Navigating a school and a program can be quite overwhelming.  The following document is intended to answer some of your questions about the Henry Ford Community College Pre-Education Program.

Why does the College have a Pre-Education Program?

Several years ago, students who attended HFCC would transfer their courses to a four-year school and some of those courses might not have been used towards the bachelor’s degree.  To prevent that from happening, several instructors formed the Pre-Education Committee and worked to develop courses such as the Children’s Literature, Instructional Technology for Teachers, and Educational Psychology.  Further, they constructed the programs that gave students a structured set of classes to complete at the College.  A final step in this process was the negotiation of articulation agreements that formalize the transfer of coursework from HFCC to the universities.  These agreements specify the courses that students take at HFCC and the equivalent university courses. They also ensure the transfer of courses specified by the agreement. 

With which universities does the College have agreements?

The College has agreements with Eastern Michigan University, Marygrove College, the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and Wayne State University.  The College also has strong transfer guides with Central Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, University of Detroit-Mercy, and Western Michigan University.

 Where are these agreements and guides located?

Current articulation and transfer guides can be found in the Counseling Office in file cabinet near the secretary’s desk.  They are also available on some university web sites, such as Wayne State University or Eastern Michigan University and you can find a list of online transfer guides on our Counseling Office's Web site.

What programs are found in the Pre-Education Program?

The Pre-Education Program consists of the Certificate of Achievement in Child Development, the Associate in Arts in Child Development, the Education Paraprofessional Certificate of Achievement, the Pre-Elementary Education Program, the Pre-Secondary Education Program, and the Pre-Special Education Program.

How can I get Information on all of the programs?

The Pre-Education Council offers information sessions each fall and spring, group advising sessions prior to registration each fall and winter semesters, and a conference each fall. At each, program faculty discuss valuable information about the program, class scheduling, and transfer issues. The conference, scheduled for November 11, 2006, offers students an opportunity to meet hear a Michigan Department of Education representative discuss information on certification and testing. Also, admissions and school of education representatives from five universities are available throughout the conference to discuss their programs and answer questions. An abundance of information is available on Henry Ford’s Programs of Study Web page. Faculty discuss courses; counselors talk about the programs and transfer issues; and, admissions representatives are available to answer questions. Watch for flyers, posters, and email alerts for these and other programs.

 You can also find information in the catalog, and of course, ask other students!

Is there a special order in which I should take courses?

The programs differ in many ways. The Pre-Secondary Program provides students the opportunity to complete general education requirements, professional courses, and content courses for their major or minor. Students should map out their work so that courses that require sequencing are started early. As an example, students should begin composition courses immediately so that they can complete them and use the skills learned in these courses in other courses. We encourage students to complete the CIS 223-Instructional Technology for Teachers early in their program so that the skills learned in this class can be used throughout their courses.

The Pre-Elementary and Pre-Special Education Programs include many common courses. As with the Pre-Secondary students, students are encouraged to complete the CIS 221- Instructional Technology for Teachers early in their program. Also, students are encouraged to begin the mathematics and composition sequences as soon as you enter HFCC. There are several courses in each sequence, so starting early will allow you to complete these sequences at HFCC.

A sample first year might look like:

*Check guides for the institution to which you intend to transfer to ensure transferability

Some students register for additional courses. You should consider your home and work schedules when registering for courses.

 Child Development Program

I want the CDA.  Is the HFCC Child Development Certificate the same thing?

No, the HFCC Child Development Certificate of Achievement is a 15 credit program that provides information on the 13 competencies necessary for the national CDA.  The HFCC program requires that students complete PSY 131-Introduction to Psychology, PSY 152-Child Psychology, CHD 201-Introduction to Creative Child Care, CHD 202-Assessment and Portfolio Preparation, and HPE 260-Health, Nutrition, and Physical Education for the Classroom Teacher.  The following new courses were first offered beginning winter 2005 are CHD 221-School Age Child Care and CHD 222-School Age Assessment and Portfolio Preparation.

HFCC added CHD 205 – Infant and Toddler Care and CHD 241 – Developmentally – Appropriate Practices in Child Care Center Administration to provide professional development courses for child development workers.

The CDA (Child Development Associate) national credential requires candidates to demonstrate knowledge of the 13 competencies on written and oral tests as well as complete 480 hours of work with children in child development settings.  Further information on the CDA can be found at http://www.cdacouncil.org/.

Is there any financial assistance for child development workers?

The Michigan Community Coordinated Child Care (4C) Association offers TEACH scholarships for course work and the CDA Assessment.  For information call Melissa Graham at 1-866-424-4532 extension 26. Melissa is the TEACH advisor for HFCC students.

After receiving my CDA, why would I want to continue with the Associates Degree in Child Development?

The Associates Degree in Child Development is a strong program for people who wish to work in a child development setting.  Some centers require an associate’s degree for people who wish to teach in these settings.

How do I go about renewing my CDA?

A CDA credential is valid for a few years.  It can be renewed for 5 year periods.  A renewal packet can be purchased for $10 (plus a $4 handling fee) by contacting the CDA Council at http://www.cdacouncil.org/cda/renew.htm. You may also receive this information by calling 1-800-424-4310. You can also order by fax at 1-202-462-6184.

Write them at:

Council for Professional Recognition

2460 16th Street NW

Washington, DC 20009

All renewal candidates must:

• Document a current Red Cross or other agency First Aid Certificate
• Document that they have complete 4.5 continuing education units or a 3-credit hour course in early childhood education/child development, principles of adult learning, mental health counseling, or other areas suitable for this work.  This coursework must be in addition to the original 120 hours required for the original certificate.
• Document a minimum of 80 hours of work experience with your children or families of young children within the past year.
• Have an Early Childhood Education Professional complete a letter of recommendation form regarding competence with young children.
• Document current membership in a national or local early childhood professional organization.

This information is found at the above web site.

What courses are available for child development professionals?

The Child Development Program includes PSY 131-Introduction to Psychology, PSY 152- Child Psychology, CHD 201-Introduction to Child Care, CHD 202- CDA Portfolio and Assessment Preparation, and HPE 260- Nutrition, Health, and Physical Education for the Classroom Teacher.

New courses are being developed. CHD 205- Infant and Toddler Care will be offered this fall as well as CHD 222-CDA School-age portfolio preparation. These courses are intended to help child development workers deeper knowledge of children and caring for them.

HFCC added CHD 205 – Infant and Toddler Care and CHD 241 – Developmentally – Appropriate Practices in Child Care Center Administration to provide professional development courses for child development workers.

I want to teach kindergarten through third grade.  Is the Child Development Program right for me?

The Associate in Arts in Child Development may be the right program for you if you wish to work in a child care setting while pursuing teacher certification.  The certificate and national CDA will allow you to work as a lead teacher in such a setting.  For teacher certification, you must have a bachelor’s degree in a state approved teacher certification program.  HFCC’s Pre-Elementary Education Program articulates to several four-year schools.  Program courses transfer to the major universities in the state of Michigan.  This program is the most direct program for students who wish to complete a four-year degree and apply for teacher certification with the early childhood (ZA) endorsement.

Associate Degree Programs

Pre-Elementary Education

The Associate in Arts with a Concentration in Pre-Elementary Education is designed for the person wishing to complete a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and pursue a teaching career working with children grades K through 8.   Additionally, this degree may be used by education paraprofessionals who wish to enhance their skills and advance as a paraprofessional.

The degree consists of 60 to 62 credits allowing the student to complete work in general education requirements, pre-elementary education courses, and electives related to major and minor teaching fields. 

Articulation agreements with Eastern Michigan University, Marygrove College, the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and Wayne State University guarantee the transfer of courses specified in these documents.  This allows for a seamless transfer for students wishing to complete their work at these institutions.  Strong transfer guides have been developed with several additional teacher training institutions in Michigan.  Students should consult these guides found in the Counseling Office or on their Web page , to select courses that transfer to their chosen transfer institution.

Pre-Seconday Education

The Associate in Arts with a Concentration in Pre-Secondary Education is designed for the person wishing to complete a bachelor’s degree and seek secondary certification.  This certification will enable one to teach grades 7 through 12. 

The degree consists of 60 – 62 credits that allow the student to complete coursework in general education requirements and begin coursework in teaching major and minor areas.  The student may elect CIS 223 Instructional Technology for Secondary Teachers and PSY 256/294 Educational Psychology.

Articulation agreements with Eastern Michigan University, Marygrove College, the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and Wayne State University guarantee the transfer of courses specified in these documents.  This allows for a seamless transfer for students wishing to complete their work at these institutions.  Strong transfer guides have been developed with several additional teacher training institutions in Michigan.  Students should consult these guides found in the Counseling Office or on thier Web page , to select courses that transfer to their chosen transfer institution.

Pre-Special Education

The Associate in Arts with a Concentration in Pre-Special Education is designed for the person wishing to complete a program leading to special education certification. 

The degree consists of 60 – 62 credits that allow the student to complete coursework in general education requirements for special education programs.  Strong transfer guides have been developed with several teacher training institutions in Michigan that offer special education.  Students should consult these guides found in the Counseling Office or on their Web page, to select courses that transfer to their chosen transfer institution.

Questions on State Requirements

What requirements does the state have for a provisional teaching certificate?

The state requires that people applying for a teaching certificate complete:

• A teachable major and minor for secondary education
• Elementary program and two teacher minors for elementary grades (there are some options.)
• Completion of all Michigan’s Entry Level standards
• Passing the Basic Skills and Content Tests
• Professional educator coursework and student teaching

State Required Testing

Before being admitted to a school of education, students must pass the reading, writing, and mathematics portions of the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification. When you are at the end of your course work at HFCC, you should take this test.  You can register online for the course at http://www.mttc.nesinc.com. If you want to order a test registration booklet, call 1-800-823-9225.

Preparation for the Basis Skills Test

The Basic Skills Test consists of mathematics, reading, and writing tests.  To help prepare for this test, a handout has been prepared that identifies the learning lab materials that will help you review for this test.  You may ask for this guide at the front desk of the Learning Lab which is located on the second floor of the Learning Resource Center.  If you have difficulty in any of these areas, allow yourself ample time to prepare for this test.

If you have questions or recommendations for additions to this FAQ packet, please email Deborah Zopf at DZopf@hfcc.edu.