Certification in Early Childhood Education N-3
Certification Option 1
For candidates who already hold a valid Elementary Education certificate and are adding on Early Childhood Education.
Candidates will be required to complete the following coursework:
- ED 617 Cognitive/Social/Emotional Development of Children, 0-8
- ED 618 Instructional Strategies in Early Childhood Education
- ED 619 Physical, Motor and Perceptual Development of Children, 0-8
- ED 620 Planning of Early Childhood Programs
- ED 621 Communication Strategies for Effective Early Childhood Programs
- ED 583B Fieldwork (for students holding a valid Pennsylvania Instructional I or II certificate) (3 credits; credits not applicable to master’s degree)
Certification Option 2
For candidates who are not Elementary Education certified and wish to seek certification in Early Childhood Education as their first instructional certificate. This option will also give the candidate an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education.
Candidates will be required to complete the following coursework:
- ED 503 General Foundations of Education
- ED 565 Introduction to Instructional Technology
- ED 526A Learning and Assessment in Elementary Mathematics
- ED 552 Issues and Methods in Elementary School Science
- ED 580 Introduction to Inclusive Education
- ED 564 Creative Expression
- ED 601 Literacy Foundations OR one of the following: ED 604 English Language Arts, OR ED 606 Emergent and Content Literacy, OR ED 608 Literature for Children and Youth
- ED 617 Cognitive/Social/Emotional Development of Children, 0-8
- ED 618 Instructional Strategies in Early Childhood Education
- ED 619 Physical, Motor and Perceptual Development of Children, 0-8
- ED 620 Planning of Early Childhood Programs
- ED 621 Communication Strategies for Effective Early Childhood Programs
- ED 470 Practicum in Early Childhood Education (Credits not Applicable to the Degree)
Additional Certification Requirements
1. Completion of all subject area coursework required to meet the general and specific certification standards of the Pennsylvania Department of Education. This will be determined by the program Coordinator.
2. A grade of “B” or better in the Graduate Student Teaching Practicum
3. Completion of all Praxis examinations is required prior to enrolling in the Student Teaching Practicum.
Praxis I:
- Passing scores on the Reading, Writing and Mathematics tests are required for admission to the program.
Praxis II:
- Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge (30511) - Qualifying Score: 150
- Early Childhood Education N-3 (10020) - Qualifying Score: 530
