Apr 18, 2024  
2021-2022 Governors State University Academic Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Governors State University Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Early Childhood Education for Currently Licensed Teachers Certificate


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GSU Post-B.A. leading to ISBE Early Childhood Endorsement

The College of Education  designed this program for those who already possess a teaching license (Professional Educator License - PEL) and now wish to pursue an additional endorsement in Early Childhood Education. This set of a minimum of eight courses (19 hours) meets the ISBE requirements for a subsequent endorsement in Early Childhood Education (birth through 2nd grade). Details on licensure are included in the Licensure of Teachers and Other School Professionals  section of this catalog.

Special Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting the university admission criteria, applicants must meet these admission criteria:

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

Application Requirements

In addition to meeting the university admission criteria, applicants must provide:

  • an application to the Early Childhood Education - EC Endorsement Post-BAC Certificate Program;
  • official transcripts showing a Bachelor degree and cumulative G.P.A. of 2.75 or higher;
  • current, up-to-date, resume; and
  • 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 a B or better 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 Endorsement Post-BAC certificate 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 Special Education Approval that can be placed on an ISBE teaching license (PEL) must complete the additional courses below:

Those who complete the entitlement endorsement in Early Childhood Education (grades birth - 2nd grade) 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.

Contact Academic Advisor:

For any questions about this program, please contact Academic Advisor, Carla Johnson (cjohnson@govst.edu).

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