Prior-to-Degree Experience | Program Requirements
This specialization is designed for human services professionals who wish to increase their understanding of education in a developmental framework. In order to be eligible for admission to the Developmental Education specialization, a student must have prior-to-degree experience at 4 developmental levels (either documented or met through a previous practicum) and/or have a plan to meet these requirements during the degree. In addition:
- At least two levels must be met prior to admission to the specialization, by the end of the first year of coursework (either through P.O. practicum options or by documenting work experience).
- At least one fieldwork experience must be completed and documented during the student’s degree program regardless of prior experience. See Experience below.
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Requirements
1. One of the following classes:
2. At least two of the following classes:
3. Prior and/or current experience, which can be documented, in four of the following developmental levels:
Infants/Toddlers (0–2 years)
Preschool (2–4)
Kindergarten/Primary (4–6)
Primary (6–9)
Preadolescent (9–13)
Adolescent (13–18)
Young Adult (18–22)
Adult (over 21)
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Experience
The following guidelines apply to the required documented experience at each of the four developmental levels:
a. Direct work at any level should equal a minimum of 135 hours
- A minimum of 100 hours paid or volunteer experience in a single setting
- Experience at any level should stretch over a minimum of 3 months
- The above requirements can also be met through 3 units of Pacific Oaks’ Reflective Teaching/Practicum with children at each level.
b. Experience should be primarily in culturally relevant anti-bias, developmentally appropriate settings and include work with diverse children, families and settings.
- A majority of the experience should be in group settings.
- Experience should include work in observation, group work, one-on-one work, and curriculum development and implementation.
c. The following three options exist for meeting the requirements of a single level of experience:
- Documentation of a successful practicum at another college
- Completion of three units of ReflectiveTeaching/Practicum at Pacific Oaks
- Written documentation of experience OR through dialogue with the advisor (together with any supporting documentation deemed necessary) using Pacific Oaks’ guidelines.
Please see advisor for additional information.
Advisor: Human Development Faculty
Distance Learning and academic centers: see your advisor for alternative courses specific to your location.
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