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 other than Kansas or a US territory after completion of their program, they should refer to our Licensure Disclosures page - https://soehs.ku.edu/current-students/licensure/disclosures.
Graduate Admissions Requirements
Applicants must meet both the University and departmental admission requirements to be considered for the program.
University of Kansas Graduate Admission Requirements
- All applicants must meet the requirements outlined in the Admission to Graduate Study policy.
- Bachelor’s degree: A copy of official transcripts showing proof of a bachelor's degree (and any post-bachelor’s coursework or degrees) from a regionally accredited institution, or a foreign university with equivalent bachelor's degree requirements is required.
- English proficiency: Proof of English proficiency for non-native or non-native-like English speakers is required. There are two bands of English proficiency, including Admission and Full proficiency. For applicants to online programs, Full proficiency is required.
Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Unified application requirements:
- A completed graduate application.
- Application fee.
- Official transcripts of all degree-granting post-secondary institutions you have attended and an official transcript for each degree earned.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Personal statement addressing: 1.) professional background including work experience and the focus of undergraduate degree; 2.) professional/educational learning goals; and 3.) endorsement/licensure program you would like to complete (if applicable).
- Current resume or CV.
Students that are currently enrolled (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.
At the completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate critical-thinking and analytical skills to facilitate supportive and collegial inclusive learning communities premised on flexible and collaborative practice among general and special educators and parents of students receiving special education services.
- Demonstrate knowledge of evidence-based and high-leverage practices in special education.
- Demonstrate knowledge of characteristics, strengths, and typical areas of instructional need for students receiving special education services.
