June 26, 2009

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE) has approved a University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Education initiative that will allow associate degree-holding individuals to take UAB courses at the Jefferson State Community College (JSCC)-Jefferson campus toward a four-year degree in early childhood education. UAB is scheduled to begin offering the courses this fall.

Recent federal and state initiatives have resulted in an increased need for baccalaureate-educated teachers who can meet the educational needs of preschool-aged children. However, many preschool teachers and workers do not have a bachelor's degree, said Michael J. Froning, Ed.D., dean of the UAB School of Education.

"We're excited about the potential for this partnership between UAB and JSCC to make a major impact on the quality of preschools within our region and state," Froning said.

The courses will be offered through face-to-face instruction, as well as online. They will include an introduction to curriculum and teaching, infant-toddler development, communication arts and reading and a practicum in early childhood education.

To qualify, individuals must have an associate's degree in child development and have at least a 2.0 grade point average. Students who complete UAB's early childhood education degree program will qualify for careers in preschool, Head Start or nursery school education, state-funded pre-K education, after-school programs, early childhood program administration and more.

The UAB School of Education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation for Teacher Education (NCATE), a major accrediting body for colleges and universities that prepare teachers and other professionals to work in P-12 schools. UAB's early childhood education program is offered through the school's Department of Curriculum and Instruction.

For more information, visit the School of Education Web site at www.uab.edu/education/home

About the UAB School of Education

The UAB School of Education, online at www.uab.edu/education/home offers programs in early childhood, elementary and high school education, as well as urban education, physical and health education, special education, counseling and educational leadership and foundations. The school also offers professional development courses for working teachers and school leaders.