Post-Bachelor’s Certificate in Early Childhood Education SPED Approval

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The College of Education designed this program for those who already possess a teaching license (Professional Educator License - PEL) and wish to pursue a subsequent endorsement to earn the Early Childhood SPED Approval. This set of a minimum of six courses (18 hours) meets the ISBE requirements for a subsequent endorsement Early Childhood Education SPED Approval (birth to grade 2). Details on licensure are included in the Licensure of Teachers and Other School Professionals section of this catalog.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted into the Early Childhood Education post-BAC program, candidates must meet the university admission criteria, as well as meet the following criteria:

• have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university;
• have earned a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher in undergraduate work (bachelor’s degree);
• hold a valid teaching license - Professional Educator License (PEL)

Application

To apply to the ECE post-BAC program, candidates must meet university admission requirements Additionally, applicants must provide:

• an application to the Early Childhood Education Program - EC Post-BAC, SPED Approval;
• official transcripts showing a bachelor’s degree and cumulative G.P.A. of 2.75 or higher;
• current, up-to-date, resume;
• valid teaching license (PEL)

Requirements for Transfer of Previous Graduate Coursework

Students with previous graduate early childhood coursework may be allowed to apply a maximum of six credit hours (2 courses) to the entitlement/licensure requirements. A grade of at least a B- must be earned in the course. Courses must have been completed no longer than 8 years prior to application for admission to the Early Childhood Education EC SPED Approval Post-BAC program. Petitions and documents (such as course syllabi) for these applied credits must be submitted before or at the same time as application. No courses taken at another institution after admission to the entitlement/certificate ECE program may be applied. The Early Childhood Education faculty will evaluate all petitions for transfer of coursework, and only courses potentially equivalent to specific GSU Early Childhood courses as listed will be considered.

Additional Approval Considerations

Candidates wishing to apply to ISBE for the optional EC Endorsement (birth to grade 2) that can be placed on an ISBE teaching license (PEL) must complete the additional courses below:

• EDEC 6099 - Developmentally Appropriate Practices in Early Childhood Education (4)
• EDEC 6551 - Field Experience 1: Infants & Toddlers (1)
• EDEC 6561 - Field Experience 2: Preprimary Grades (1)
• EDEC 6571 - Field Experience 3: Literacy in Primary Grades (1)

Note: Prior to recommendation for entitlement leading to certification in Early Childhood Education, all candidates must document passing the ILTS Early Childhood Content Exam.

Those who complete the entitlement endorsement in Early Childhood Education (grades birth to grade 2) have the option of applying these credits towards the M.A. in Early Childhood Education. All admission requirements to the M.A. in Early Childhood will apply, as well as prerequisites and time restrictions.

Academic Advising

From admission to graduation, your academic advisor is your partner towards success. The Division of Education provides professional academic advisors to serve the needs of all of its candidates. Your program’s academic advisor is the ideal first contact for:

• individuals considering transfer into this degree program
• newly admitted candidates who need to develop a plan of study, including evaluation of transfer credits
• continuing candidates who have questions or comments on program policies, procedures, and requirements
• individuals considering transfer into this degree program.

Contact Information

Academic Advisor: Carla Johnson

Office: G378

Phone: 708-235-3989

Email: cjohnson@govst.edu

Advisor Expectations

Your advisor is here to answer any questions you have and help you navigate the requirements needed for the program. Your advisor will:

• Review your application and transcripts, as well as help you with transferring credits
• Communicate the programs curriculum, requirements, policies and procedures
• Determine your study plan based on course offerings and program schedule, including personal schedules
• Provide you with an outline of your program and courses
• Help you with registering for classes 
• Encourage and support you in fulfilling your academic goals

Student Expectations

Once you are admitted, make sure you reach out to your advisor for guidance throughout your program. Students are responsible for talking to their advisor regularly and keeping up with their study plan. As a student, you are expected to carry out the following responsibilities to ensure you receive the adequate advising services you need for success:

• Keep track of all of your advising materials
• Come to advising appointments prepared with questions
• Fully understand your degree requirements and how to access university and program policies and procedures
• Be fully aware of all deadlines. Check the University Academic Calendar regularly
• Accept responsibility for your actions, decisions, and academic performance
• Check your GSU email regularly

Information and guidelines about advising can be found at Academic Advising at GSU.

Required Courses (18 Hours)

• SPED - 6101 Survey of Students with Exceptionalities (3)

• *Course is waived if an equivalent course was taken through initial licensure preparation.

• EDEC - 6550 Family, Community, and Culture (3)
• EDEC - 6560 Curriculum, Literacy, & Exceptional Learners in Preprimary Grades (3)
• EDEC - 6570 Literacy in Early Childhood Education (3)
• EDEC - 8810 Research and Issues in Education I (3)
• EDEC - 7570 Assessment and Differentiated Instruction in Early Childhood Education (3)