EDUC-Education

The motto of the Education program is “Teach and Grow.” Each year, Carroll Community College serves students who have made the decision to teach and make a positive impact on students. The College offers several pathways to teaching for:

• students wishing to transfer to a four-year education program and teach early childhood, elementary, special education, middle and high school
• conditional teachers and certified teachers seeking MSDE approved courses for certification
• students interested in working in the field of early care and education

Students are encouraged to work with the designated education advisor, Brittany Baer, room A102, or the Education faculty advisor noted on the following degree program pages. Students requesting course substitutions must make the request to the Education, Transitional Studies and Academic Services division chairperson.

Transfer Degree Programs to Four-Year Education College/Universities

The Associate of Arts in Teaching degree provides the opportunity for a seamless transfer to Maryland state and private colleges for early childhood and/or early childhood special education (PreK-3rd grade), elementary education and/or elementary special education (1-6th grade), and secondary education (7-12th grade) in chemistry, English, math, and Spanish. To receive the degree, students must have a 2.750 GPA, and complete the Basic Skills Assessment Requirement as established by the Maryland State Department of Education.

Students in the AAT Elementary Education/Elementary Special Education should see an Education advisor regarding a substitution to replace GEOSC 100  for best transfer to Towson University’s Elementary Education or Elementary Special Education programs. Students in the AAT Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood Special Education should see an Education advisor regarding a substitution to replace GEOSC 100  for the best transfer to Towson University’s Early Childhood Special Education program. GEOSC 100  will transfer to Towson University’s Early Childhood Education program.

The Associate of Arts (A.A.) in Teacher Education is designed for students entering secondary education fields not covered by an A.A.T. Students planning to major in middle school (4-8th grade) as well as physical education, music, health, and art (Pre-K-12th grade) are encouraged to meet with an Education faculty advisor or program director for course recommendations.

Education Field Experiences

All students in the A.A.S., A.A.T. and A.A. Education programs complete early, intentional, and ongoing field placements in the classrooms of Carroll County Public Schools, Head Start, and other community partners. Students must be in good academic standing (2.000 GPA) in order to participate in field experiences; one field experience is allowed each term. Students who have transferred to Carroll Community College from another college or university and wish to participate in a field placement in the first semester enrolled at Carroll must provide a transcript that documents a 2.000 GPA at the former institution. Students who fail an Education or Early Childhood Education field experience cannot enroll in future field experiences at the College.

Students must complete or be exempt from Transitional Mathematics (MAT 095 ) as well as have a cumulative GPA of 3.000 or have attempted one of the following Basic Skills Tests order to enroll in EDUC 201  and ECE 270 .

Basic Skills Assessment Requirement 

AAT degree candidates must meet the Basic Skills Assessments degree requirement in one of the following ways: achieve an overall GPA of 3.000 at the completion of the degree or present qualifying skills  on the Praxis Core exam, SAT, ACT, or GRE as determined by the Maryland State Department of Education. Students are encouraged to work with the Basic Skills Advisor, Ms. Marsha Nusbaum. Since Basic Skills requirements can vary among Maryland colleges/universities for entrance to a bachelor or graduate level Education program, AAT students must confirm the best way to meet this degree requirement. Students who have not met this requirement are prohibited from attending commencement.

For up-to-date information about MSDE-approved paths to satisfying the Basic Skills Assessment Requirement, visit   http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/about/Pages/DEE/Certification/testing_info/praxis1.aspx. 

These are the approved methods and required scores as of this printing:

A.A.T. students may not participate in the May graduation ceremony if they have not met the Basic Skills Test degree requirement. Students may see an Education faculty advisor if they wish to explore degree options that do not include a basic skills requirement.

Associate of Arts (A.A.) in Teacher Education and Associate of Applied Sciences (A.A.S.) in Early Childhood Education candidates will need to meet the Basic Skills Requirement as a screening tool for their four-year Education program! This is not a requirement for the A.A. Teacher Education degree.

Early Childhood Education Programs for Child Care Professionals

Students can pursue the Associate of Applied Sciences, which prepares them for employment in child care centers or as an independent child care provider.

Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) is now accepting ECE 101 , Introduction to Early Childhood Education, plus age-specific courses to meet State requirements for 90-clock-hour certifications:

ECE 101  with ECE 105  meets state requirements for 90 clock hours of training with infants and toddlers in a childcare setting.

ECE 101  with ECE 104  meets state requirements for 90 clock hours of training in preschool care.

ECE 101  with ECE 115  meets state requirements for 90 clock hours of training in school-aged care.

Credit for prior Learning/CDA Certificate

The Council for Professional Recognition promotes improved performance and recognition of professionals in the early childhood education of children ages birth to 5 years old. Students who possess a National Credential Program Child Development Associate (CDA) may receive credit for ECE 100 - Introduction to Early Childhood Ed , and ECE 110 - Nutrition, Health, & Safety in Early Childhood Education . Complete the enrollment application, register for courses, and present the original document to the program director for validation. The director will forward a copy to the Records Office for posting of credit. Fees apply.

Teacher Certification Coursework for Bachelor or Higher Degree Holders

Education faculty members work closely with conditional teachers who have a bachelor’s or higher degree in a critical need content area (chemistry, physics, biology, world languages) in Carroll County Public Schools and other public/private school systems. These students are hired as full-time conditional teachers by the school system and must complete education courses, a successful first year of teaching, and a Basic Skills test and Praxis II exams. Conditional teachers also work closely with an MSDE certification specialist who has evaluated their transcripts. Career Changers interested in other content areas are encouraged to explore programs at the bachelor and graduate levels.

Child Care Career and Professional Development Fund Award

The Maryland State Department of Education/Office of Child Care provides funding through the above award to credentialed child care providers who wish to pursue a college degree in early childhood education. Students interested in this grant can contact the Early Childhood Education Program Director for application materials.

Teach and Grow!