Intended Audience
- ● Individuals who hold a valid teaching license (Professional Educator License – PEL) and an Endorsement in Early Childhood Education. (Note: candidates cannot earn a the EC SPED approval on their PEL if they do not already have an Early Childhood Endorsement)
- ● Individuals who have a bachelor’s degree
- ● Individuals who seek subsequent endorsement in Early Childhood SPED Approval (Birth to Grade 2)
Certifications Earned
- ● Early Childhood SPED Approval (Pre-Kindergarten only)
Coursework
Courses for this program are offered in the evenings and are online synchronous (at a scheduled time). Click the following links to view and download the program overview and coursework.
Professional Education Coursework (6 courses)
- ● EDEC 6550: Family, Community, and Culture (3)
- ● EDEC 6560: Curriculum, Literacy, & Exceptional Learners in Preprimary Grades (3)
- ● EDEC 6570: Literacy in Early Childhood Education (3)
- ● EDEC 7570: Assessment & Differentiated Instruction in Early Childhood (3)
- ● EDEC 8811: Research and Issues in Education II (1)
- ● SPED 6101: Survey of Students with Exceptionalities (3)
Total Hours for the Program: 18
Study Plan
Fall Only Courses |
EDEC 6550 | Family, Community, & Culture | 3 |
EDEC 6570 | Literacy in Early Childhood | 3 |
Spring Only Courses |
EDEC 6560 | Curriculum, Literacy, & Exceptional Learners in Preprimary Grades | 3 |
EDEC 8810 | Research and Issues in Education I | 3 |
Summer Only Courses |
EDEC 7570 | Assessment & Differentiated Instruction in ECE | 3 |
Fall/Spring/Summer Courses |
SPED 6101 | Survey of Students with Exceptionalities | 3 |
Field Experiences
Field experiences are integrated into program coursework to give students the opportunity to gain valuable training and professional connections. A total of 15 field experience hours are completed during SPED 6101.
Program Requirements
Program Admission
Candidates must meet all university requirements for entry into post-BAC programs and the Early Childhood Education program.
List of Admission Requirements
Post-BAC Certificate Requirements
Candidates must meet all university requirements for a master’s degree. Candidates must also:
List of Post-BAC Certificate Requirements
- ● Attain a GPA of 3.0 or better in all Professional Education coursework, earning a grade of ‘B-’ or better in all courses
- ● Complete all coursework at Governors State University within five calendar years
- ● Be in good standing with the university and program
- ● Earn satisfactory scores on assessments of professional dispositions and exhibit expected dispositions
- ● Maintain satisfactory candidate progress as defined in the Early Childhood Education Program Handbook
- ● Successfully complete all key assessments and field placements, including student teaching
Licensure: Endorsements – ISBE
Candidates must submit their transcripts and paperwork to ISBE to receive the subsequent endorsement.
For more information about licensure, visit the GSU webpage Licensure of Teachers and Other School Professionals.
Additional Approval Considerations: Candidates wishing to apply to ISBE for the optional Early Childhood Endorsement - Birth to Grade 2 that can be placed on an ISBE teaching license (PEL) must complete the additional courses.
- ● EDEC 6099: Developmentally Appropriate Practice in ECE (4)
- ● EDEC 6551: Field Experience 1 - infants, toddlers, and families (1)
- ● EDEC 6561: Field Experience 2 - preprimary (1)
- ● EDEC 6571: Field Experience 3 - literacy in primary grades (1)
Certifications – Illinois Gateways to Opportunity
Candidations can earn Illinois Gateways Credentials: Early Childhood Education and Infant Toddler. Candidates must be a member of Gateways and submit an application at the beginning of the program and after graduation. Candiadtes must register for a free account with Illinois Gateways.
Program Advisor
From admission to graduation, your academic advisor is your partner towards success. Our academic advisor is here to answer any questions you have and help you navigate the requirements needed for the program. Once you are admitted, make sure you reach out to your advisor for guidance throughout your program.
Program Catalog
You can find the complete guide to graduation requirements for your degree, as well as descriptions for each course, in our program catalog.