for Admission to the Graduate School


Please refer to admission information in The Graduate School  section.

Admission Requirements for Graduate Certificate in Teaching Programs


  1. An undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited four-year institution
  2. A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75. (For alternative ways to demonstrate academic competence, applicants may contact the Office of Teacher Education Advising and Licensure (TEAL))
  3. Three recommendations from persons knowledgeable of the applicant’s interaction with children and families
  4. A statement of purpose
  5. A clear criminal background check
  6. Apply online at gradadmissions.uncc.edu

Total = 27 Credit Hours


Application for Degree


The Application for Degree/Graduation form supplied by the Graduate School must be received early in the last semester of the student’s program.

Internship


A three-hour internship is required for Graduate Certificate students. The graduate-level internship is the culminating experience of the Graduate Certificate program, offering students the opportunity to demonstrate their readiness for the North Carolina Standard Professional 1 (SP1) Professional Educator’s License. Students are assigned to an appropriate classroom for a full-time, semester-long experience under the supervision of the classroom teacher and university faculty. This internship can be done in a student’s place of employment or the University can find a placement for the student. Lateral entry teachers and teacher assistants must contact the Office of Field Experiences to determine the appropriateness of their classroom for the internship experience and licensure requirements. This contact should take place at least one semester before the internship.

Clinical Field Experiences


Most courses require students to develop their knowledge, skills, and dispositions in community-based settings. All students are expected to complete clinical experiences in at least two significantly different settings. Candidates who are lateral entry teachers and teacher assistants must move beyond their own classrooms, and employed candidates are encouraged to seek assistance and support from their administrators.

Advising


All students are assigned an advisor upon formal admission to the program. Students should consult with their advisor at least once each semester.

Licensure


Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate, students are recommended for the North Carolina Standard Professional 1 (SP1) Professional Educator’s License. For this license, students are required to complete an electronic licensure portfolio that is created during coursework and the internship. Students apply for the North Carolina Standard Professional 1 (SP1) Professional Educator’s License in the TEAL Office.

Program Accreditation/Approval


All teacher education programs at UNC Charlotte are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. The Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Development: Birth through Kindergarten has been approved by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

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