What is the Birth Through Five program?
The B-5 program is a new bachelor’s degree and teacher certification program. It is designed to prepare professionals for a variety of roles in settings for children from infancy through Kindergarten, including typically developing children and those with special needs.
What are the Career Opportunities in B-5?
There are state and national mandates for higher degrees and credentials for professionals working in the B-5 field. Many state funded preschool programs for young children require the bachelor’s degree for lead teachers and administrators.
Job opportunities in the B-5 field include:
What degree and certification will I receive when I complete the program?
Successful candidates will earn a Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.) degree and will be recommended for teacher certification in Birth Through Kindergarten and the Preschool Special Education endorsement (Teacher certification is contingent upon passing the GACE Content Assessment in Birth Through Five.)
I already have an Associates Degree in Early Care and Education/ ECE. Will this count toward the bachelor’s degree?
The B-5 program is designed to build on the A.S. Degree coursework and experience of teachers already employed in the field of early care. See the articulation agreement on the Department of ECE website to learn more:
http://education.gsu.edu/ece/4554.html
I still have courses to complete in general education or the Core Curriculum. Can I take these courses at GSU? Yes, once you have applied to GSU and been admitted, you will work with an adviser to determine what courses and requirements are needed before beginning your major courses in the Birth Through Five program. See B-5 program of study at this website:
http://education.gsu.edu/ece/4554.html
Can I work and take classes too?
GSU offers many classes in the evening for working students. The B-5 program is designed with teachers in mind. Classes are offered in the late afternoon and several courses have online or hybrid formats. Classes are offered fall, spring and summer terms each year.
Can I do my Internships where I work?
With approval, teachers may use their current work site to meet many of the field experiences requirements in the program. Additional fieldwork may be required for assignments with different age groups (e.g., Kindergarten) and children with special needs.
I have been teaching young children for many years. Will this experience count in my program?
Students who have completed the associates degree in early care and education from an accredited Georgia technical college will receive credit for their supervised internship under the articulation agreement (a maximum of 300 clock hours).
How do I apply?
You may apply for admission to GSU as a new freshman or a transfer student online: http://www.gsu.edu/undergraduate_admission.html
When are the admission deadlines?
For transfer applications:
Deadline for Fall semester: June 1
Deadline for Spring semester: October 1
Deadline for Summer term: April 1
What will I need to apply to GSU?
Transcripts, application form, application fee; please go to the GSU admissions site for a complete list of requirements: http://www.gsu.edu/undergraduate_admission.html
Does GSU except transfer credits?
Your official transcripts will be reviewed for any allowable transfer of course credits. See the Articulation (transfer) Agreement between DTAE (technical colleges) and USG (includes Georgia State University) at http://education.gsu.edu/ece/4554.html
Can I get someone to review my transcripts before I apply to GSU?
No, unfortunately we are unable to provide advisement or transcript evaluation unless a student has applied for admission and received notification of acceptance to GSU.
How much does it cost to apply?
The nonrefundable admissions application fee is $60. There may be additional fees for transcripts, etc.
How much does it cost to attend GSU?
See the following website for complete and current information about tuition, fees, expenses and financial aid: http://www.gsu.edu/studentaccounts/tuition_and_fees.html
What tests do I need to take to apply?
Successful completion of the GACE Basic Skills Assessment is required to apply for admission to the B-5 program. You may apply to GSU and take courses in the core curriculum before taking the GACE Basic Skills Assessment. For information on GACE, please go to: http://www.gace.nesinc.com/
Once I am admitted to GSU, how will I find out what courses I need to take for the Birth Through Five program?
Once you have been admitted; your transcripts will be evaluated to determine how many semester hours of credit can be accepted for your program of study and what courses are left to complete. Please visit the following site for more information:
http://www.gsu.edu/success/advisement.html
Who will be my adviser?
If you have been admitted to GSU and you have less than 42 semester hours of approved course credit, you will be advised by Ms. Jennifer Lee in the Student Advisement Center (SAC): http://www.gsu.edu/success/advisement.html
If you have been admitted to GSU and 43-60 semester hours of approved credit, you will be advised by Ms. Jessalyn Murphy in the College of Education Office of Academic Advisement:
http://education.gsu.oaa/index.html
Once you have completed all requirements for admission to teacher education and the B-5 program with 60+ semester hours, you will be advised by Dr. Ruth Saxton in the Department of ECE:
http://education.gsu.edu/ece/4554.html
B-5 Program admission requirements include:
For additional information, please contact Dr. Ruth Saxton, B-5 Program Coordinator, Department of Early Childhood Education, Georgia State University at rsaxton@gsu.edu or call (404) 413-8020.
Also visit http://education.gsu.edu/ece/4554.html