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What is the Application for Field Experience?
What is the Application for Field Experience?
The Application for Field Experience requires you to complete and submit a total of 4 requirements (also called "Checks") to the Office of Field Experience through the SONIA platform.
Criminal Background Check Verification - see below for options.
Mandated Reporter Certification - Complete the training and upload the certificate.
UGC Field Experience Acknowledgement Form - Download & complete the form, all boxes need to be checked in order for the form to be considered complete. Upload document in "checks" tab.
Application for Field Hours (form you will complete to finish things up, located in the "Forms" tab)
SONIA is NLU’s online platform for students, cooperating/mentor teachers, and university supervisors to access (and submit) all the required Forms & resources related to all levels of Field Experiences.
When will I need to submit my Application?
When will I need to submit my Application?
Review your Degree Plan to determine your due date for the Application. You should see a box labeled "Submit Application for Field Experience" followed by a date, similar to the one here. Reach out to your Advisor with any questions on when to expect hours to begin.
Where do I go to start submitting my requirements?
Where do I go to start submitting my requirements?
Navigate to SONIA and click "Office of Field Experience: BA & MAT Educator Preparation" at the bottom right.
Click on "University Sign-In" at the top left
Sign in using your NLU username/password
You will see several resources on this home page after logging in, from FAQ's to more specific topic video's and guides. Take some time to familiarize yourself.
To begin submitting Checks, click on the "Checks" tab at the top. You should see the different requirements in each box, colored red. They will change to green as they are submitted and verified.
Which option should I choose for the BACKGROUND CHECK requirement?
Which option should I choose for the BACKGROUND CHECK requirement?
Review SONIA for this information as well as additional guides and helpful videos!
There are three different options for submitting a verified Background Check -
which one you submit will depend on where you wish to complete the required hours.
Option 1:
Option 1:
You are currently employed in a Child Care Center or non-Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Educational Setting and would like to request to complete your hours at your place of employment.
You will need:
A letter from your Director/HR/Principal that includes all of the following information:
You are an employee of the district/Child Care Center (CCC).
The district/CCC has, on file, all of the necessary paperwork for you to be an employee, including a cleared criminal background check (CBC) result.
The district/CCC is allowing you to do your field experience hours at your work site for your classes at National Louis University.
Last Step: Upload the letter to SONIA.
Please note that you may not be able to complete all of your field hours at your work site if you work in a home daycare or childcare setting. The grade levels/ages you observe for field hours need to align with the program you are in.
Option 2:
Option 2:
You would like to request to be placed in a setting by OFE to complete the requirement.
You will need:
A Criminal Background Check (CBC) with Accurate Biometrics using the NLU form here:
Go to the Accurate Biometrics website to determine cost, documents to bring with you, locations of an office near you, and if scheduling is required.
Choose to have the results sent directly to you, NOT NLU.
Once you have completed your Criminal Background Check you will upload your receipt and results to SONIA.
Please plan ahead, as results may take 1-3 weeks to be mailed to you!
Option 3:
Option 3:
You are currently employed in Chicago Public Schools (CPS District 299) or want to request be placed in Chicago Public Schools.
You will need:
CPS Field Experience Application
* If you do not work for CPS, you also need to complete a Criminal Background check with Accurate Biometrics using the CPS Form. Follow Option 2's directions in addition to the CPS Field Experience Application above. It may take up to 15 days to receive the approval from them. Please plan ahead.
Complete Field Experience Application on CPS Website
After completing the CPS Field Experience Application (and the additional background check, if needed) please email fieldexperience@cps.edu stating you would like to complete field experience for National Louis University within your school of employment. Please include your CPS issued email address and the school you are currently employed at. Once verified, a "Report to Service" Approval Notice email will be sent to you.
You will upload a copy of your Fingerprint receipt document (if needed) and the "Report to Service" Approval Notice email you receive back to SONIA.
I have everything submitted, what now?
I have everything submitted, what now?
You will receive an email confirming that you have finished all requirements. Completing the process will also allow you to be assigned your Field Specialist, who will assist you in this process for the remainder of your program.
Who is my Field Specialist?
Who is my Field Specialist?
You will be assigned a Field Specialist once all of your required checks are submitted and approved. Look out for additional communication directly from The Office of Field Experience, including a mandatory orientation ahead of field hours and Student Teaching. Please attend OFE Office Hours (below) to get help with your application ahead of being assigned a Field Specialist.
Once you are assigned a Field Specialist, you can always see their information on the landing page of SONIA once you log in.
What if I missed the deadline?
What if I missed the deadline?
Missing your deadline will result in a change in your Degree Plan and may also push back your graduation projection. It's important to start early and ask questions when you have them. Contact your Advisor with questions regarding your plan and courses.
What if I have specific questions on my application or situation?
What if I have specific questions on my application or situation?
Plan on attending the Office Hours below to speak with a Field Specialist who can assist you in submitting your application.
Still have questions? Attend the Office Hours below to speak with an OFE Field Specialist over Zoom.
Office Hours:
Zoom Link: https://nl.zoom.us/j/97727538824
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