NLU requires all candidates in programs that include time spent in an Illinois school to have an Illinois State Police criminal background fingerprint check, a TB test, and a Certificate of Completion with the Department of Children and Family Services Mandated Reporter Training. Only teacher candidates with a) “no record,” b) a negative TB test, and c) a Certificate of Completion may be placed in a school. Refer to the Office of Field Experience Information Guide (Appendix C) for specific details and instructions regarding the 1. Criminal Background Check, 2. TB Test, and 3. Mandated Reporter Training The ECE M.A.T. Program requires that a minimum of 130 clock hours of observation and/or Internship experiences to be completed prior to Student Teaching. These classroom observations are designed to provide candidates with opportunities to develop and refine teaching skills. Most instructors require additional assignments related to these field experiences. Focusing observations on effective teaching strategies and taking thorough notes will enable the candidate to connect the field experiences to the topics of study within the course. Notes: • We incorporate observation hours into eight of the courses that are required for licensure in ECE. See the Course of Study chart above for courses requiring field experience hours. • Some schools will require a letter requesting permission to observe. This letter will be provided to you upon request. • When observing at various schools, candidates should remember they are guests in the school. Accordingly, candidates should: o Arrive at the scheduled time and check in at the front office o Observe dress codes and bring identification (Most schools require a driver’s license or state I.D.) o Bring copies of the criminal background check and TB test results, or have an electronic copy available. After completing hours at a school, candidates will record these hours electronically in SONIA . Specific directions about uploading the observations will be provided during your ECE 570 and ECE 580 courses. Pre-Clinical Experiences Pre-Student Teaching Experience Hours
22 / MAT Early Childhood Education Handbook
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