The 27-credit hour graduate certificate in Early Childhood Unified (ECU) - (birth through kindergarten) at the University of Kansas blends knowledge and skills in early childhood education and early childhood special education thus preparing the early childhood educator to appropriately address the learning and development of each and every child, birth through kindergarten, including those at-risk for and with developmental delays and disabilities. Program completers who pass the KS state-required licensure exam and performance assessment are eligible for a Kansas initial license or added endorsement in Early Childhood Unified, Birth – Kindergarten.
If students wish to obtain a license or certification in a state or a US territory other than Kansas, it is recommended they seek guidance from the appropriate licensing agency BEFORE beginning the academic program to ensure they can obtain a license of certification in their home state or territory. The website https://nc-sara.org/professional-licensure-directory provides resources for licensure and certification boards outside of Kansas.
In order to be admitted to the graduate certificate, a bachelor's degree is required. The degree should be in a related areas, or application materials must demonstrate experience working with young children. The bachelor’s degree should reflect at least a 2.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale from a regionally accredited institution or a foreign university with substantially equivalent bachelor’s degree requirements.
Meeting minimum admission standards does not guarantee admission to the program. Other factors considered by the committee include: strength of the letter of application; strength of the letters of recommendation; quality of previous experience and background in special education or a closely related discipline; availability of an appropriate advisor in the applicant's identified area of emphasis; and the fit between the applicant's professional and graduate program goals and the purpose and mission of the KU.
Application checklist:
- Online Application*
- Official transcript of completed bachelor’s degree from accredited university
- Letter of introduction stating your area of interest and licensure status as applicable
- Name, email and position for two professional references
- Current resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Proof of English proficiency (for non-native English-speaking applicants)
Applicants who are non-native speakers of English must demonstrate English proficiency in the skill areas of reading, writing, and listening. Please read the full policy and acceptable proof of proficiency options on our policy page. Additional information can be found here.
*Students that are admitted and currently active (not graduated) in a special education master’s program may add a certificate program to their student record without completing the online application, subject to current faculty advisor and graduate certificate program coordinator approval. Please contact your advisor for more information.
Course requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Unified (birth-k) include:
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| SPED 752 | Overview of Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education | 3 |
| SPED 750 | Curriculum and Methods in Early Childhood | 3 |
| SPED 755 | Inclusive Strategies and Interventions for Preschoolers: _____ | 3 |
| SPED 734 | Inclusive Strategies and Intervention for Infants and Toddlers: _____ | 3 |
| SPED 731 | Supporting Children with Significant Learning and Behavioral Concerns | 3 |
| SPED 753 | Assessment in Early Education | 3 |
| SPED 854 | Family and Interprofessional Collaboration in Special Education | 3 |
| SPED 739 | Special Education Early Childhood Unified Practicum (Infant/Toddler ) | 3 |
| SPED 739 | Special Education Early Childhood Unified Practicum (K/Pre-K) | 3 |
| 27 |
A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher is required to remain in good academic standing and in order to graduate.
Additional information can be found in the graduate regulations section of the catalog.
