USA Gymnastics Online: KAT Question and Answer

Preschool Fundamentals Questions and Answers

(Revised 1-Aug-2008)

Q: Must I complete Part 1 of the Preschool Fundamentals course before Part 2?
A: It is highly recommended that you complete Part 1 prior to Part 2. Part 1 covers the theories and concepts of preschool education and Part 2 builds on those concepts by providing practical examples and experience. However, it is not a requirement to take Part 1 first.

Q: How long will I have access to the online course (Preschool Fundamentals: Theory - Part 1)?
A: You will have access to the online course for 30 days from the date of registration. All course work and exams must be completed during that time. Extensions are not permitted. If you need more time in a course, you will need to register and pay for the course again.

If you complete the course before the expiration date, you will still have the remaining time (a total of 30 days from the date of registration) to access the course. You can review course materials or reprint your certificate during this time period.

Q: What is the difference between the Preschool Fundamentals course and the old KAT and/or MELPD courses?
A: The Preschool Fundamentals course is replacing the KAT and MELPD courses. The Preschool Fundamentals course still focuses on preschool education and helps to prepare teachers and instructors to work with preschool children. It is an updated course with fresh content, updated safety information, expanded information on young child development theories, a new learning approach, and greater time spent on hand on training including numerous examples.

Q: What happens to my existing KAT and/or MELPD certifications?
A: The KAT and MELPD certifications were granted for life. Therefore, USA Gymnastics will continue to honor and recognize those certifications. KAT and MELPD certifications may be applied to USA Gymnastics University certification, based on when the course was completed and when credits are transferred to the University.

Q: How does the Preschool Fundamental course apply to USA Gymnastics University?
A: The Preschool Fundamentals course is a core requirement within Level 2 of the Recreational College of the University. It can be used as elective credit for all other colleges. More information about USA Gymnastics University certification program is available on the USA Gymnastics University webpage.

Q: Are there prerequisites for the Preschool Fundamental course?
A: No. There are no prerequisites required in order to participate in a Preschool Fundamentals course.

Q: I'm a coach/instructor with 10 years experience teaching preschool gymnastics. Can I be grandfathered into completion of the Preschool Fundamentals course?
A: No. There is no grandfathering for course completion.

Q: Do I need to study any materials prior to taking the online course or attending the live workshop?
A: No. The online course will cover all of the information on the exams. Downloadable documents and takeaways will be available from the online course. For the best experience at the live workshop, participants should be familiar with the concepts taught in Part 1 of the course.

Q: Why should I take the Preschool Fundamentals course when it isn't required by USA Gymnastics?
A: Following are just a few of the reasons:

Enhance the status and credibility of your preschool gymnastics program

Update and enhance your knowledge in the area of preschool gymnastics

Ensure you are providing appropriate instruction regarding preschool gymnastics and movement education

Learn new techniques and get many new ideas for themes, group activities, warm-ups, stations, age-appropriate activities and more

Gain an opportunity to network among colleagues and with the course instructors

Q: Can my club host a Preschool Fundamentals: Hands on Training workshop?
A: Yes. For more information on hosting a workshop at your gym, contact the Educational Services Division or contact a National Instructor in your area.

Q: What do I get for completing the Preschool Fundamentals course?
A: Upon successful completion of each part of the Preschool Fundamentals course, participants receive a certificate of course completion. This course will also bring you one step closer to completion of USA Gymnastics University certification.

Q: Does my Preschool Fundamentals certificate of completion expire?
A: No. Once you have completed the Preschool Fundamentals course, you will retain your certificate of course completion. However, USA Gymnastics University certifications do expire and must be renewed every four years. For certification renewal, individuals may retake the Preschool Fundamentals course or take other USA Gymnastics University courses.

Q: Is there a time limit in which I must complete both parts of the Preschool Fundamentals course?
A: After completion of one of the parts of the Preschool Fundamentals course, you must take the second part within four years in order to receive credit for the complete course within USA Gymnastics University. If you do not take the second part within four years of the first, then you must repeat the first part.

Q: Is there a discount if I register for both parts of the Preschool Fundamentals course?
A: No. Each part of the course is priced separately and at this time there is no discount for registering or taking both parts of the Preschool Fundamentals course. For Professional, Junior Professional, Instructor, and Athlete (15+ years of age) members the cost for Part 1 is $50 and the cost for Part 2 is $70. Register online for Part 2 and receive a $5 discount (i.e. course price is $65.)

Q: If I register with the non-member rate for one part of the course, must I also pay the non-member rate for the second part?
A: No. The non-member rate includes a one-year USA Gymnastics Instructor membership. Individuals may take advantage of the member discounted pricing on other educational courses (including the other part of the Preschool Fundamentals course) within the one-year time period. Therefore, if you register for Part 2, paying the non-member rate, you will be given an Instructor membership. If you register for Part 1 within a year, you will be an Instructor member and pay the member rate.

Q: I am a gym owner. Some of my teenaged student-athletes assist with the preschool classes at my gym. Can they take the Preschool Fundamentals course?
A: Course participants must be at least age 15 at the time of the course. No participants under age 15 are permitted to register or attend a course.

[ Education Home ]
[ Preschool Fundamentals Course ]

URL: http://www.usa-gymnastics.org/education/pre-fun_qa.html