Liberal Arts and Sciences: Childhood Education (Teacher Education Transfer)

Associate in Arts (A.A.)

The Outlook

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of teachers in childhood education is expected to grow 12 percent from 2012 to 2022, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Through the Childhood Education (Teacher Education Transfer) program, students transfer from Finger Lakes Community College to baccalaureate degree programs in childhood education to become certified teachers of grades 1-6.

The Program

The A.A. Childhood Education degree program introduces you to the historical, philosophical, and social foundations of education. It also:

• Explores the role of the teacher.
• Provides coursework in the structure and organization of schools.
• Offers the opportunity for structured school observations.
• Provides the liberal arts coursework necessary for students to transfer to childhood education programs at SUNY and private colleges.

The A.A. Liberal Arts Program

The A.A. degree in Childhood Education is designed for you to transfer into a baccalaureate degree program, with courses equivalent to those offered during the freshman and sophomore years at most four-year colleges and universities. After earning your A.A. degree from FLCC, you will have the opportunity to pursue baccalaureate degrees in a broad range of areas.

These areas include:

• Elementary and Secondary Education
• Psychology
• Political Science
• Pre-Law
• English
• History

This degree is recognized in transfer (articulation) agreements with a large number of public and private four-year institutions in New York State and across the nation.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this degree program, students will be able to:

1. Analyze the impact of educational forces (e.g. political, economic, philosophical, cultural) on society.
2. Synthesize multidisciplinary information to problem solve within the field of education.
3. Evaluate the variety of career possibilities within the field of education (e.g. Classroom Teacher, Special Area Teacher, Speech Therapist, Librarian, Counselor).

Honors Studies

If you are a curious and motivated student, exploring Honors Studies courses at FLCC will provide you alternative educational experiences. Honors classes center on reflection and community building. They are available to full-time and part-time students in all degree programs. Successful completion of these courses, or earning your Honors Studies certificate or diploma, can increase your transfer options and make you eligible for specific scholarships.

Honors Studies

The Experience

Thirty hours of guided field observation will expose you to your specific grade level of interest.

The Graduates

Students in this program continue their studies by transferring to four-year institutions to pursue baccalaureate degrees. Some of the colleges and universities they attend include:

• SUN Cortland
• SUNY Geneseo
• Keuka College
• SUNY Oswego

FLCC has articulation agreements specifically for teacher education with the following institutions:

• SUNY Brockport
• SUNY Geneseo
• Keuka College
• Roberts Wesleyan College

The Scholarships

As a Childhood Education major, if you meet specific award criteria, you will be eligible for the Kiwanis Club/Canandaigua Classic Scholarship in Memory of Denett Pimkowski. For information on this scholarship, contact the FLCC Foundation.