Early Childhood Education, Teacher Certification Pre K-3, B.S.

Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education With Teacher Certification Pre K-3
Suggested Four Year Program

The Early Childhood Education Program is located in the Department of Teaching and Learning recognizing that the modern teacher should be educated with a firm foundation in content. The teacher must possess knowledge of a variety of subject matter, but also an understanding of the psychology and the cultures of the students he or she will teach. America is an increasingly diverse society and it is estimated that by the year 2050 more than half of the school-age children will be of non-European descent.

The Early Childhood Education program prepares the student for a license to teach in PreK-3rd grade. This means that the Tennessee Department of Education certifies that the individual is qualified to teach at those levels. Students completing all program requirements, including passing, required PRAXIS exams are eligible to apply to the State of Tennessee for a PreK-3 license. In addition, students must complete the edTPA (performance assessment) with a minimum score of 42 to graduate and to qualify for a license. Faculty, in the Department of Teaching and Learning, serve as advisors for students seeking the degree and license in Early Childhood Education.

Program Requirements for Bachelor of Science

Certification in grades PreK-3

All candidates for certification in early childhood education will complete a minimum of 123 semester hours, to receive the B.S. degree in Early Childhood Education. These hours include a general education core (42 hours), a major concentration of content and knowledge courses (24 hours), and a professional education core (45 hours). Admission requirements for the Teacher Education Program are on the website under the Office of Teacher Education. 

Accreditation: Certification in Early Childhood Education (PreK-3) is approved by the Tennessee Department of Education. In addition, the teacher education program is accredited by the   Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Students are required to seek advisement regarding their licensure programs as early as possible during their academic career at Tennessee State University to ensure that all prerequisite courses and Praxis exams are complete in preparation for Residency.