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 Pre-Kindergarten (3-5 Years) Endorsement Preparation program is designed for educators who want to specialize in early childhood education and gain the necessary skills and knowledge to teach young children effectively. You will learn about child development, curriculum design, and instructional strategies specific to this age group. 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:
  • Fully online
  • Mostly online
• 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
• Evidence of a valid Resident Educator or Professional Kindergarten-Primary, Elementary, Family and Consumer Sciences or a valid State of Ohio Special Certificate for the Education of the handicapped (no longer required starting with spring 2025 admission term)
• Effective with spring 2025 admission term: Evidence of valid elementary certificate, special certificate for education of the handicapped or early childhood or intervention specialist license from the State of Ohio.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Spring Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Summer Term
  • Rolling admissions

Program Requirements

Endorsement Requirements

¹

Required credit hours based upon prior coursework and teaching experience, and current employment. All coursework for the license must be current. For candidates employed full time in a teaching capacity, an individualized plan for completing the practicum will be developed with the faculty advisor. This may include observations, partnering with a preschool teacher and development of a portfolio to demonstrate competency for teaching in the preschool years.

Progression Requirements

• Must maintain a minimum 3.000 overall GPA

Graduation Requirements

• Minimum C grade is required in each course for endorsement.
• The preschool internship may be completed during the summer session.

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 endorsement are required to pass specific requirements in order to apply for an endorsement from the Ohio Department of Education. 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 endorsement.

Students who do not apply for endorsement within 12 months of program completion may be subject to additional course requirement, based on 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 Pre-Kindergarten (3-5 years) Endorsement Preparation non-degree program is designed for teaching learners ages three through five and is limited to those with a Resident Educator or Professional Kindergarten-Primary, Elementary, Family and Consumer Sciences or a valid State of Ohio special certificate for the education of the handicapped.

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.