The Early Field Experiences office's role is to provide teacher candidates with the required field experiences necessary, prior to student teaching, for teacher certification.  Field experiences are placements in which candidates may observe and facilitate teaching practices in both private and public school systems.  We use schools in Lancaster, York, Lebanon and, occasionally, Berks and Chester counties.  Important information is discussed during the first few weeks of each academic semester/session during class visits.  Placement handouts are distributed by the Early Field office in advance of field placements during each semester.  If you need additional information, please stop in the Field Services office, room 120, Stayer Hall, and ask to speak with the Nicole Faraone, Interim Administrative Assistant for Early Field Experiences.

Personal Data and Evaluation forms for classes requiring a field experience can be accessed below and are also available in the Field Services Department.  Please stop in room 120, Stayer Hall, if you need a form.

• ERCH 110 (Intro. to Early Childhood Ed.): Personal Data Form , Evaluation Form
• EDUC 486/ELED 419 (Seminar in ERCH): Personal Data Form, Evaluation Form
• ERCH/SPED Foundations Bloc: Personal Data Form , Evaluation Form
• ERCH Professional Bloc: Personal Data Form , Evaluation Form
• MDLV Foundations Bloc II: Personal Data Form, Evaluation Form
• MDLV Professional Bloc I: Personal Data Form, Evaluation Form
• SECED/MDLV Foundations Bloc: Personal Data Form , Evaluation Form
• SECED Professional Bloc: Personal Data Form , Evaluation Form
• Post-Baccalaureate  Personal Data Form, Evaluation Form
• SPED 312 (Disabilities in Inclu. Settings): Personal Data Form , Evaluation Form (see class professor)
• SPED/ERCH Professional Bloc I: Personal Data Form , Evaluation Form (see Bloc professors)
• SPED/ERCH Professional Bloc II: Personal Data Form, Evaluation Form
  
  A Guide to Early Field Experiences is available for printout.

Current (within one year) clearances and negative TB tests are a critical part of the field experience process and must be on file in the Field Services Department prior to registering for any courses requiring a field experience component and before receiving a field placement.  These clearances must be updated annually when taking any field experience courses (must not expire during the semester that a field experience course is being taken). 

Instructions for obtaining the required three (3) PA clearances and a TB test can be accessed here.  The clearance forms and/or websites themselves are listed below with active links.

• ACT 151 - Child Abuse History (form) 
  *You can now receive an immediate ACT 151 Child Abuse clearance in person at the Department of Public Welfare located in Harrisburg.
• ACT 34 - Criminal Background Check (https://epatch.state.pa.us)
• ACT 114 - Fingerprinting  (https://www.pa.cogentid.com/index_pde.htm)

TB tests can either be scheduled at MU Health Services located in Witmer Building on-campus, with a private health-care provider or at a Lancaster General Express location.  TB tests are valid for one year from the "read" date of the results, or two years if a student must get a chest x-ray. 

The PAPA and Praxis tests are an important part of an education major's academic career, as well as for teacher certification.  PAPA tests must be completed, with passing scores in Reading, Writing and Math, as part of the requirements to achieve Advanced Professional Studies (APS) status.  Praxis II must be completed, with passing scores, in order to be awarded teacher certification by the state of Pennsylvania.  Information about each test can be found on the Praxis website and the PAPA website or you may also stop by the Field Services Department Office in room 120, Stayer Hall.

For additional information regarding PAPA/Praxis Testing through Millersville University, please see the Certification website.

Advanced Professional Studies (APS) status must be attained by all education majors for qualification to enroll in Professional Bloc courses, Student Teaching and to be recommended for Certification.  For more information regarding APS requirements, please visit the Field Services website or stop by the Field Services Department Office in room 120, Stayer Hall.