POTSDAM — SUNY Potsdam and Jefferson Community College have expanded the institutions’ joint degree program in childhood/early childhood education now allowing students to complete their degrees all on the JCC campus in Watertown.

Students in the program are jointly enrolled at both colleges. After earning an Associate of Arts (AA) degree in childhood education at Jefferson, they can proceed without interruption to complete their Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in early childhood/childhood education through SUNY Potsdam completing all of their regular coursework in Watertown.

“SUNY Potsdam is proud to partner with Jefferson Community College on another initiative to benefit our region. Our expanded joint degree program will draw on Potsdam’s historic strength in teacher education and Jefferson’s commitment to providing in-demand programs to serve its community,” said SUNY Potsdam President Dr. Kristin G. Esterberg.

“Jefferson students will greatly benefit from this new partnership,” said Jefferson Community College President Dr. Ty A. Stone.

This is the institutions’ second jointly registered program. Jefferson and Potsdam also partner to offer an Associate of Science (AS)/Bachelor of Science (BS) program in business administration on the Watertown campus as well.

Students in the new childhood/early childhood education joint degree program are required to choose a specialization area, with English and history being the most popular areas of concentration. Successful graduates will be recommended for New York State certification in both early childhood education (for teaching children from birth through Grade 2) and childhood education (Grades 1 to 6).

Undergraduates in the program would complete one upper-level student teaching seminar on the Potsdam campus prior to the start of their student teaching semester. Student teaching placements are available at districts throughout the North Country, including at many schools in Jefferson and Lewis counties. SUNY Potsdam will have an on-site advisor and coordinator for the joint degree program, in addition to the College’s existing Watertown-based faculty and staff.

SUNY Potsdam will offer an information session regarding all of its program offerings available at Jefferson Community College Tuesday, April 10, from 5 to 7 p.m., in the JCC Extended Learning Center.

For more information or to RSVP for the free event, Contact Laura at (315) 786-2373 or carbonla@potsdam.edu.