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2026-2027 University Catalog
Post Bachelor’s Certificate in Early Childhood Education leading to a Subsequent Endorsement in Early Childhood (Birth to Grade 2)
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 Return to: College of Education and Human Development
The College of Education and Human Development designed this program for those who already hold a teaching license (Professional Educator License - PEL) and wish to pursue a subsequent endorsement in Early Childhood Education (birth to grade 2). This set of a minimum of eight courses (19 Hours) meets the ISBE requirements for a subsequent endorsement in Early Childhood Education (birth through grade 2). Details on licensure are included in the Licensure of Teachers and Other School Professionals section of this catalog. \
Program Outcomes
- Child Development and Learning in Context - early childhood educators will demonstrate the understanding of child development from birth to age 8, recognizing individual variations and the impact of relationships and contexts on learning, and will apply this knowledge to make informed, evidence-based decisions in their practice.
- Family-Teacher Partnerships and Community Connections - early childhood educators will demonstrate the capacity to develop respectful and reciprocal partnerships with families, valuing diversity and leveraging community resources to enhance young children’s learning and development while fostering connections between early learning settings and local organizations.
- Child Observation, Documentation, and Assessment - early childhood educators will demonstrate the capacity to use observation and assessment tools ethically and appropriately to document each child’s development, inform instruction, and foster partnerships with families and colleagues, ensuring positive outcomes tailored to diverse needs and contexts.
- Developmentally, Culturally, and Linguistic Teaching Practices - early childhood educators will demonstrate the capacity to establish supportive relationships and utilize a diverse range of developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate teaching practices that are responsive to each child’s needs, ensuring inclusive and effective learning environments grounded in universal design principles.
- Knowledge, Application, and Integration of Academic Content in EC - early childhood educators will demonstrate knowledge of academic disciplines and effective pedagogical methods, applying this understanding to design and evaluate engaging, age- appropriate curriculum experiences that foster meaningful learning and development for each child.
- Professionalism as an Early Childhood Educator - early childhood educators will demonstrate the capacity to engage as informed advocates, using ethical guidelines and effective communication skills. They will demonstrate reflective practice and collaboration, fostering professional relationships with children, families, and colleagues while committing to continuous learning within the early childhood profession.
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Admission Requirements
To be admitted into the Early Childhood Education post-BAC program, candidates must meet the be In addition to meeting the university admission criteria, as well as applicants must meet the followingese admission 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 the university admission requirements. Additionally, applicants must provide: - an application to the Early Childhood Education Program - Post-BAC, EC Endorsement
- 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)
Required Courses (19 Hours)
Transfer 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 courses. Courses must also 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: - EDEC - 8810 Research and Issues in Education I (3)
- SPED - 6101 Survey of Students with Exceptionalities (3)
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.
Academic Advisor: Office: G378 Phone: 708-235-3989 Email: bjohnsen2@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 GovState. |
Return to: College of Education and Human Development
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