Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Unified


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Program Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Unified * (birth-K) (KS) at the University of Kansas is an on-campus graduate certificate designed for early educators, and graduates can apply for licensure endorsement in early childhood unified (birth through kindergarten) education from the state of Kansas. Graduates of the program will be able to use knowledge and skills in early childhood education to appropriately address young children's birth through kindergarten needs, including those at-risk for and with developmental delays and disabilities. The program is offered at both the Lawrence and Edwards campus.

Career Outcomes with a Licensure Endorsement in Early Childhood Unified

Students pursue the licensure endorsement in early childhood unified* (birth through kindergarten) at KU with varying career goals in mind. It prepares graduates to apply the most current knowledge about early childhood education and early childhood special education. Potential position titles after graduation could include:

  • Professional development provider
  • Early interventionist
  • Family/parent educator
  • Kindergarten teacher
  • Early childhood educator
  • Early childhood special educator (ECSE)
  • Community-based itinerant ECSE teacher

*This academic program satisfies the requirements for the early childhood unified (birth through kindergarten) licensure endorsement in Kansas, but does not fulfill the requirements needed to complete a master's degree. If you plan to obtain a license or certification in a state other than Kansas or a US territory after completion of your program, it is highly recommended that you first seek guidance from the appropriate licensing agency before beginning the academic program to ensure you can obtain a license of certification in your home state or territory. 


Thinking about early childhood unified?

Let us know you’re interested in the program. We would love to connect with you to discuss the program’s curriculum, steps necessary for admission to KU, and what to expect during the professional program admission process one you have become a Jayhawk.

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#1
Top ranked Special Education public graduate program
#10
Public School of Education & Human Sciences
27
Total credit hours required

Graduate Student Life

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Research Opportunities

Graduate students at KU support faculty and research staff in conducting adding new information to the body of knowledge in a variety of fields.
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Graduate Student Funding

The Office of Graduate Studies at KU provides both internal and external funding resources to support doctoral students.

Vibrant Campus Environment

In the heart of the United States, the city of Lawrence revolves around the University and its students.

Professional Development

Graduate students will leave KU with a professional and academic network of fellow faculty and staff.

more doctoral student life

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Study & Teach Abroad

Program supports unique opportunities for students to acquire the knowledge, skills, & dispositions needed for culturally-responsive teaching.
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Student Organizations & Engagement

Students can actively participate in educational, social and community-building programs at KU.

Joseph R. Pearson Hall
Department of Special Education
University of Kansas
School of Education and Human Sciences
Joseph R. Pearson Hall , Room 521
1122 West Campus Rd.
Lawrence , Kansas 66045

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Accreditation

The KU School of Education and Human Sciences is accredited under the NCATE standards through the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Accreditation System.

Learn About Accreditation