College of Education
Birth Through Five - B.S.E.
Frequently Asked Questions USG DTAE Articulation Agreement
Birth - 5 Application for Admission
Program Offered:
The B.S.E. major in Birth Through Five (B-5) prepares teachers and other early care and education professionals to work in varied settings with young children and their families from infancy through Kindergarten age, including children who are typically developing and those with disabilities.
The program reflects national and state standards, research and best practice in the field of early childhood development and education and teacher education. Candidates receive content and pedagogy in developmentally and individually appropriate practices for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and Kindergarten age children. The program provides a multidisciplinary, comprehensive and holistic approach to working with young children and families in diverse settings.
Field-based experiences are structured to provide candidates with opportunities to work with different ages and children of varying ability levels and educational needs. A broad range of courses and practicum will strengthen candidates’ knowledge and ability to select and implement appropriate curriculum and instructional strategies, developmental activities and care routines, and observation and assessment methods.
Successful completion of this program leads to a baccalaureate degree along with recommendation for Birth Through Five (B-5) licensure. Candidates completing the Birth through Five preparation program may be recommended for certification in both Birth through Five as well as Pre-School Special Education.
Program Admission
Students are required to meet all University and College admission requirements. In addition, students must apply for admission to teacher education (B-5) prior to beginning coursework in the upper division core, Area G of the program.
To apply for teacher education (B-5):
- Students must have a minimum 2.75 composite grade point average on all postsecondary coursework previously completed;
- Students must have passed the GACE Basic Skills Assessment (see http://www.gace.nesinc.com for more information) or have presented official scores to demonstrate exemption upon application to the teacher education program;
- Students must have passed the Regents’ Test;
- Students must have successfully completed all courses in Areas A-F.
- Students must have successfully completed all required courses in Areas A and F with a grade of “C” or higher, or have transferred in approved Area A-F courses as outlined in approved USG-DTAE Articulation Agreements;
- Students must consent to a criminal background check;
- Students must submit proof of tort liability insurance;
- And students must complete a writing sample and participate in an interview with program faculty. Please note that the completion of the writing sample and participation in the interview does not guarantee admission to the Birth Through Five program.
Additional Teacher Education information is found in section 1600 of the catalog.
The USG-DTAE Articulation Agreements and the Birth through Five program handbook can be found on the Department of Early Childhood Education web site at http://education.gsu.edu/ece/index.htm.
Program Financial Information
Birth Through Five (B-5) majors must pay all tuition and fees charged by the University and the College. A lab fee may be charged at the time students register for the student teaching experience. Educator preparation students must be aware that extra cost such as tort liability insurance and transportation will be incurred at various times during the completion of various teacher education field experiences.
Program Academic Regulations
Program of Study: Students must complete 42 semester hours in Areas A-E of the Undergraduate Core Curriculum. Courses in Area A must be completed with “C” or higher grades. All courses listed below in Areas F-G must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher unless otherwise noted. Semester hours are shown in parentheses following an entry.
Tort liability and criminal background check requirement: all students must show proof of tort liability insurance and consent to a criminal background investigation prior to any field experience.
Students must successfully complete a technology course that meets the requirement for the Georgia 2006 Technology Proficiency Requirement (IT 2210 recommended) or demonstrate satisfactory proficiency on a PSC approved test of computer skills competency before graduation.
Program Degree Requirements
B.S.E. in Birth Through Five (B-5)
Students must pass the appropriate GACE Content Assessment prior to graduation (see http://www.gace.nesinc.com for more information).
Areas A-E. Core Curriculum Recommendations
Students must complete 42 semester hours in Area A-E of the Undergraduate Core Curriculum or have transferred in approved Area A-E courses as outlined in approved USG-DTAE Articulation Agreements. Courses in Area A must be completed with “C” or higher grades.
Semester hours are shown in parentheses following an entry.
Area F. Courses Appropriate for a Major (18)
Students must complete coursework with a grade of “C” or higher in Area F prior to admission to teacher education. Students must complete 18 semester hours in Area F, or have transferred in approved Area F courses as outlined in approved USG-DTAE Articulation Agreements, which can be found on the Department of Early Childhood Education web site at http://education.gsu.edu/ece/index.htm.
Required (18):
EDUC 2110 Investigating Critical & Contemporary Issues in Education (3)
EDUC 2120 Exploring Socio Cultural Perspectives on Diversity (3)
EDUC 2130 Exploring Teaching & Learning (3)
EDUC 2300 Introduction to Child Development (3)
EDUC 2152 Birth and Parenthood (3)
KH 2360 Childhood Health and Wellness (3)
Areas A-F Articulation Agreement for USG – DTAE Institutions
Graduates from Early Childhood Care and Education degree programs from COC accredited DTAE institutions will have satisfied the requirements for all six courses in the USG Area F for the BSED in Birth-Age 5 Teacher Preparation Program.
Area G: Courses Required for the Major
Required Courses (40):
BRFV 3200 Introduction to Administration and Organization of Programs for Young Children (3)
BRFV 3250 Professional and Ethical Practice (3)
BRFV 4360 Child Guidance Birth to Five (3)
BRFV 4370 Language, Literacy, and Cognition (3)
BRFV 4380 Methods for Infants and Toddlers (4)
BRFV 4390 Methods for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Children (4)
BRFV 4400 Family and Community Relationships (3)
EXC 3560 Observation and Assessment for Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers (3)
EXC 4020 Characteristics and Instructional Strategies for Students with Disabilities (3)
EXC 4500 Environmental and Medical Issues for Children Birth to Five (3)
EXC 4520 Methods for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities (4)
EXC 4530 Methods for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Children with Disabilities (4)
Electives (8-11):
IT 2210 or equivalent Integrating Technology into the Elementary Classroom (3)
Graduates from Early Childhood Care and Education degree programs from COC accredited DTAE institutions may transfer one of the four DTAE program specializations to complete 9 hours of Electives (11 hours) in the USG B.S.E. Birth Through Five (B-5) degree program.
Required prior to Area H: (40) Semester Hours; All courses in B-5 Major Area must be completed with a grade of C or higher before students are authorized to enroll in student teaching.
Area H: Student Teaching (9-12)
All program requirements must be satisfactorily completed before students are authorized to enroll in student teaching. Students must complete student teaching coursework in Area H with a grade of “C” or higher.
Required (9-12):
BRFV 4661 Student Teaching (9-12)
Students must pass the appropriate GACE Content Assessment prior to graduation (see http://www.gace.nesinc.com for more information).
Area I. Minor
Students majoring in Birth Through Five (B-5) do not have the option to take a minor.
Total Program: minimum of 120-126 semester hours