Student FAQs

What is E-LECT?

Each of the member colleges is part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System (MnSCU). The child development instructors from each of these colleges are working together to offer child development courses online. We thought it was important to work together so that we would avoid duplication and make the best use of our limited resources.

How do I register for classes?

First you must enroll as a student at the college that is offering the course you want to take. You can usually enroll as a “special” or “extension” student. Once your application for admissions has been processed, you can register for the class or classes of your choice. Often the instructor of the class you’re interested in can help you with the enrollment process.

What if I’m taking classes from more that one college?

Then you need to enroll (apply for admission) at each college. We hope to have a seamless enrollment system in place soon. But for now, you will need to enroll and register at each college.

What are online courses like?

The child development instructors teach their online courses just like they teach their traditional on-campus courses. They try to include a variety of learning methods and experiences. The course will usually include a combination of lecture, class discussion, case studies, audio tapes, video tapes, internet searches, assigned readings from textbooks and magazine articles. You can even have guest speakers in an online course. Often the assignments for an online course are the same as for the traditional section of that course. In many child development courses students are required to respond to readings, keep a journal, write up observations, prepare activities and teaching materials, or write reports.

What if I want to earn a certificate, diploma, AAS or AS degree

Each of the member colleges offers certificates, diplomas, and A.A.S. degrees in child development.If you want to complete a certificate, diploma, or degree you need to choose one of the member colleges as your home campus. This “home campus” will be the college that grants you a certificate, diploma, or degree. You will need to meet all of the home campus requirements. The child development instructor will become your advisor and help you select the courses you need to complete a certificate, diploma, or degree.

Which colleges offer a certificate, diploma, AAS or AS degree?

Any of the following colleges can serve as your “home campus” because they offer a certificate, diploma, or A.A.S. or A.S. degree in Child Development: Alexandra Technical College, Central Lakes College, Dakota County Technical College, Hennepin Technical College, Minneapolis Community and Technical College, Minnesota State College – Southeast, Minnesota West Community and Technical College, Northwest Technical College, Pine Technical College, Rochester Community and Technical College, St. Cloud Technical College, Saint Paul College, and South Central College.

Why do courses at different colleges start at different times of the year?

Currently, the thirteen member colleges operate on different academic calendars. All of the courses are semester courses, which means they run for sixteen weeks. All colleges have a fall, spring, and summer session. Semesters begin on the same dates, but may end on different dates at each college. Winter and spring break will also differ from one college to the next. As a student it is your responsibility to be aware of and follow each college’s academic calendar.

What happens to my financial aid if I’m taking courses at more than one college?

Financial aid becomes a bit more complicated when a student takes courses from more than one college. You will want to work closely with the financial aid office of your “home campus.” E-LECT does have a consortium agreement in place that allows the transfer of financial aid funds from one member campus to the next. You may need to print a copy of the articulation agreement on this website and show it to your financial aid officer. Then you will need to follow the procedures of your home campus to transfer financial aid.

Do these courses transfer to a four-year college?

Yes and no. The child development programs participating in E-LECT are technical programs, not liberal art departments. The child development courses offered through E-LECT are lower division (freshman and sophomore level) course. While this often doesn’t matter to students, it does impact transferability. Historically, technical credits have not transferred to four year colleges. In addition, historically only a limited number of lower division credits in one’s major (child development or early childhood education) have transferred to a four year college. Even though all of our programs are part of MnSCU institutions, it is still difficult for students to transfer to a four year MnSCU institution without losing a lot of credits in the process. Currently, we encourage students to look into mntransfer.org