College of Education Health and Human Services
School of Lifespan Development and Educational Services
www.kent.edu/ehhs/ldes

About This Program

The Special Education Early Childhood (PK-5) Initial Licensure Preparation program prepares students to become licensed special education teachers for young children, providing the knowledge and skills necessary to create effective learning environments for all students. With a combination of coursework and field experiences, students will develop a deep understanding of how to address the unique needs of children with disabilities and promote their academic and social success. Read more...

Contact Information

• Sanna Harjusola-Webb | shwebb@kent.edu | 330-672-0585
  Ching I Chen | cchen46@kent.edu |
  330-672-2294

• Connect with an Admissions Counselor: U.S. Student | International Student

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*

^{* 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

Applicants are assessed holistically, considering academic credentials, academic or professional references, non-academic criteria and other specific program criteria.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Priority deadline: July 1
• Spring Semester
  • Priority deadline: December 1
• Summer Term
  • Priority deadline: April 1

Applications submitted by these deadlines will receive the strongest consideration for admission.

Program Requirements

Licensure Requirements

¹

Student teaching is taken after completion of all licensure coursework and in conjunction with SPED 69525.Teacher candidates are only permitted to repeat a field experience course once. Please see Repeating Field Experience Courses in Teacher Education Programs policy for details.

Graduation Requirements

Licensure Information

Candidates seeking Ohio teaching licensure are required to pass specific requirements in order to apply for licensure from the Ohio Department of Education. 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:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of
   1. learner development and individual learning differences;
   2. the learning environment;
   3. curricular content knowledge;
   4. assessment; instructional planning and strategies; and
   5. professional practice and collaboration.
2. Demonstrate the dispositions necessary to be a successful special education teacher/professional.
3. Demonstrate preparation for the profession by successfully completing the Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) Special Education Assessment.

Residence Requirement Policy for Non-Degree Teacher Education Licensure/Endorsement Preparation Programs

• Non-degree licensure (initial and additional) and endorsement programs  that are a total of 15 credits or above: Students must complete 60% of the coursework at Kent State University, including the course that addresses the CAEP A.1.1 Standard as designated by the program area.
• Non-degree licensure (initial and additional) and endorsement programs that are less than 15 total credits: Students must complete 100% of the coursework at Kent State University.
• Students are permitted 6 years to complete licensure  programs and  4 years to complete endorsement programs at Kent State University.
• Coursework transferred from another university cannot be more than 6 years old at the time the licensure/endorsement program is completed.
• Students who do not meet the residence requirements will not be recommended for licensure by Kent State University.

Full Description

The Special Education Early Childhood (PK-5) Initial Licensure Preparation non-degree program is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree and want 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 an initial teaching license in Ohio Early Childhood Intervention Specialist (PK-5), which is 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.