WAIT Program (Working Adults Into Teaching)

WAIT stands for Working Adults Into Teaching. This degree completion program at Reinhardt College helps working adults complete a degree in Early Childhood Education.

Small Classes taught by Experienced Educators
Classes are small so you'll enjoy support and interaction with your classmates and instructors.

Convenient Locations & Class Schedules
Classes for the first group of students began Spring Semester 2008. All classes are taught on Reinhardt's main campus in Waleska, Ga. Most classes are scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6 - 10:30 p.m. The program includes summers and will take approximately 6-9 semesters to complete.  The first group of students can expect to complete graduation requirements in May 2010. Beginning in Fall 2009, WAIT classes are also offered at Reinhardt's Center in Epworth, Ga.

In the WAIT program, the 16-week semester is divided into two 8-week terms. You will take two classes each eight weeks: one class on Tuesday evenings and another on Thursday evenings.  With this schedule you will take at least 12 credit hours each semester, so you will be a full-time student and may qualify for a broader array of financial aid options.

Manageable Student Teaching and Field Experience
As with all Reinhardt education degrees, the hands-on experience you gain through student teaching and field experiences are central components of the program. As a WAIT student, you will work out the details and scheduling of your field experiences with the WAIT coordinator on an individual basis.

You will student teach during your last semester: for the first group, that will be Spring Semester 2010 (January-May 2010). While you student teach, you will be placed in a school with a specific teacher for 15 weeks. You must quit your job while student teaching. If this might cause a financial challenge, please start planning now.

You'll Bring Credits into the Program
Each accepted student will meet with his or her advisor to determine exactly which classes will transfer into the program.

Who's Eligible for the WAIT Program?
To be eligible for admission for the WAIT program, you must meet all of the regular admission requirements of Reinhardt College. You must also:

• be 21 years of age or older;
• have been employed full-time for at least two years;
• have an associate degree or equivalent in Education or in Early Childhood Education or an Associate of Arts Degree from an approved technical college or two-year college;
• submit two letters of recommendation attesting to the student's ability and motivation to be a self-directed learner in an educational program for working adults (one recommendation must be from an instructor from the student's associate degree institution and one must be from an employer or community leader);
• sign and return a personal affirmation of your age, work experience, commitment to being an adult learner of integrity; this form also requires you to disclose any violations of the law.

Tell Me about Costs
Reinhardt is offering a reduced rate of tuition for the WAIT Program. The exact cost to you must be determined on an individual basis depending on financial aid available. Possible financial aid sources may include the Georgia Tuition Equalization Program, the HOPE Scholarship, and Pell Grants.

For More Information
For more information, please contact Reinhardt's Director of Field Experience Harriett Lindsey.  She will gladly make an appointment with you to discuss the details of the WAIT Program, the schedule of classes and answer your individual questions.

You can reach her at 770-720-5581 or HAL@reinhardt.edu