Information
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I start?
All students must apply to the College before they can register for any courses. Students are admitted as part of a cohort of 30-35 students, and only one team is enrolled each fall semester. The program is designed to be completed after all general education requirements have been met or an A.A. degree has been obtained. All students must attend a College of Education orientation before registering for any Early Childhood classes. Orientation dates are available from Student Academic Services (813) 974-1804.
How long will it take me to complete the program?
The program is designed to be completed in 5 semesters, following a cohort model. The cohort structure provides moral support and guarantees that you will get all the classes you need within a five semester course track. As an Early Childhood Education student you are required to follow the courses chosen for your cohort.
Can I take courses in the evenings?
Some of our courses are offered in the evenings; however, field experiences and course scheduling require availability during the day. This is a full-time program.
How many field experiences will I have?
You will have four field experiences in the Early Childhood Education Program, and each field experience is designed to cover a different grade level in the field of Early Childhood Education. Level I involves placement in a preschool level class, Level II focuses on kindergarten instruction, Level III places students in Grades 1-3, and Final Internship may focus on any grade level, ranging from preschool to grade 3.
Am I allowed to choose the school in which I intern?
No. Your placements for your Level I, II, and III Field Experiences are determined by the program faculty. Your Final Internship is determined by the School Board of the county in which you wish to intern within the USF service area.
Are there deadlines I need to be aware of?
Yes. There are deadlines for you to register for a college orientation, apply to take the Florida Teacher Certification Exam, submit your final internship application, and apply for graduation. The Early Childhood listserv was created to help better inform you of deadlines and changes in your program, but it is your responsibility to stay informed and adhere to all deadlines!
How do I know when to register?
For your first semester in the program, you will be assisted with registration after you are admitted to a cohort. Subsequent to your first semester, you will need to register yourself for all of your courses. Your schedule will be provided to you by the Undergraduate - Academic Program Specialist in the Department of Childhood Education and Literacy Studies. Your early childhood classes will not fill up; they are only for Early Childhood Students. However, you should register as early as possible for ESOL classes.
When is my registration time and day?
Registration appointments are done according to your class level and GPA. You will need to check OASIS (USF’s student access system) for your appointment time and day a week before registration starts. If you have any difficulty using OASIS, please contact the Registrar’s office at (813) 974-2000, they are there to assist you.
How do I register, what will I need?
You will need to clear all holds on your account before you can register. Also, double check your course times and days on OASIS. Sometimes courses change days and times; OASIS offers the most up to date information. You will also need to obtain permission for any permit required courses. Most distance learning courses (web based course) require permits or permission from the department. You will not be allowed to register for a permit course until you have been issued authorization. To register you will need the 5 digit reference number for all your courses and access to OASIS.
How do I know what to register for?
Your courses are given to you by the Undergraduate - Academic Program Specialist in the Department of Childhood Education and Literacy Studies. It is very important to follow the course sequence. If there are extenuating circumstances and you are unable to follow your cohort’s schedule, we will work with you to accommodate you to the best of our ability. However, we cannot guarantee you any classes. You will need to contact the Early Childhood Coordinator in advance to work out an alternative schedule.
How can I stay better informed?
Subscribe to a listserv! The Early Childhood Education listserv offers all the latest information on course changes and deadlines. Our department also offers a general information page with some helpful hints for new students. Important notices are sent out on the listservs.
To Subscribe:
- Send an e-mail to Listserver@tempest.coedu.usf.edu.
- In the body of the message write subscribe earlychild your e-mail-here (e.g., subscribe earlychild john@gte.net) make sure your e-mail is blank, do not use an autosignature u.usf.edu
AOL accounts can be problematic! Get a FREE USF e-mail account in LIB 618, 974-1222
If you have any other questions during your time at USF, please first consult the USF Undergraduate Catalog for the year you began the program or the Schedule of Classes catalog. If either of these publications is unable to answer your question, please contact the Childhood Education and Literacy Studies office at 974-3460 (EDU 202) or Student Academic Services at 974-1804 (EDU 106). You are, however, responsible for the information contained within those publications.