College of Education Health and Human ServicesSchool of Lifespan Development and Educational Services
www.kent.edu/ehhs/ldes
About This Program
Through the Special Education Pre-K Special Needs Endorsement Preparation program, you'll gain the skills and knowledge needed to work with pre-kindergarten students who have a variety of special needs, including those with developmental delays and learning disabilities. You'll learn how to create individualized education plans, use assistive technology and implement evidence-based instructional strategies to support student success. Read more...
Contact Information
Program Delivery
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
* 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 of 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 4-Year Resident Educator or 5-Year Professional State of Ohio teaching license (Intervention Specialist, Early Childhood Education or P-K validation) Requirement removed starting spring 2025 admission term.
- Starting with spring 2025 admission term: Evidence of valid Resident Educator or Professional Intervention Specialist, Early Childhood or Primary State of Ohio teaching license or a valid State of Ohio Pre-Kindergarten Certificate or a Special Certificate for Education of the Handicapped.
Application Deadlines
- Fall Semester
- Spring Semester
- Summer Term
Program Requirements
Endorsement Requirements
Course List | Code | Title | Credit Hours |
| SPED 63950 | CURRICULUM AND INTERVENTION IN EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES | 3 |
| or SPED 63958 | EARLY CHILDHOOD INTERVENTION METHODS |
| SPED 63952 | FAMILY AND PROFESSIONAL COLLABORATION IN EARLY CHILDHOOD | 3 |
| SPED 63953 | PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS:BIRTH TO FIVE | 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 64892 | ADVANCED PRACTICUM | 3 |
| SPED 64951 | DEVELOPING AN INDIVIDUALIZED FAMILY SERVICE PLAN AND INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION PROGRAM | 3 |
| Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 24 |
Progression Requirements
- Must maintain a minimum 3.000 overall GPA
Graduation Requirements
Graduation Requirements Summary | Minimum Major GPA | Minimum Overall GPA |
| - | 3.000 |
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. 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 in:
- learning development and individual learning differences;
- specially designed and individualized instruction;
- inclusive learning environments;
- development of an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP);
- design and implementation of an early childhood special education curriculum;
- early childhood special education evaluation, assessment and progress monitoring; and
- professional practices in teaching and collaboration with families and professionals.
- Demonstrate the dispositions necessary to be successful early childhood special education teachers/professionals.
- Demonstrate preparation for the professional by successfully completing the Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) Special Education Assessment.
Full Description
The Special Education Pre-K Special Needs Endorsement Preparation non-degree program will prepare students to obtain the Ohio Pre-K Special Needs endorsement. Completion of the coursework is a prerequisite to being recommended by Kent State University for this endorsement and endorsements are granted by the Ohio Department of Education.
This program prepares students to apply for an endorsement which can be added to any Special Education Intervention Specialist license, the Early Childhood Education teaching license and/or the Pre-K validation. The endorsement provides teachers with the coursework and field experiences necessary to work effectively with preschool-aged children with disabilities in a variety of settings.
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.
