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Full Description

The Special Education Pre-K Special Needs Endorsement Preparation non-degree program will prepare students to obtain the Ohio Pre-K Special Needs endorsement. Completion of the coursework is a prerequisite to being recommended by Â鶹´«Ã½ for this endorsement and endorsements are granted by the Ohio Department of Education.

This program prepares students to apply for an endorsement which can be added to any Special Education Intervention Specialist license, the Early Childhood Education teaching license and/or the Pre-K validation. The endorsement provides teachers with the coursework and field experiences necessary to work effectively with preschool-aged children with disabilities in a variety of settings.

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 of 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 4-Year Resident Educator or 5-Year Professional State of Ohio teaching license (Intervention Specialist, Early Childhood Education or P-K validation) Requirement removed starting spring 2025 admission term.
• Starting with spring 2025 admission term: Evidence of valid Resident Educator or Professional Intervention Specialist, Early Childhood or Primary State of Ohio teaching license or a valid State of Ohio Pre-Kindergarten Certificate or a Special Certificate for Education of the Handicapped.

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 in:
   1. learning development and individual learning differences;
   2. specially designed and individualized instruction;
   3. inclusive learning environments;
   4. development of an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP);
   5. design and implementation of an early childhood special education curriculum;
   6. early childhood special education evaluation, assessment and progress monitoring; and
   7. professional practices in teaching and collaboration with families and professionals.
2. Demonstrate the dispositions necessary to be successful early childhood special education teachers/professionals.
3. Demonstrate preparation for the professional by successfully completing the Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) Special Education Assessment.

Program Requirements

Endorsement Requirements

Progression Requirements

• Must maintain a minimum 3.000 overall GPA

Graduation Requirements

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. 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.

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus