CONNECT WITH US!
Fall 2023
FEATURED PROGRAM
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION WITH A CONCENTRATION IN EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION
- Unique undergraduate program with a specific focus on culturally and linguistically sustaining methods for teaching children birth to age 5
- The entire program can be completed FULLY ONLINE, either all at UTEP or with combined coursework from El Paso Community College (EPCC) and UTEP
- Complete transfer partnership with EPCC which is approved for the TAEYC T.E.A.C.H. scholarship at both EPCC and UTEP; scholarship covers 90% of tuition and books at both institutions plus additional academic and financial support
- Award-winning faculty who are ready to help you acquire the knowledge and skills needed to optimize the health, development, education, and well-being of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers through developmentally and culturally appropriate practices
UNIQUE SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Thanks to a unique transfer partnership with El Paso Community College (EPCC), students who complete an associate degree at EPCC (an Associate of Arts in Teacher Preparation is recommended) will start at UTEP as full juniors. Additionally, both EPCC and UTEP are approved for the TAEYC T.E.A.C.H. scholarship (see https://texasaeyc.org/program-resources/t-e-a-c-h/); students in either institution who are currently working more than 30 hours at any Texas licensed childcare center (including Head Start and family daycare), may be eligible for this scholarship. Students awarded this scholarship will receive funds to cover 90% of tuition, books and other educational expenses, as well as additional financial and academic support. This means, in theory, a working student could have their entire four years of study (at EPCC and UTEP) completely covered.
UTEP EDGE AND THE EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION
Our student success initiative, the UTEP Edge, develops upon students’ assets through a variety of high-impact experiences. These experiences are designed to improve student skills and give UTEP students a competitive advantage as they move forward in their lives and careers.
Our goal as a campus is to provide these UTEP Edge experiences to all students, regardless of their area of study, so they will graduate with a competitive advantage over their peers.
These are the Edge experiences Early Childhood students will have and the Edge skills they will graduate with:
EDGE EXPERIENCES
- Community Engagement
- Creative Activities
- Online Experiences
- Internships
- Learning Communities
- Student Employment
- Research and Scholarly Activities
- Student Leadership
EDGE SKILLS
- Leadership
- Problem Solving
- Communication
- Social Responsibility
- Global Awareness
- Teamwork
- Critical Thinking
- Confidence
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: ALEXANDRIA GUZMAN
Alexandria Guzman is the director of the Flying Colors Learning Center #5 in El Paso. She has been a Child Care Director for five years and has worked in the early childhood sector for over 10 years in different roles. Her specialty is infant/toddler but she has experience as an early childhood teacher in childcare working with children of all ages.
She learned about the T.E.A.C.H. program thanks to her employer who is vested in his employees' education and success. The program provides eligible students with a scholarship that covers 90% of tuition, books and other educational expenses, as well as additional financial and academic support. Alexandria took advantage of this amazing opportunity to earn a degree right away. She and some of her teachers are all enrolled in the program.
"I want [everyone] to know about this program and the scholarship! I don't think many know about it and if they do, they think the process is hard and it isn't at all. A FREE education/degree doesn't come by often and this is a hidden gem.
"Getting back into school after being out for a long while was a bit hard and overwhelming, but with the help of the great teachers and staff at UTEP and TXAEYC, it's helped me gain confidence and I am excited each semester. I can't wait until I have my degree."
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: KENNETH A. DORE, III
Lecturer, Bachelor of Science With a Concentration in Early Childhood Care and Education
Kenneth A. Dore, III was born in El Paso and attended EPISD schools on the Northeast side of town. He later taught Visual Arts at EPISD for 20 years at all grade levels, except middle school. A true Miner, with both bachelor's and master's degrees from UTEP, he started his doctoral journey in UTEP’s T.L.C., Ph.D. program in Fall 2019; he also began teaching at UTEP as an adjunct lecturer at that time. Since Fall 2022 he has worked with UTEP as a full-time lecturer.
"Our online courses were designed in such a way to engage students in hands-on, project-based activities—even if they are not held on campus. Most of our online assignments are very reflective and open-ended, and encourage students with opportunities to share the connections they are making."
ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER
Connect With Us! is a quarterly newsletter that features UTEP Connect's online programs and the faculty, staff and students associated with them.
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THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO
UTEP Connect
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500 West University Avenue
El Paso, TX 79968
utepconnect@utep.edu | 1-800-684-UTEP