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

Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in Early Childhood Education Birth through Kindergarten
Bagwell College of Education
Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education
(470) 578-6121

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.

Admission to teacher education is separate from admission to Kennesaw State University. 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 45 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 (200, 201 & 202 or combined test 700) regardless of matriculation date.
• Complete the Georgia Educator Ethics - Program Entry exam (350).

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

* The GACE Program Admission Assessment tests are comprehensive exams covering reading, writing, and mathematics. Regardless of matriculation date, the GACE Program Admission Assessment tests are a requirement for entrance into the Teacher Education Program at Kennesaw State University. Candidates should plan to take the tests prior to applying to the Teacher Education Program. Students with the following minimum scores on Collegiate SAT, ACT or GRE examinations may exempt GACE Program Admission Assessment by submitting proof of scores to the Certification Officer located in the William D. Impey Teacher Education Advisement Center, located in Education Student Services (ESS):

• SAT:    at least 1000 (Critical Reading and Mathematics)
• ACT:    at least 43 (English and Mathematics)
• GRE:    at least 1030 (Verbal and Quantitative), at least 297 (Verbal and Quantitative) 08/01/2011 and after

Candidates who believe they qualify for this exemption should see the Certification Officer in the William D. Impey Teacher Education Advisement Center, located in Education Student Services (ESS) to establish and record the exemption. The center can also provide further information concerning the GACE Program Admission at (470) 578-6105.

Any supporting documents (i.e. SAT or ACT exemption scores or Supplemental Teacher Recommendations) must be submitted to the William D. Impey Teacher Education Advisement Center (located in ESS) on or before the following deadlines:

Admission to Teacher Education Program for

Fall Semester 1st day of Spring - Summer Final Grades Due Date 
Spring Semester 1st day of Fall - Fall final Grades Due Date

Applicants will be reviewed by ESS and by the Admission and Academic Standing Committee of the applicant’s proposed degree program.  All candidates who have met the requirements outlined above will be considered for admission.  Only candidates who have achieved an adjusted GPA of 3.0 or higher will be guaranteed a place in their teacher education program of choice. 

Candidates who have been denied admission must remove deficiencies within three semesters of the initial application for admission in order to be eligible for reconsideration for entry into a teacher education program.

Candidates will be informed of their admission status by email to their Kennesaw State University Student email account. Candidates must enroll in the semester for which they have been admitted, or they must re-apply and meet the admission requirements for a subsequent semester.  KSU will request that teacher education candidates be issued a Pre-Service Certificate by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (PSC).  To be eligible for this certificate, candidates must

• 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 prior to application).
• Complete PSC GACE Ethics Entry Exam (test code 350).
• 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.