Graduate Certificate in Licensure Endorsement in Early Childhood Unified (birth-k) (KS)
The 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. Graduates/completers of the full set of courses, practicum experiences, and the appropriate state PRAXIS and performance exams are eligible to apply for Kansas Early Childhood Unified (birth through kindergarten) teaching license.
In order to be admitted to the graduate certificate, a Bachelor’s degree is required. The degree should be in a related area, or application materials must demonstrate experience working with young children
Graduate Admission to the School of Education and Human Sciences
Graduate programs in education are open to students with acceptable baccalaureate and graduate degrees whose academic records indicate that they can do successful work at the graduate level. Applicants must provide evidence of ability to work successfully at the graduate level, including experience in and commitment to the profession.
Each department in the School of Education and Human Sciences sets its own application deadlines and admission criteria. Prospective graduate students should contact the appropriate department for more information.
See Admission in the Graduate Studies section of the online catalog for more information.
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with 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 Licensure Endorsement in Early Childhood Unified (birth-k) (KS) 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.