Application for Admission to the Unified Early Childhood Studies Program ("the Early Childhood Blocks")

The Unified Early Childhood Studies (UECh) Program is seeking applications from candidates who would like to be considered for admission to a cohort.

Block 1 Unified Early Childhood Studies program applications are due the sixth Friday of each semester, at 4 p.m., in 120 Montague Hall, for the following semester.

Check specific deadline dates.

Application Packet

• Download the Unified Early Childhood Studies Program Application Packet: (as a Word file) or (as a PDF file)
• Download the Mesabi Cohort Unified Early Childhood Studies Program Application Packet: (as a Word file) or (as a PDF file)

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Application Instructions

Summary of Essential Qualifications

[This is a Summary - See Complete Packet for Details]

• A minimum of 45 credits to apply to the UECh Program
• 60 credits completed before you can begin the block coursework
• A 2.7 grade point average, overall.
• Confirmation that you have taken the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) for reading, writing, and mathematics.
• Passing scores on a standardized test (if you have not received the PPST scores at time of application or do not have passing scores in the PPST).
• A demonstrated commitment to working with children. This includes 60 hours in supervised settings during the past two years; preferably 30 hours in an early primary (K - Grade 3) setting and 30 hours in an early childhood (birth - Grade 5) setting.
• Three letters of recommendation.
• Nearing completion of the prerequisite courses listed in the UMD Bulletin and on your UECh program worksheet.
• Successful completion of an interview with UECh program faculty member(s). (You will be notified of date/time).

Summary of Essential Components of Application

[This is a Summary - See Complete Packet for Details]

ALL essential components listed below must be completed correctly and submitted on time in order for the application to be accepted. Late or incomplete applications will be returned and students may need to wait until the following year to apply.

• Check list with signature of student.
• Resume, including a cover letter.
• Three signed letters of recommendation (letters may also "double" as confirmation of your work with young children).
• Current Academic Progress Audit System (APAS).
• Evidence of working with youth – verification of a minimum 60 hours working with youth, preferably 30 hours in early primary setting and 30 hours in an early childhood setting.
• Confirmation that you have taken the Pre-professional Skills Test (PPST, which is also known as Praxis I) for reading, writing, and mathematics.
• Verification of passing scores for reading, writing and mathematics from one (or a combination) of the following tests (listed with minimum passing scores):

• PPST: Reading 173 or 320 CBT, writing 172 or 318 CBT, mathematics 171 or 316 CBT.
• SAT: 50th percentile in comparable subject for reading, writing and/or mathematics.
• ACT: 21 on each subtest comparable for reading, writing and/or mathematics.
• CTBS: Notification of a passing score from the Department of Education for the comparable subtest(s).

• Signed Consent Form for placement and teaching file
• Program Plan Worksheet
• Completed Disposition Worksheet

The Department of Education offers the Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills (CTBS) each semester on Thursday, the day before the program applications are due. This test is offered for anyone who does not have a passing score for reading, writing, or mathematics on another standardized test. To take the CTBS, please register in the Department of Education Office, 120 Montague Hall, at least one day before it's given. The cost of this test is $20 for each section you may need. Please contact Chris Peterson (capeters@d.umn.edu, 120 Montague Hall, 726-7592) for details, and to register to take the test.

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