Frequently Asked QUESTIONS

Is the program accredited?

This is critical, if the college is not accredited you cannot receive financial aid and courses taken may not transfer to another institution. The University of Montana Western is an accredited institution. We are accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges (NASCU) and the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Because UM W offers the early childhood minor, we must also meeet Office of Public Instruction and Montana Board of Public Education Early Education standards. In addition, the program is accredited by NCATE. NCATE is a voluntary accreditation awarded to education programs meeting national standards.

Is the college or university a Title IV institution?

If not, you will not be eligible for financial aid. University of Montana Western is a Title IV institution.

Are the courses offered for college credit?

Many internet courses from some college/universities will list clock hours. Typically this means they are not offered for college credit. These will not count as part of the degree requirements in Montana.

Does the college have an expertise in the area of early childhood?

If the college offers a minor in early childhood, is that minor approved to be offered as a permissive special competency? This means that the courses and program have been approved by the Office of Public Instruction and the Montana State Board of Education as meeting the Montana Early Childhood Education standards. If the program has been approved. this minor will be added to a teaching certificate.

Does the program meet national standards for Early Childhood Education?

Some of the questions that you might want to ask in regards to meeting national standards are:

	What are the qualifications of the instructors (both educational and experiential)?
	Does the faculty engage in professional development?
	What is the ratio of faculty to students?
	Do faculty use a variety of teaching methods and strategies?
	Does the program include coursework specifically addressing the early years in the following areas: child development and learning; curriculum development and implementation; guidance techniques; safe, healthy learning environments; working with diversity; family and community relationships; assessment; managing program; and professionalism.
	Does the program provide a minimum of 300 hours of practicum or field experiences in early childhood settings
	Does the program articulate with other degrees and institutions? If you choose to continue on to the next higher degree, can you do this without loosing credits?

Questions to ask if you are taking an individual course:

How does the course fit within the degree you are seeking? Has the college you are going to transfer the course to approved for the transferring course?

How and where can I get more information?

Call the School of Outreach at 1-866-799-9140 or the Early Childhood Education program at 1-406-683-7176 for more information or to ask any other questions that are not answered here.