Early Child Education

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long is the program?
2. How can I build up hours to be able to come into the program?
3. If I work, can I continue working while in the EDC program?
4. If I’ve already had a background check done, do I need to submit another?
5. Will I be a licensed teacher (Preschool-4th grade) and able to apply for teaching jobs after I complete the program?

1. How long is the program?
20 months – Classes are held 1 to 2 nights per week and occasional Saturdays are required. Students must complete a full-time, 12-week internship to be eligible for graduation.

2. How can I build up hours to be able to come into the program?
JBU offers electives that meet either on Wednesday or Friday night, or Saturday mornings. Students can also take CLEP exams, or take courses from a regionally accredited college or university. (DANTES exams are not accepted for the Early Childhood Education program.)

3. If I work, can I continue working while in the EDC program?
You can continue to work throughout the program until your 12-week internship when you are not allowed to work. If you are working you need to be aware that the program does require you to complete field experience assignments in local schools. The schedule of field experiences will be provided at orientation so that you can make arrangements to fit them into your work schedule.

4. If I’ve already had a background check done, do I need to submit another?
Background checks that were cleared within the last year will suffice for the EDC program admission requirement. If your background check was cleared prior to a year ago, you’ll need to submit another.

5. Will I be a licensed teacher (Preschool-4th grade) and able to apply for teaching jobs after I complete the program?
Once you have met all graduation requirements, passed all required Praxis exams, submitted an application for professional licensure and been approved by the Arkansas Department of Education, you be able to apply for teaching positions.