How do I register?
You can register for a course by first being admitted as a degree-seeking or non-degree seeking student. If you have not taken a class since Summer 2004, go to the Registration Link www.uaa.alaska.edu/admissions/wizard.cfm
There is a new Class Schedule printed for each semester. They are available free on campus usually several months before each semester begins. Complete the list of the courses you want to take on the forms provided in the schedule. You may then register for the courses you want following the directions for registration in the Class Schedule.
Most Early Childhood Development classes permit only 20 or 25 students to register. For this reason, you should register as soon as possible after the Class Schedule becomes available.
What if a course I want is closed?
If another course can be substituted, that can be the best alternative. Within the GER requirements, this is often possible. If the course is required for your graduation, you can see the professor to request special permission to take the course. ECD courses are offered on a rotation basis. Only ECD 105 and Psych 245 are offered both Spring and Fall semester of every year. Therefore, it is important to plan a schedule with your advisor to be sure you do not miss a class you will need.
How do I enroll in the program?
Complete the enrollment form found on the web, or at the Enrollment Services Office in University Center (38th and Old Seward Hwy). You will need to send for official high school transcripts or submit your GED. If you attended a previous college or university, you will also need to submit those transcripts for evaluation. Declare an ECD major on the form, either AAS or BAEC. There is an enrollment fee. Be aware that you can change a major within the BA or AA level, but if you decide to change from an AAS to a BA you will pay an additional fee. Also, if you change from a BA to an AAS, you will pay an additional fee.
You will receive a letter from the University welcoming you, and letting you know the name of your advisor. You should contact that person for an individual advising session as soon as possible, to develop a program plan for completion of your degree. You, the student, are ultimately responsible for knowing the requirements of your degree, and making sure you meet them. Advising is available to help you as often as needed.
Which courses should I take first?
Begin with the foundation courses, ECD 105 Introduction to the Field of Early Childhood, and Psych 245, Child Development. Also, begin with English 111 and a required Communications course (there are several options). These courses will help you complete other coursework with greater ease. For a complete discussion of your options, and help in deciding which courses you should take first, see your advisor. For the AAS program, the Advisor is Bonny Headley. afbch@uaa.alaska.edu
How do I apply my CDA to the Associate degree program?
After you have enrolled in the program, you are eligible to apply for credit by certificate for a current Child Development Associate credential. No credit is given for an expired credential. If your CDA has expired, you must renew it before you can get credit for it.
Make an appointment to meet with Bonny Headley, Instructor and Advisor, afbch@uaa.alaska.edu. Phone 786-4464. Bring with you to the appointment your current CDA credential. We will copy it and submit the copy and the signed articulation form.
This process takes about four weeks. The CDA will articulate as 6 credits, including 3 methods courses and Practicum I.
Be aware that these credits will not transfer to other colleges and universities, although they do transfer to other campuses of the University of Alaska.
I have completed modules with the Department of Defense child care program. Can these count for credit?
Yes, following a process similar to that described for CDA, 6 hours credit is available for completed DOD module training. See an advisor, bringing with you all documentation of your training.
I took classes at another college. Will they count?
Each transfer student’s records are evaluated individually. Some credits may transfer to our system. Some may not. If you have not received credit for a course you think should count, you may file an academic petition for credit. See an advisor about the academic petition process. It is very helpful to have course descriptions and syllabi to support a petition.
If you know you will be leaving the state before your degree is complete, be sure to keep all syllabi from courses you have taken. This will help you to get maximum credit at your next institution.
Can I do my Practicum where I work?
Our current policy is to allow a student to do Practicum I where s/he works, and require Practicum II at another site, with a different age group (infant-toddler, pre-school, or early primary). The environments and practices of different child care and education facilities vary significantly. Your education will be more comprehensive with exposure to a variety of settings. This will be thoroughly discussed when you enroll in Practicum.
