Frequently Asked Questions
For Prospective Students in early Childhood Education Lamp
General LAMP Questions
Q. What is LAMP?
A. There are many ways to become a teacher. Some school districts will hire college graduates with degrees in an arts and sciences content area as licensed teachers on an emergency basis, but state licensure offers the best opportunity for long-term stability in a teaching career. The Licensure and Masters Program (LAMP) is designed for someone who has an undergraduate degree in an area other than education and would like to become a licensed teacher. Our program offers courses that will lead to teacher licensure by the State of Ohio and a Master’s degree in education. Additional requirements for teacher licensure include a criminal background check and successful completion of the Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAEs).
Q. What steps do I have to take to complete the LAMP in early childhood education?
A. The program has three components:
- Graduate courses in early childhood education content and fieldwork required for teacher preparation and licensure by the State.
- Completion of supervised internship/student teaching and the passing of the Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE).
Q: Do I have to take any education courses to enter the program?
A: There are 9 credits of courses in Reading and/or Literacy education that must be completed for the degree program. These reading courses must be completed prior to applying for your selected LAMP program. If you apply to LAMP without these courses your application will not move forward and may be reviewed for the next Fall semester when all reading courses are completed.
Q. When can I begin the program?
A. Students may begin courses in the Fall semester only.
Q. How long will it take to finish the program?
A. The completion of the program depends on how many courses are taken each term. Based on course offerings, the quickest a student can complete the licensure requirements is four semesters.
Q. I only want to take one course at a time; is this possible?
A. It is possible to take one course per semester. However, you must complete the all courses for the degree within a six year window.
Q. What financial assistance is available?
A. Information on Financial Aid is available from the Office of Financial Aid. In addition to government assistance, the University and College have a limited number of scholarships. Applicants should obtain scholarship applications from the Judith Herb College of Education in the Spring of each year.
Q. Who will be my advisor?
A. When you are admitted to the College of Graduate Studies, you are assigned a faculty person to be your advisor. This person will be knowledgeable of the LAMP program and will assist you with scheduling, planning, etc.
Questions Regarding Admittance to LAMP
Q. How do I enroll in the program?
A. Applicants must apply to the College of Graduate Studies at UT. The application is completed online.
Q. How do I complete the application successfully?
A. There are several things which ensure a smooth application process:
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- Create a new application using the "Graduate App" from the application type drop-down menu
- Indicate the correct program of study, Master of Education in Early Childhood Education
- Worksheet: Course Review Worksheet
- Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education
- One Letter of Recommendation - from people who can speak to your ability to be successful with graduate level work
- Statement of Purpose – write a few paragraphs explaining your reasons for the degree and which teaching license area you are seeking. Discuss your bachelor’s degree and how you came to change your field/career.
- Resume
Q. What is the minimum GPA for admission?
A. Students applying for LAMP must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 for all undergraduate course work and a minimum GPA of 2.7 for their content area course work.
Q. How long does the application process take? How soon should I apply?
A. Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. See deadlines for Applying to LAMP.
- While applications are reviewed year round, it takes several weeks for you to collect all the application materials (letters of recommendation, transcripts, etc.). The department will not receive your application materials from the College of Graduate Studies until the whole application package is complete.
- Registration for a term begins 3-5 months before the first day of class. If you wait to apply and, in turn, are admitted a week or two before the term begins, many classes will already be full/closed.
Questions Regarding Courses/Expectations
Q. What time of day are the courses offered?
A. During Fall and Spring terms, some courses are offered in the evening. Method courses have a field component that requires the student to be available during the day.
Q. I have worked for many years in parochial or private schools. Can I have my Field Experience waived?
A. No. Field Courses/experiences cannot be waived. Students will need to complete applied assignments as an outcome of their learning. These assignments are linked directly to the methods courses.
Q. If I am currently teaching, and you will not waive Field Courses, is there any way I can remain employed and take your program?
A. Maybe. However, it will be required that you complete field work in a placement other than your own classroom. Students wishing to do this must consult with the field office to determine if this is an option.
Q. Can I work a part-time job and study at the same time?
A. Successful students recommend working no more than a few hours per week, or they recommend delaying enrollment until adequate financial resources have been secured.
Q. How can I find out more?
A. To find out more you should:
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- Research programs in teacher education to make sure our program will best suit your needs.
- Read the University of Toledo catalog.
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