The Department of Human and Family Resources and the Department of Curriculum and Instruction will not be joining forces to develop an early childhood studies program as proposed last spring to the Council on Instruction.

“It is my understanding that the College of Education has withdrawn from the joint program,” said council member Nancy Vedral of curriculum and instruction. However, Vedral said she did not know why the college decided to withdraw from the program. Curriculum and Instruction Chairman Michael Henniger could not be reached for comment.

The proposal to create a joint program was developed in response to changes in state certification requirements which will be effective July 1988. These would require a separate early childhood certification for those teaching youngsters aged one to eight.

Council member Ellen Parham, a human and family resources professor, said changes have been made in her department in order to meet state requirements. These changes also were discussed by the council.

“This (early childhood certification program) was developed after the College of Education did not want to proceed with a joint program. A program was developed with the new requirements as a way to meet the needs of the students in the interim if a joint program is still possible,” Parham said.

Vedral said the College of Education still needs a mechanism for early childhood certification. “The College of Education at this time has not received any copy for certification without the new program,” Vedral said. In addition, she said the college does not have a major in early childhood education.

“People from the two colleges have worked long and hard to bring the program forward. Now it no longer will be valid without certification,” Parham said.

Vedral said, “I cannot speak for the new administration in the College of Education, but speaking for myself I can say we are very remiss in our responsibility for not putting forth a new certification program.”

Associate Provost Lou Jean Moyer has requested key representatives from both departments attend the next council meeting to address further the early childhood program.