Early Childhood Education, Certification (Pre-K)

About the Certification

The certification program is designed to provide the preservice teacher candidates with theoretical and conceptual understanding as well as skill-based experiences in evidence-based practices that would help them become accomplished teachers in PreK-4 educational settings. The master’s degree is not required for certification. Certification requirements need to be determined with their academic advisor as the requirements may vary based on academic background.

Grades PreK-4 Certification Requirements

Professional Education Courses Tier 1

• ED 517 (+ED 517L) Human Development: The School Years, K–12 (3 credits)
• ED 521 The Teacher and the Classroom, Elementary (3 credits)
• ED 580 Introduction to Inclusive Education (3 credits)
• ED 621 Communication Strategies for Effective Early Childhood Programs (3 credits)

Professional Education Courses Tier 2

• ED 512 Differentiated Instruction in the Inclusion Classroom (3 credits)
• ED 526A Learning and Assessment in Elementary Mathematics (3 credits)
• ED 601 Literacy Foundations (3 credits)
• ED 622 ESL: Multilingual/Multicultural Literacies (3 credits)

Professional Education Courses Tier 3

• ED 511 Stage 3 Fieldwork
• ED 552 Issues and Methods in Elementary School Science (3 credits)
• ED 562A Teaching Citizenship and Social Science, K-6 (3 credits)
• ED 564 Creative Expression (3 credits)
• ED 606 Strategic Instruction for Emergent and Content Literacy, K-12 (3 credits)
• ED 618 Instructional Strategies in Early Childhood (3 credits)

Professional Education Courses Tier 4

Prerequisite: completion of all required coursework

• ED 470 Graduate Student Teaching Practicum, Early Childhood Education, PreK-4 (6 credits)