College of Education Health and Human ServicesSchool of Lifespan Development and Educational Services
www.kent.edu/ehhs/ldes
About This Program
The Special Education Early Childhood PK-5 Additional Licensure Preparation program is designed to prepare educators to work with young children with disabilities or developmental delays in inclusive settings. You will learn how to create meaningful learning experiences that promote growth and development while addressing individual student needs. Read more...
Contact Information
Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*
Special education teachers, preschool
- 8.3% much faster than the average
- 23,000 number of jobs
- $61,400 potential earnings
Special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school
- 2.9% slower than the average
- 193,000 number of jobs
- $60,620 potential earnings
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
- Minimum 2.750 GPA on a 4.000-point scale
- Official transcript(s)
- Goal statement
- Two letters of recommendation
- Questions in Anticipation of Licensure form
- Evidence of current four-year Resident Educator or five-year Professional State of Ohio teaching license (no longer required starting with spring 2025 admission term)
- Effective with spring 2025 admission term: Evidence of valid Resident Educator or Professional State of Ohio teaching license
Application Deadlines
- Fall Semester
- Spring Semester
- Summer Term
Program Requirements
Licensure Requirements
Course List | Code | Title | Credit Hours |
| ASL 19201 | ELEMENTARY AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE I | 4 |
| SPED 24000 | INCLUSIVE PRACTICES | 3 |
| SPED 53040 | LANGUAGE AND READING IN SPECIAL EDUCATION | 3 |
| SPED 53062 | CURRICULUM METHODS MILD/MODERATE INTERVENTION | 3 |
| SPED 63950 | CURRICULUM AND INTERVENTION IN EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES | 3 |
| SPED 63952 | FAMILY AND PROFESSIONAL COLLABORATION IN EARLY CHILDHOOD | 3 |
| SPED 63954 | PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: TEAMING | 3 |
| SPED 63955 | TYPICAL AND ATYPICAL DEVELOPMENT IN YOUNG CHILDREN | 3 |
| SPED 63956 | FOUNDATIONS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES | 3 |
| SPED 63957 | ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION OF EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES | 3 |
| SPED 63992 | STUDENT TEACHING IN SPECIAL EDUCATION | 4 |
| SPED 64892 | ADVANCED PRACTICUM | 3 |
| SPED 64951 | DEVELOPING AN INDIVIDUALIZED FAMILY SERVICE PLAN AND INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION PROGRAM | 3 |
| Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 41 |
Graduation Requirements
Graduation Requirements Summary | Minimum Major GPA | Minimum Overall GPA |
| 3.000 | 3.000 |
- Additional Coursework: An analysis of additional content-area coursework required at the post-undergraduate level will be completed before entering into the program, and a Plan of Study will be created based on transcript analysis and current licensure requirements by the Ohio Department of Education. A minimum B grade is required in each of these courses. This coursework would be in addition to requirements for the Early Childhood Intervention Specialist non-degree program.
Licensure Information
Prior to program completion, the candidate must demonstrate proficiencies in the following areas (including but not limited to): data literacy and analysis; use of research and assessment data; leadership and collaboration; utilizing and supporting appropriate technology for the discipline; and application of professional dispositions, laws and policies, codes of ethics and professional standards appropriate to their field of specialization.
Candidates seeking Ohio teaching licensure are required to pass specific requirements in order to apply for licensure from the Ohio Department of Education (ODE). Students should consult the Special Education Department for specific program requirements and refer to the Ohio Department of Education - Educator Preparation website for more information on assessments specific to licensure type.
Program Learning Outcomes
Completers of this program will be able to
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills of:
- learner development and individual learning differences;
- the learning environment;
- curricular content knowledge;
- assessment; instructional planning and strategies; and
- professional practice and collaboration.
- Demonstrate the dispositions necessary to be successful special education teachers/professionals.
- Demonstrate preparation for the profession by successfully completing the Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE).
Full Description
The Special Education Early Childhood (PK-5) Additional Licensure Preparation non-degree program prepares students to obtain an additional Ohio Early Childhood Intervention Specialist (PK-5) license. This program is designed for individuals who have a current teaching license and are seeking an additional license to work with young children with diverse learning abilities in a variety of special education settings, from pre-kindergarten through grade 5.
Completion of the coursework is a prerequisite to being recommended by Kent State University for licensure, and licenses are granted by the Ohio Department of Education.
This program does not culminate in a master's degree. Students interested in a master's degree at Kent State must be fully admitted into and complete the requirements for the master's program, in addition to courses that are prescribed here for licensure.
Professional Licensure Disclosure
This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure.
