Connecticut Governor Rell Announces Increased Access to Early Childhood Education

Connecticut’s Online College To Administer New Certification Program

January 10, 2008 -- A new program that provides an alternate route to teacher certification in Birth Through Kindergarten has been born of the efforts of Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell and the Connecticut legislature to increase access to early childhood education – and to address the workforce needs that must accompany the key initiative.

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Charter Oak State College has been designated as project administrator for the new, accelerated Alternate Route to Certification (ARC) program that begins February 18 and continues through July 30. The program, to be delivered online during the week and in-person every other weekend, includes a four-week field experience for participants seeking teacher certification.

“I am pleased that this innovative certification program, which meets all of the state’s standards, is now available for professionals who have already demonstrated a commitment to the field,” Governor Rell said. “This is an important step in meeting the shortage of certified early childhood teachers in Connecticut.”

Both the Connecticut State Department of Education and the Department of Higher Education approved the program following careful evaluation of its components. The ARC initiative is supported by a partnership that includes Charter Oak, Eastern Connecticut State University, Fairfield University, Mitchell College, Saint Joseph College, Southern Connecticut State University, the University of Connecticut and the University of Hartford. The program is built on standards established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the Council for Exceptional Children, and the departments of Education and Higher Education.

“We are proud to have played a key role in the development of this important program,” said Charter Oak president, Merle Harris, “and we are pleased to provide this certification alternative to early childhood professionals dedicated to serving the needs of Connecticut’s youth and their families.”

Prerequisites established for program participation are a bachelor’s degree with 15 hours of coursework related to early childhood education and at least three years experience in the field of Early Childhood.

Source: Connecticut Governor