Frequently Asked Questions
Where will classes be held and when do they start?
A new cycle of courses will begin each fall. Contact the program administrator for current locations. Students may take two classes a semester, including summers, so that you could complete the program in as little as 18 months. The class order is listed lower in this section. All classes follow a numerical order except for EDUC 681 Emergent Literacy which is the fifth course in the program cycle.
How do I register for classes?
Students will need to call 1-888-484-0111 to register for classes. Specific course information is available on the main Graduate School of Education Web site.
When will the classes be offered?
Fall: EDUC 526 Intro to Early Childhood (1 cr) and EDUC 530 Movement and Play (2 cr)
Winter/Spring: EDUC 552 Early Childhood Curriculum and Assessment I (2 cr) & EDUC 553 Early Childhood Curriculum and Assessment II (2 cr)
Summer: EDUC 681 Emergent Literacy PK-3 (3 cr) and EDUC 557 Creative Arts for Young Children (2 cr)
Fall: EDUC 564 Family and Community in ECE (2 cr) and EDUC 558 Inclusive Early Childhood Education (2 cr)
Spring: EDUC 581 Student Teaching in ECE (3 cr) Could be taken in summer if it fits into your school schedule better.
Each pair of classes will be offered in multiple locations in Wisconsin. Classes are not offered on-line in this program.
Will there be a Praxis Exam required for this license?
Yes, students will need to pass the Praxis II 0014 (paper) or 5014 (computer), Elementary Education: Content Knowledge, exam which covers birth to age eight plus birth to age 11. A passing score is 147. The Viterbo recipient code is RA 1878. The link to the Educational Testing Service is www.ets.org/praxis. Students are able to register on this site, and contact information is available if you have any questions.
Will financial aid be available for this program?
In order to maintain low tuition rates and program flexibility, the Viterbo ECE licensure graduate program is not financial aid eligible. Financial aid alternatives.
How long do I have to complete this program?
All Viterbo graduate programs require completion within seven years.
Will there be a portfolio requirement for this license?
Yes. As required under PI-34, portfolio assessment will be a program requirement. We train you how to use our on-line portfolio in the Curriculum and Assessment II course and will provide assistance throughout the program. Portfolios are due to the program administrator upon completion of the program and will require two artifacts each for NAEYC Initial Licensure Standards 1-6. A Teacher Work Sample will not be required.
Will there be a field experience component?
Yes. We will require students to complete and log a total of 25 hours. Hours may be completed in a public school, private school or in a daycare center. Students will need to obtain prior approval from the program administrator for your placement(s). For more details refer to the field experience section.
How will student teaching and field experience applications be handled?
Students must have a cumulative gpa of 3.0 or above, have received a grade of C or better on all classes, have passed all program courses, have completed 25 hours of field experience, and have passed the Praxis II exam and the Foundations of Reading test to be eligible for student teaching. 150 hours will be required for this program. Students will need to locate their own placements* by seeking out a high quality PK–K school that has a certified PK–K teacher who will allow the student to student teach in their classroom. Placements will be allowed in both public and private schools and also in licensed daycare facilities. The placement must then be shared with the program administrator for final approval. We require students to work with a licensed kindergarten teacher for student teaching or field experience to ensure they obtain some kindergarten experience. Students will need to log their hours, teach classes, and work on preparing lessons and activities for the classroom. Students must teach a minimum of one unit. Upon completion, the cooperating teacher and university supervisor will assign a grade to the student teacher and submit it to the program administrator. Student teaching evaluation forms are available on this website. *Students in the greater La Crosse Area will have to apply for student teaching, but will need to contact the program administrator to have placements made for them.
When does student teaching take place?
Student teaching is the capstone course and must be completed within one year of completing the final program course. A student teaching application must be completed and returned to the program coordinator for approval before registering to student teach.
Can the 150 hours of student teaching be lowered due to previous job experience?
Yes, if you have prior teaching experience at the PK–K levels, you may have some of these hours waived if you qualify. The decision to waive hours will be up to the program specialist.
How do I renew this license?
Students that received their first license before August 30, 2004 (Pre PI-34) can renew this new ECE license with either a Professional Development Plan or the traditional six credits. We suggest you renew your licenses so they all expire at the same time. If you received your initial license after August 30, 2004 you will need to renew both licenses with a Professional Development Plan.
How do I apply for my license?
When a student has successfully completed all licensure requirements he/she is eligible to apply for a license from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. To apply, students must fill out the correct DPI application provided for you at this link: http://dpi.wi.gov/forms/pdf/f1602-is.pdf When you finish completing the form you will mail it to Viterbo for the signature of the licensing officer: Viterbo University, ATTN: Ruth Badciong, 900 Viterbo Drive, La Crosse, WI 54601. After the application is signed we will mail it to the DPI. Students will not need to send a transcript.
Questions? Please contact Ruth Badciong at 608-796-3388 or rebadciong@viterbo.edu.