Special Programs

Undergraduate Programs • Progression • Core Courses • Special Programs • Practicum • Undergraduate Courses • Curriculum Sheets • CFS Minor

Certified Family Life Educator
Students interested in applying for certification as a Family Life Educator through the National Council on Family Relations must complete five courses from the Family Life Education specialty area – Child and Family Studies 240, 345, 360, 440, and Counselor Education 480. These courses are in addition to the Child and Family Studies core courses. Contact your advisor for specific information about becoming a Certified Family Life Educator through the department’s approved program of study.

Early Childhood Education Teacher Licensure (PreK-K)
The child and family studies major provides the undergraduate preparation needed for a student who would like to be licensed to teach early childhood education in the State of Tennessee (PreK-K). This licensure program prepares students to teach children with and without disabilities, birth through age 5. Students who wish to pursue this licensure must complete the Early Childhood Education Teacher Licensure: PreK-K specialty area. Upon completion of 60 undergraduate hours, including completion of Child and Family Studies 350, students will complete the admission process to PreK-K Teacher Education. Students interested in this licensure should work closely with their advisor to ensure that they understand and meet teacher education program requirements and that they strictly follow the application process.

Early Childhood Education Teacher Licensure (PreK-3)
The child and family studies major can provide the undergraduate preparation needed for a student who would like to be licensed to teach early childhood education in the State of Tennessee (PreK-3). The early childhood education licensure option is offered in conjunction with a master’s degree in child and family studies (early childhood education concentration). Students who wish to pursue this option must take the early childhood education-licensure specialty area as an undergraduate. Upon attainment of senior status (i.e., 90 hours), students will complete the admission to teacher education process (see details in the teacher education section of this catalog) and simultaneously make application for admission to the MS with a major in child and family studies (See the Graduate Catalog for details.) Acceptance into the teacher licensure program is contingent upon acceptance into the department’s master’s program. Students interested in this option should work closely with their advisor to ensure that they understand and meet the teacher education program requirements and the requirements for graduate study and that they strictly follow the application process.

Additional Information for Teacher Licensure Students

To review the progression standards and the curriculum sheet for early childhood education teacher licensure programs, click here.

The Teacher Licensure Handbook provides important information about each Teacher Licensure Program - PreK-K and PreK-3.  To view the Handbook, click on the above link.  You may navigate through the Handbook by opening the Bookmark tab or icon on the left side of your screen.

Contact the Department of Child and Family Studies

1215 W. Cumberland Avenue
115 Jessie Harris Building
Knoxville, TN 37996-1912

Phone: 865-974-5316
Fax: 865-974-2742