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Special Education Early Childhood (PK-5) Additional Licensure Preparation - Non-Degree

The Special Education Early Childhood PK-5 Additional Licensure Preparation program is designed to prepare educators to work with young children with disabilities or developmental delays in inclusive settings. You will learn how to create meaningful learning experiences that promote growth and development while addressing individual student needs.

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Kent State University’s Additional Licensure Preparation in Special Education Early Childhood (PK-5) program is designed for educators seeking to expand their expertise in teaching young children with disabilities. This program provides comprehensive training in developmental and instructional strategies tailored for early childhood education settings. Through a blend of theoretical coursework and practical experiences, participants learn to create inclusive classroom environments that promote the academic and social growth of all students. Graduates are well-prepared to address the unique challenges and opportunities presented in early childhood special education.

 

Program Information for Special Education Early Childhood (PK-5) Additional Licensure Preparation - Non-Degree

Program Description
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Full Description

The Special Education Early Childhood (PK-5) Additional Licensure Preparation non-degree program prepares students to obtain an additional Ohio Early Childhood Intervention Specialist (PK-5) license. This program is designed for individuals who have a current teaching license and are seeking an additional license to work with young children with diverse learning abilities in a variety of special education settings, from pre-kindergarten through grade 5.

Completion of the coursework is a prerequisite to being recommended by Kent State University for licensure, and licenses are granted by the Ohio Department of Education.

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.

Admissions for Special Education Early Childhood (PK-5) Additional Licensure Preparation - Non-Degree

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 current four-year Resident Educator or five-year Professional State of Ohio teaching license (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
Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Completers of this program will be able to

  1. Demonstrate knowledge and skills of:
    1. learner development and individual learning differences;
    2. the learning environment;
    3. curricular content knowledge;
    4. assessment; instructional planning and strategies; and
    5. professional practice and collaboration.
  2. Demonstrate the dispositions necessary to be successful special education teachers/professionals.
  3. Demonstrate preparation for the profession by successfully completing the Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE).
Coursework
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Program Requirements

Licensure Requirements

Licensure Requirements (min C/S grade required in all courses)
ASL 19201ELEMENTARY AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE I 4
SPED 24000INCLUSIVE PRACTICES 3
SPED 53040LANGUAGE AND READING IN SPECIAL EDUCATION 3
SPED 53062CURRICULUM METHODS MILD/MODERATE INTERVENTION 3
SPED 63950CURRICULUM AND INTERVENTION IN EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES 3
SPED 63952FAMILY AND PROFESSIONAL COLLABORATION IN EARLY CHILDHOOD 3
SPED 63954PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: TEAMING 3
SPED 63955TYPICAL AND ATYPICAL DEVELOPMENT IN YOUNG CHILDREN 3
SPED 63956FOUNDATIONS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES 3
SPED 63957ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION OF EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES 3
SPED 63992STUDENT TEACHING IN SPECIAL EDUCATION 4
SPED 64892ADVANCED PRACTICUM 3
SPED 64951DEVELOPING AN INDIVIDUALIZED FAMILY SERVICE PLAN AND INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION PROGRAM 3
Minimum Total Credit Hours:41

Graduation Requirements

Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
3.000 3.000
  • Additional Coursework: An analysis of additional content-area coursework required at the post-undergraduate level will be completed before entering into the program, and a Plan of Study will be created based on transcript analysis and current licensure requirements by the Ohio Department of Education. A minimum B grade is required in each of these courses. This coursework would be in addition to requirements for the Early Childhood Intervention Specialist non-degree program.

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.

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Special Education Early Childhood (PK-5) Additional Licensure Preparation - Non-Degree

Graduates with a special education early childhood (PK-5) licensure can pursue various careers focused on supporting young children with disabilities. They may work as special education teachers in preschool and elementary settings, providing specialized instruction and interventions tailored to individual learning needs. Other career paths include roles as early intervention specialists, who work with families and children in home or community-based settings, and educational consultants, advising schools on best practices for inclusive education. Graduates may also find opportunities in advocacy, program coordination, and administrative positions within early childhood organizations, helping to promote access and equity in education for all children.

Special education teachers, preschool

8.3%

much faster than the average

23,000

number of jobs

$61,400

potential earnings

Special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school

2.9%

slower than the average

193,000

number of jobs

$60,620

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* 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.
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