College of Education Health and Human Services
School of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies
www.kent.edu/ehhs/tlcs

About This Program

The Early Childhood Education PK-5 Additional Licensure Preparation program provides aspiring educators with the necessary training to succeed in today's rapidly evolving educational environment. Through comprehensive coursework and practical training, you'll be equipped to address the unique challenges of working with young learners, developing their cognitive and emotional skills while promoting social and emotional growth. Read more...

Contact Information

• Elizabeth Kenyon | ekenyon@kent.edu | 330-672-0620

• 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
• Evidence of valid teaching license from the State of Ohio — either the four-year Resident Educator or the five-year Professional Intervention Specialist, Elementary Education or Middle Childhood Education (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
  • Rolling admissions
• Spring Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Summer Term
  • Rolling admissions

Program Requirements

Endorsement Requirements

¹

Students must have an advising appointment with the graduate program coordinator to review former licenses, teaching experiences, employment, as well as field experiences, to determine the necessary courses and field experiences to compliment the student's existing valid Ohio license. All coursework for the license must be current. Additionally, a program of study must be filed in the Office of Graduate Student Services, 418 White Hall, prior to application for the licensure.

²

Internship will be determined by the faculty advisor, based on the student's transcript evaluation, prior employment and work history. For candidates employed full time in a teaching capacity, an individualized plan for completing the internship will be developed with the faculty advisor. This may include observations, partnering with a primary teacher, and development of a portfolio to demonstrate competency for teaching in the primary grades. The preschool internship may be completed during the summer I session. It should precede the primary internship.

Graduation Requirements

• Minimum C grade required in each course for licensure.

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 early childhood education program for specific program requirements and refer to the Ohio Department of Education - Educator Preparation website for more information on assessments specific to licensure type.

Students who do not apply for license within 12 months of program completion may be subject to additional course requirement, based on Ohio licensure standards in force at the time of application.

Program Learning Outcomes

Completers of this program will be able to:

1. Apply PreK-5 learning standards to classroom experiences with students in grades pre-kindergarten through fifth grade.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate standards in reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies related to learning environments.
3. Assess student learning and demonstrate effective home, school and community partnerships through assessment sharing.

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 Early Childhood Education (P-5) Additional Licensure Preparation non-degree program is designed to provide licensure to teachers who hold an active resident educator or professional State of Ohio teaching license.

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.