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
- Official transcript(s) from Baccalaureate program
- Minimum 2.750 GPA
- 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)
Application Deadlines
- Fall Semester
- Spring Semester
- Summer Term
Program 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
- Minimum 3.000 overall GPA
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.
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.
The non-degree program is not a master's degree program. Students interested in obtaining a teaching license and a master's degree from Kent State University must also be fully admitted into the master's degree program and complete the prescribed coursework on the master's degree prospectus, 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.
