Program Overview

The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Early Childhood Pre-K-Third Grade prepares professionals who already have baccalaureate degrees to work with young children from birth through eight years in preschool and primary school settings. Successful completion of program requirements leads to an institutional recommendation (IR) for initial teacher certification with an endorsement in Pre-K-Third Grade. Courses at the 400-level and above applied to the certificate may also be applied to M.Ed. programs with advisor approval.

Students who complete the post-baccalaureate certificate will demonstrate advanced integrated knowledge and skills in preparation for careers in teaching primary grades (K-3) as well as in preschool educational programs.

Concentrations

There are two concentrations within the program:

Certification Route I: This concentration is for applicants who have any baccalaureate degree and are seeking their initial teacher certificate. The certificate requires foundations coursework, early childhood major coursework, methodology coursework, and internship.

Certification Route II: This concentration is for applicants who have a baccalaureate degree plus an Associate Degree in Early Childhood or a Baccalaureate in Early Childhood.

Certification Route I (36 credits)

(for applicants with any baccalaureate degree)

Complete the following foundation area course work (6 credits):
Field experience in early childhood programs may be required as part of the courses.

 

EDFN A300	Philosophical and Social Context of American Education OR	3
EDFN A304	Comparative Education	3
EDFN A212	Human Development and Learning OR	3
EDFN A600	Contemporary Issues and Approaches in Early Childhood	3
EDFN A242	Family and Community Partnerships	3
EDFN A407	Observation and Documentation in Early Childhood OR	4
EDFN A607	Observation and Documentation: Inquiry in Action	4

 

Choose two courses (total 6 credits)    

EDEC A206	Integrated Curriculum for Young Children	3
EDEC A210	Guiding Young Children	3
EDEC A303	Young Children in Inclusive Settings	3
EDEC A408	Children’s Literature: Early Childhood Years	3

    
OR

EDEC A608	Analysis of Children’s Literature: Early Childhood Year	(3)
EDEC A604	Responsive Practices in Early Childhood	(3)
EDEC A650	Leadership and Advocacy in Early Childhood	(3) 6
EDEC A403	Mathematics and Science in Early Childhood	(3)
EDEC A404	Literacy for Young Children	(3)
EDEC A492	Early Childhood Seminar	(1+1) 2
EDEC A495	Early Childhood Internship	(3+6) 9*

*Special note: Completion of 9 credits required for degree and certification.

Satisfaction of all major requirements, totaling 36 credits, must be demonstrated through coursework completed either before or after the award of the student’s first baccalaureate degree. However a minimum of 24 approved credits, including EDEC A495, must be completed after the award of the baccalaureate degree.

Certification Route II (24-27 credits): 

(for applicants with any baccalaureate degree plus an Associate Degree in Early Childhood or a Baccalaureate in Early Childhood)

**Internship credits will vary depending on past teaching experience.

Satisfaction of all major requirements, totaling 24-27 credits, must be demonstrated through coursework completed either before or after the award of the student’s first baccalaureate degree. However a minimum of 16 approved credits, including EDEC A495, must be completed after the award of the baccalaureate degree.

 

EDEC A407	Observation and Documentation in Early Childhood -OR
EDEC A607	Observation and Documentation: Inquiry in Action	4
EDEC A408	Children’s Literature: Early Childhood Year- OR
EDEC A608	Analysis of Children’s Literature: Early Childhood Year- OR
EDEC A604	Responsive Practices in Early Childhood	3
EDEC A650	Leadership and Advocacy in Early Childhood	3
EDEC A403	Mathematics and Science in Early Childhood	3
EDEC A404	Literacy for Young Children	3
EDEC A492	Early Childhood Seminar	2
EDEC A495	Early Childhood Internship	9-12**

*Information based on the 2011-2012 catalog, please refer to the current catalog for complete information. 

Admitted students: Course requirements are based upon the catalog in effect at the time of admission and may differ from this list.

Advising

Contact the Office of Student Engagement at 907-786-4401

Go to Degree Works to view degree progress 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.