Field Experience Placements

Early Care and Education Experiences (Birth-Pre-K)

Field experience placements allow students the opportunity to complete observational or hands-on experiences within an Early Childhood facility through the Early Childhood facility. Students encounter multiple field experience opportunities working through our programs within Clemmer College of Education and Human Development. These experiences expose students to many teaching styles and pedagogies. It is critical for students to observe and apply real world practice to what is being taught in the classroom.

Placement sites are determined by the Early Care and Education Program Coordinator and the course you are enrolled in. For more information regarding placement details, please click here.

Graduate students who have been approved to complete a practicum within thier place of employment may be eligible for a site agreement in lieu of a background check package. A site agreement allows a student to use the background check completed at their placement of employment instead of completing an additional background check through the Office of Educator Preparation.

Semester Deadlines for Background Check Package

Fall: September 1

Spring: February 1

Background checks are good for 1 calendar year from the date of fingerprinting. If you have completed a Background Check Package within the past 12 months with the Office of Educator Preparation, you may be eligible for a Background Check Package Affirmation. Please email the Office of Educator Preparation at edprep@etsu.edu or call 423-439-7597.

  • Required Background Check Package

    All ECAE students who complete a field experience placement are required to complete a Background Check Package, which consists of fingerprinting and required paperwork. This Background Check Package will be housed in the Office of Educator Preparation and on file with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. 

    HAVE YOU COMPLETED A BACKGROUND CHECK PACKAGE?

    • YES:

      If you have completed a Background Check Package within the past 12 months with the Office of Educator Preparation, you may be eligible for a Background Check Package Affirmation. Please email the Office of Educator Preparation at edprep@etsu.edu or call 423-439-7597.

    • NO:

      If you have never completed a Background Check Package or it has been over 12 months since your previous Background Check Package was completed with the Office of Educator Preparation, please follow the steps below. 

      • Step 1: Fingerprinting

        Fingerprinting Directions: Follow the steps outlined below to complete the fingerprinting process:

        1. Using your web browser, go to https://tn.ibtfingerprint.com/workflow/28TY72 and click "Schedule a new Appointment."

        2. Enter Service Code 28TY72 (if applicable). Click Continue with Child-Related Worker Volunteer (Private) service code.

        3. Enter ORI number TNCC90028 and select go. Then click yes to confirm that East Tennessee State University is correct. 

        4. You will have to read an acknowledgment/ release form. Check I agree and select go.

        5. Enter a zip code to determine the closest fingerprinting location.

        6. Click on the word "Schedule" across from the location you want, under the day you wish to be fingerprinted. If you want a date further in the future, select the Next Week>> link to display more dates.

        7. Once you select the location/date combination, select the time for your appointment and select go.

        8. Complete the demographic information page. Required fields are indicated by a red asterisk (*). When complete, select "Submit" Information.

        9. Confirm the information. Follow the on screen directions to make any necessary changes. Once you see the data is correct, select "Go."

        10. If you are required to pay for your own fingerprinting, then you will be presented with payment options. Complete your payment process and select "Go."

        11. Print your confirmation page.

        12. Bring approved identification documents with you to the appointment. These approved document options are identified on your confirmation page of your appointment.

        13. Arrive at the facility at your appointed date and time.

        14. The Enrollment Officer at the site will check your ID, verify your information, verify or collect payment, capture your fingerprints, and submit your data. 

      • Step 2: Background Check Package Documentation

        After completing fingerprinting:

        1). Print out and complete all three authorization forms linked below. (Must have actual signature-no electronic signatures will be accepted.)

        2). Email the forms to the Office of Educator Preparation at edprep@etsu.edu.  

        Or place completed forms in a sealed envelope. Mail the sealed envelope to the following address:

        East Tennessee State University                      

        Clemmer College of Education and Human Development 

        Office of Educator Preparation            

        PO Box 70685 

        Johnson City, TN  37614    

        Or drop off in a sealed envelope to:

        East Tennessee State University                

        Clemmer College of Education and Human Development             

        Office of Educator Preparation  

        Warf-Pickel Hall, Room 305 

        Johnson City, TN 37614

      • Step3: Placement Information

        After you have completed the fingerprinting and documentation in steps 1 and 2, you should wait until the semester begins and speak with your course instructor for your placement details.

        **A Background Check Package takes a minimum of 5-7 days for the Office of Educator Preparation to process.