Early Childhood Education Birth through Kindergarten Education, B.S.

Contact Information

Program Description

Current research indicates that early childhood programs with well-prepared, highly qualified teachers have long-term positive benefits for children and the community. Based on this research and Georgia’s approved certification in Birth through Kindergarten (B-K) Education, the Kennesaw State University Bagwell College of Education B-K Early Education Undergraduate Program has been developed to assist individuals who have a desire to instruct and work with infants, toddlers, preschool and kindergarten children.

Graduates of the program will be prepared to provide instruction to very young children. Graduates will also be familiar with global perspectives on early learning and teaching. The B-K Undergraduate Degree Program addresses the needs of the whole child based on national and state standards. Teacher candidates in the program may be placed in diverse field settings that will focus on (1) developmentally appropriate best practices, (2) current research on the development of infant, toddler and young children, (3) families and communities in a global setting, (4) English Language Learners, and (5) children with special learning needs.

Admissions Requirements

Admission to teacher education is separate from admission to Kennesaw State University. Students must meet the program requirements to pursue this degree program, outlined below.

Candidates typically apply for admission to Teacher Education as sophomores after having completed most of their general education requirements. Applications for admission to Teacher Education should be submitted online through Owl Express under the “Student Services” menu.

A criminal history background check will be performed prior to admission to Teacher Education. In addition, if determined by the background check that a student is a multi-state offender, the student will be required to pay a fee and be fingerprinted. Results of either the criminal history background check and/or fingerprinting may preclude admission to teacher education. For more information on the criminal history process, students should contact the Center for Education Placements and Partnerships (CEPP).

In order to be considered for admission to teacher education programs, candidates must have completed the following requirements:

1. Coursework:

• At least 36 semester hours of accredited college coursework.
• ENGL 1101   and ENGL 1102  with grades of “C” or better.
• EDUC 2110 * with a grade of “C” or better, a satisfactory field experience evaluation, and recommendation from the EDUC 2110 instructor. (Students with transfer credit for EDUC 2110 must provide their own Supplemental Teacher Recommendation.)
  
  *or provide proof of credit from an approved Georgia Pathways Program

2. GPA requirements:

• Achieved a minimum, adjusted or cumulative GPA of 2.75 for all coursework completed at Kennesaw State University.  However, only candidates who have earned a KSU adjusted or cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher will be guaranteed admission when all other admission requirements have been met.  Students with a 2.75-2.99 GPA will be admitted on a case-by-case basis.
• Transfer students with a cumulative transfer GPA (as used by KSU Admissions) may be considered for teacher education admission their first semester at KSU.  Only candidates who have achieved a transfer cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher will be guaranteed admission when all other admission requirements have been met.  After their first semester at KSU without teacher education admission, transfer students will be required to earn a cumulative or adjusted KSU GPA as explained above.
• No grade lower than “C” in Lower Division Major and Teaching Field courses as required by the programs in teacher education.

3. Register with the Georgia Professional Standards Commission to obtain a MyPSC account and PSC identification number.
4. Entrance exams requirements:

• Pass or exempt* the GACE Program Admission Assessment Tests ( test codes 210, 211 & 212 or combined test 710)
• Complete the Georgia Educator Ethics - Program Entry exam (360).

5. Some degree programs in teacher education have additional admissions requirements. It is the student’s responsibility to consult those departments and program advisors.

• SAT: at least 1000 (Critical Reading and Mathematics) on test before March 1, 2016 OR 1000 “Evidence-based Reading and Writing” + “Math” March 1, 2016 -June 30, 2019 OR
               1080 “Evidence-based Reading and Writing” + “Math” July 1, 2019 and after
• ACT: at least 43 (English and Mathematics)
• GRE: at least 1030 (Verbal and Quantitative), OR least 297 (Verbal and Quantitative) 08/01/2011 and after

• Submit a complete PSC Pre-Service Certification application packet.
• Be enrolled in an educator preparation program leading to initial certification.
• Have a successful background check (conducted as part of the application process).The GaPSC will NOT award a Pre-Service Certificate to anyone who is currently on probation, regardless of the crime. The GaPSC requires a copy of the Final Disposition, signed by a judge, in order to consider the issuance of a Pre-Service Certificate.
• Pass or exempt GACE Program Admission Assessments.
• Pass Georgia Educator Ethics Exam (test code 360).
• Verify enrollment in a KSU educator preparation program through personal MyPSC account.
• A Pre-Service Certificate is required to participate in field experiences associated with courses required in teacher education programs.

Graduation Requirements