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Full Description

The Special Education Early Childhood (PK-5) Additional Licensure Preparation non-degree program prepares students to obtain an additional Ohio Early Childhood Intervention Specialist (PK-5) license. This program is designed for individuals who have a current teaching license and are seeking an additional license to work with young children with diverse learning abilities in a variety of special education settings, from pre-kindergarten through grade 5.

Completion of the coursework is a prerequisite to being recommended by ºÚÁÏÍø for licensure, and licenses are granted by the Ohio Department of Education.

This program does not culminate in a master's degree. Students interested in a master's degree at Kent State must be fully admitted into and complete the requirements for the master's program, in addition to courses that are prescribed here for licensure.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure.

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 2.750 GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• Goal statement
• Two letters of recommendation
• Questions in Anticipation of Licensure form
• Evidence of current four-year Resident Educator or five-year Professional State of Ohio teaching license (no longer required starting with spring 2025 admission term)
• Effective with spring 2025 admission term: Evidence of valid Resident Educator or Professional State of Ohio teaching license

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Spring Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Summer Term
  • Rolling admissions

Program Learning Outcomes

Completers of this program will be able to

1. Demonstrate knowledge and skills of:
   1. learner development and individual learning differences;
   2. the learning environment;
   3. curricular content knowledge;
   4. assessment; instructional planning and strategies; and
   5. professional practice and collaboration.
2. Demonstrate the dispositions necessary to be successful special education teachers/professionals.
3. Demonstrate preparation for the profession by successfully completing the Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE).

Program Requirements

Licensure Requirements

Graduation Requirements

• Additional Coursework: An analysis of additional content-area coursework required at the post-undergraduate level will be completed before entering into the program, and a Plan of Study will be created based on transcript analysis and current licensure requirements by the Ohio Department of Education. A minimum B grade is required in each of these courses. This coursework would be in addition to requirements for the Early Childhood Intervention Specialist non-degree program.

Licensure Information

Prior to program completion, the candidate must demonstrate proficiencies in the following areas (including but not limited to): data literacy and analysis; use of research and assessment data; leadership and collaboration; utilizing and supporting appropriate technology for the discipline; and application of professional dispositions, laws and policies, codes of ethics and professional standards appropriate to their field of specialization.

Candidates seeking Ohio teaching licensure are required to pass specific requirements in order to apply for licensure from the Ohio Department of Education (ODE). Students should consult the Special Education Department for specific program requirements and refer to the Ohio Department of Education - Educator Preparation website for more information on assessments specific to licensure type.