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Early Childhood Development/Education

Disclaimer: This information is intended to be a means of giving students answers to questions that may come up in enrollment in the Early Childhood Program. This information contained in this document has been compiled to the best of our ability using the information available to us. This information is not intended to constitute legal advice or substitute for obtaining legal advice. We apologize for errors or outdated links and ask that you notify us so that we can update changes or errors. You should consult an authority of the Early Childhood Program for final and updated information. 

Admission to J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College is open to anyone with a High School diploma, a GED, a certificate of completion of home schooling, or who has passed the Ability to Benefit test. You may select either a curricular (if you plan to earn a degree or certificate) or non
curricular program.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the various Program options in Early Childhood Education at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College?

In the Early Childhood Development Program we have an educational career ladder that is designed to provide students with courses that build each other to move toward an associated degree.
 

bulletCareer Studies Early Childhood Education- 15 credits

http://www.jsr.vccs.edu/curriculum/programs/Early_Childhood_EducationCSC.htm

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Advanced Career Studies  Early Childhood Education – 12 credits

http://www.jsr.vccs.edu/curriculum/programs/Early_Childhood_Education_AdvCSC.htm

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Career Studies School Age Child Care-  18 credits

http://www.jsr.vccs.edu/curriculum/programs/Early_Childhood_School_AgeCSC.htm

bullet
Certificate in Early Childhood Development –33 credits 

http://www.jsr.vccs.edu/curriculum/programs/Early_Childhood_DevelopmentC.htm

bulletAssociate in Applied Sciences – Early Childhood Development – 65 credits


http://www.jsr.vccs.edu/curriculum/programs/Early_Childhood_DevelopmentAAS.htm

Can I take any courses in any sequence?

There is a suggested sequence outlined for smooth transition of degree plans. You may take the courses out of sequence based on availability. It is recommended that students take CHD 120: Introduction to Early Childhood first for the foundation to the program and field of child care and early childhood. Students are advised to meet with an academic advisor for further questions. 

What are the career options for me after receiving the two-year associate’s degree or one year certificate?

bulletTeacher in child care center, teacher aid, preschool teacher, Early Head Start Teacher and Head Start Programs.
bulletDirector of preschool and child care facility
bulletFamily day care provider

Note: There are diverse programs and requirements in the field. It is recommended that the student investigate their individual career intentions for qualifications and training needed.

How do I get started at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College?

http://www.jsr.vccs.edu/jsr_ar/how_to_enroll.htm

Where do I begin to start taking classes in Early Childhood Education at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College? 

·        You should contact the Program Head of Early Childhood  -

Sheryl White, Professor

J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College

Early Childhood Development

Downtown Campus Room 385

(804) 523-5539

swhite@reynolds.edu

            or

Kathy Larue, Assistant Professor

J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College

Early Childhood Development

Downtown Campus Room 322

(804) 523-5339

mlarue@reynolds.edu

            or

The School of Mathematics & Sciences –Downtown Campus

Room 617

804-523-5374
 

·        You should meet with the colleges access center for program admission, placement test and financial aid options

 

How long does a program of study take?

Depending on the program it may take one semester for a career studies certificate; one year for a certificate and two years for the associate’s degree program. 

What if I will not be able to take but one or two classes a semester?  Can I still enroll in the program?

Yes, with the understanding that it will take longer to complete the certificates or degree.

I am not the age of college students, how difficult will it be to return to or start college?

Not difficult at all.  If you have the desire and the dedication to studying hard and putting forth your best effort, you will succeed.  The college also has student support services to help you with tutoring, study skills and test taking strategies.

How much does it cost to attend a class?

TUITION RATES beginning in the Fall 2006 semester
In-State resident: $81.55 per semester credit hour
Out-of State resident: $246.60 per semester credit hour

A student's residence status is determined by Section 23-7.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Domicile Exceptions - Certain students who are in the United States on a nonimmigrant visa are eligible to establish domicile in the state of Virginia, and are, therefore, eligible for our in-state tuition rates. The student must provide necessary immigration and/or state financial documentation to the Central Admissions and Records Office. To appeal an Out-of State status you must file an

Application for Re-classification of Student's Domicile Status with the Central Admissions and Records Office.

If you have questions, please email Leslie Munson or call 804-523-5029.

What methods of payment for tuition are available?

METHODS OF TUITION PAYMENT

Touch Tone Telephone Call 804-371-3308 to connect to REYNET. Press 2 for Registration and Payment and follow the instructions. The telephone registration and payment system accepts charges to your Financial Aid account, VISA, Mastercard, and Discover credit cards.

In Person at any campus Business Office during regular office hours and registration hours. You may pay in person with cash, check, money order, credit card or your Financial Aid account.

Online you may pay online with a Visa, MasterCard or Discover credit card. Instructions for paying online Logon to My JSRCC.

Payment by Third Party If your tuition is being paid by your employer, another party or multiple sources, you will need to contact and come by one of our Business Offices.

FACTS Tuition Payment Plan to help meet students’ educational expenses, JSRCC provides access to the FACTS e-Cashier Automatic Payment Program. For a non-refundable fee, FACTS allows students to pay their tuition in monthly (2-4 months), interest-free payments. The earlier students enroll in the program, the more likely the lowest monthly payment option will be available.

FACTS E-Cashier
>> Download the FACTS brochure to learn more

 

TUITION REFUNDS

Students must drop classes they do not wish to take by submitting an Add/Drop form to an Access Center or by utilizing the web or REYNET by the published drop deadline. Refunds are processed after the Last Day to Drop with Refund and take approximately three weeks to be received. All tuition refunds are issued to students in the form of a check from the Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Refunds for students whose payments were made via Reynolds Online will be credited to the debit or credit card from which the tuition was paid.

Refunds for drops for special session courses (shorter or longer course duration and/or offered at times other than the published semester begin date) will be permitted through the first 15% of the course length. Students should verify the refund deadline for such courses at an Access Center and ensure their mailing address on file with the college is accurate. Refund processing times for special session courses take approximately four weeks to be received.

What options are available for financial aid/tuition/financial assistance?

·        Students may contact the college for financial aid information.

·        Virginia Child Care Provider Scholarship program

·        TEACH VA
 

What is the Virginia Childcare Provider Scholarship Program.

Can I qualify for the Virginia Child Care Scholarship?

The Virginia Child Care Provider Scholarship Program provides tuition assistance to those employed in child care, and those who plan to enter the field of early childhood, or those wishing to attend classes in child care development, child care administration taught at Virginia’s institutions of higher learning.   They will pay for a total of eight (8) courses per student.  Two courses maximum a semester. To determine if you qualify and for further information visit the

VIRGINIA CHILD CARE PROVIDER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Provided by: Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS)

Now Administered by: Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC)

1-866-636-1608 OR 703-257-6579

Email: childcare.scholarship@nvcc.edu

Web site: http://www.dss.virginia.gov/family/cc/scholarship.html

It is highly recommended that you mail your application no less than 3 weeks prior to the registration deadline at your institution. This should allow sufficient time for NVCC to receive and process your application. Applications are processed in the order in which they are received.This practice does not allow for applications to be processed out of order. Therefore, you need to allow for peak volume periods. Application periods each year are: June 1-August 10 for Fall semesters, October 15-December 15 for Spring semesters, March 15-May 1 for Summer semesters.

Inquiries about the Status of an Application

Most applications are processed within seven to ten days of receipt, which means that applicants should receive notification within 21 days of mailing their applications. Generally, we ask that applicants allow a minimum of 21 days from the date the application form was mailed before inquiring about the status of the application. This will help expedite the application process for everyone. One exception to this practice is when the application is mailed less than 21 days prior to the application period’s deadline date.

Who can verify my courses and Virginia Domicile Status?

A College Admission Representative located in the Access center. 

You may want to call ahead to make sure an authorized person is available to notarize and verify your form. The numbers to call are:

Access Center – Downtown Campus                (804)523-5455

Access Center - Parham Road                          (804)523-5368

Access Center – Western Campus                    (804)662-6400

Will JSRCC notify me if I receive a DSS Scholarship?

Notification is provided to all applicants from. 

VIRGINIA CHILD CARE PROVIDER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Provided by: Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS)

Now Administered by: Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC)

1-866-636-1608 OR 703-257-6579

Email: childcare.scholarship@nvcc.edu

Web site: http://www.dss.virginia.gov/family/cc/scholarship.html

What do I do with the Scholarship letter once I receive it?

Your scholarship award letter is your method of payment.  It should be taken to the colleges’ business office and given to the cashier to apply payment for your course.  You are required to pay the Auxiliary Fees and Activity Fees.

I have misplaced or lost my scholarship letter. What can I do to still register?

Contact Northern Virginia Community

VIRGINIA CHILD CARE PROVIDER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Provided by: Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS)

Now Administered by: Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC)

1-866-636-1608 OR 703-257-6579

Email: childcare.scholarship@nvcc.edu

Web site: http://www.dss.virginia.gov/family/cc/scholarship.html

Or you may verify your award with the college business office.  The Department of Social Services and NOVA send an updated award letter to the business office.  You may have your course award verified with that office.

My class was cancelled, and I received a scholarship from The Department of Social Services Child Day Care and I need have another class approved.  What Do I do?

You will need to contact Northern Virginia Community College by fax 1-703-257-9296 to inform them of your cancelled course.  You should include the following information: Name, Empl ID #

College, Course Cancelled, Course Substitution Requested, Fax Number to receive award letter. You then should add/drop and take the new award letter to the business office.     

What are the eligibility requirements for participation in TEACH VA?

Child care center staff working with children in licensed centers or any licensed, voluntarily registered, or certified family child care provider meeting the following criteria are eligible to apply for a scholarship: Employed a minimum of 30 hours per week in a child care center or home and have worked for their current employer for at least 12 months prior to applying for the teach scholarship. Students should hold a high school diploma or GED.  Scholarships are awarded on the basis of need and commitment to early childhood education and contingent on available funding. TEACH – VA provides scholarships and increased compensation for child care providers to earn credentials up to an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education at a local community college. Contact TEACH staff at Voices for Virginia’s Children for scholarship applications and additional information at 1-866-543-7682 (toll free), 804-643-4900 or Catherine@vakids.org. You can also get information on their website at: http://www.vakids.org/work/teach.html

What If I am interested in Elementary Education? Will the Early Childhood Program prepare me for that career?

No, the early childhood program is an occupational training program; it prepares one for direct transition into the job (or occupation). 

For students desiring to teach in the public schools, the Liberal Arts Degree is better suited to allow transfer to a four year college to pursue teacher education.  Consult an advisor from the School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences for details.

What if I have been convicted of a felony?

In cases where a student has a felony conviction on their required criminal record check, see the faculty member for more details on possible options.  If the felony involved abuse, the student will not be able to find employment in this career field.

How can I find out if my previous experiences and college credits can fit into the program requirements?

Contact Sheryl White, Program Head, swhite@reynolds.edu, (email); or (804) 523-5539 to arrange for a personal interview.

Will My Credits Transfer from other colleges?

The Program Head or Advisor will review official transcripts to determine if a course or courses are comparable to required program courses.  The student is hereby notified that the final decision rest with the colleges Admissions and Records Office.

bulletThe program head will evaluate courses from accredited colleges and universities for which a grade of C or better will be considered for transfer.  Students must complete 25% of their program credits at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College in order to receive a degree.

Will the Associates Degree transfer to a four year college?

See an academic advisor in early childhood for details.

 What if I complete the career studies and certificate program and then want to get a degree?

Credits from the certificate program can be accepted into the degree program.  Consult with an academic advisor for details or what courses.  The majority of courses from the certificate courses (except the School Age Child Care courses) can be transferred into the degree program.  Consult with an early childhood advisor for details.

Can I get credit for my experience and for what I already know?

Only course work from an accredited college or university can be accepted.  Official college/university transcripts are evaluated by the program head for consideration

I have a Child Development Associate Certification; will this be accepted as credit?

The Program Head will determine if the training and education are accepted towards course credit.  You will need to provide the documentation and certification on completed

Child Development Associate credentials for evaluation to be considered.  Consult an academic advisor.

Does my career experience count towards the courses in the degree?

No, unfortunately, there has to be college credit from an accredited college or university for the credit to be given.

Is there assistance or a facility for child care available?

Currently, there is not child care facility or services available.

What is required in the Coordinated Internship?

A field internship in an approved childcare center is required. It is a planned learning experience for the purpose of pulling together theories and practices learned in the classroom. Students should have completed at least 18 credits of CHD courses before enrolling in the coordinated internships. A Criminal Record Clearance/Sex Offender Registry check is required for placement and volunteering. See the program head for a list of convictions that will prevent employment. The student will be expected to complete a tuberculosis test before internship placement.

 

bulletStudents must have completed 18 credits of child care courses before attempting the coordinated internship.
bulletThere are two courses – CHD 190 (2 credits) and CHD 290 (3 credits) coordinated internships.  Students are required to complete 90-140 hours in an approved child care facility.  A criminal check and tuberculosis test is required.  Students will plan, develop and teach an integrated curriculum designed around an award winning children’s book. A completed portfolio is submitted along with a supervisor evaluation for a final grade.

Can I do my Coordinated Internship where I work?

All coordinated internships sites are approved by the Program Head.  A student who wishes to do it at his/her place of employment will write a letter of request for consideration. 

I am a family home provider; can I do my internship in my own center?

No, the internship requires a practicum experience which is evaluated by a supervising teacher. You should consult with the program head for your individual needs. 

I currently have first aid certification and a CPR certification. Will it count towards my required course HLT 100, HLT 105 and HLT 106?

Students must have a valid first aid and CPR certification in order to be eligible for graduation. Valid cards must be filed with the program head or central admissions office prior to graduation and expiration

If the training was administered by American Heart or the Red Cross and is valid, it can be accepted for the course(s).  See an academic advisor for further details.

Can I take distance education courses and traditional courses at the same time?

Yes.

If I take classes on-line, how often will I have to meet at the college?

It varies from instructor to instructor.  Most will meet on an average of 3 times a semester.

Is the entire Early Childhood Development Certificate or AAS program on line?

Yes, all the courses in the AAS program are on-line. They are not however, offered every semester.  Please refer to the schedule for classes for options.

Program Notes: In addition to the general college curricular admission requirements, all entering students will be required to take placement tests in math, writing and reading to aid placement in the appropriate courses. Students who do not meet required placement levels must enroll in developmental studies courses. It is recommended that students arrange for a personal interview and advising appointment with the program head.

It is recommended that students take courses in the sequence listed in the catalog. Students must attain a grade of "C" or higher in all courses with CHD, HLT, PSY, and EDU prefixes.  Students can graduate in other courses with a grade of “D”, however they may retake for a better grade.

Computer Competency Requirement: Students in this program will meet the college’s computer competency requirement by successfully completing ITE 115. Students can also meet this requirement by passing the college’s computer competency exam, administered in the testing centers on each campus, in which case they will receive college credit for ITE 115. Students not passing the Graduatescomputer competency exam may retake the exam only once.

GRADUATION

A curricular student eligible for graduation is required to complete and submit an Application for Graduation for each degree, certificate or career studies certificate program to the Central Admissions and Records Office or the campus Student Access Center by the deadline for that semester or term. If a student files for graduation, but does not graduate, the student must reapply for a later graduation date. Students may graduate after fall, spring or summer terms.

Additional Graduation Guidelines:

bullet

To be awarded a degree or certificate, the student must complete all program requirements as specified in their catalog with a minimum of 25% of credits earned at JSRCC.
 

bullet

The student must earn a grade point average of at least 2.000 in the curriculum.
 

bullet

The student must submit all documentation of training, education, or tests from organizations outside of the college to the Admissions and Records Office by the last day of classes in the final semester. All JSRCC class must also be completed by the last day of classes in the final semester. Incomplete grades and print-based classes must be completed by this time in order to be used for graduation.
 

bullet

The School Dean for the curriculum must recommend the student for graduation, and the Registrar must certify completion of all graduation requirements.
 

bullet

The student must resolve all financial obligations with the college and must return all library and college materials

 

 

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PO BOX 85622   Richmond, Virginia, USA  23285-5622 
(804.371.3000)

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