Early Childhood Inclusive, Additional Endorsement
Additional Endorsement in Early Childhood Inclusive
University of Nebraska at Kearney
Overview
Admissions and Requirements
Courses You’ll Take
Tuition & Fees
Program Overview
The online Early Childhood Inclusive, Additional Endorsement is a unique, high-quality, convenient program for people interested in working with the very youngest population.
Students choose this program to:
- Prepare to teach children 0-5 in special education settings and ages 0-8 in regular education settings.
- Gain knowledge from faculty expertise in research and teaching children 0-8.
- Acquire a knowledgebase, applicable skills, competencies and appropriate practicum experiences.
- Benefit from the flexible format of online courses which allow students to complete coursework according to their schedule on the traditional semester basis.
The program is designed for in-service teachers, assistants in preschools, staff in HeadStart programs and other non-traditional students who are unable to attend regular face-to-face classes at a university.
One of two specializations must be selected:
- Birth-Kindergarten
- Age 3-Grade 3
Career Outlook: The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that jobs in early childhood education are projected to grow by 7% by 2024, faster than the national average.
Career options:
- Elementary School Teacher
- Preschool Teacher
- Daycare Teacher
- In-service Teacher
- Preschool Assistants
- Head Start Program Staff
Admissions and Requirements
To be accepted to this program, you must have:
A Bachelor's degree
A license/certificate required
Teaching certification.
Official transcripts from all previous schools
NOTE: If you reside in state(s) KY contact a program adviser before applying.
To apply to this program:
- Complete and submit the online application for admissions
- Pay the $45 non-refundable application fee
Courses You’ll Take
Course Information
Students choose one of the following specializations: Birth-Kindergarten, Age 3-Grade 3
Coursework for Specialization in Birth-Kindergarten: FAMS 302: Parent Education, TE 336: Methods for Preschool and Kindergarten Classrooms, TE 338: Infant and Toddler Mental Health, TE 339: Infant and Toddler Curriculum, TE 347: Literacy Methods 0-3,
Coursework for Specialization Age 3-Grade 3: MATH 330: Math for Elementary Teachers II, 312: Math Methods II, TE 313: Field Experience: Math, TE 335: Inclusive Methods K-3, TE 335L: Field Experience: Inclusive Methods K-3, TE 336: Methods for Preschool and Kindergarten Classrooms
Core Courses
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| TE 344L | Field Experience: Ages 3-5 | 0 |
This course is designed to provide practical application of integrated, inclusive instructional strategies and assessment procedures for all young children ages three to five. Students will be placed in early childhood teaching environments with children age 3 through age five including children with disabilities. The experiences shall consist of 30 clock hours with 20% of the hours (6 hours) in settings with children with a range of disabilities. | ||
| MATH 102 or 104 | College Algebra OR Concepts in Mathematics and Statistics | 0 |
MATH 102 College Algebra: A college level algebra course which includes a study of linear equations and inequalities, relations and functions, graphing of linear and quadratic functions, polynomial and rational functions, logarithmic and exponential functions, systems of equations, matrices, sequences and series, and other selected topics all of which are necessary for the study of calculus.
MATH 104 Concepts in Mathematics & Statistics: 102 College Algebra
A college level algebra course which includes a study of linear equations and inequalities, relations and functions, graphing of linear and quadratic functions, polynomial and rational functions, logarithmic and exponential functions, systems of equations, matrices, sequences and series, and other selected topics all of which are necessary for the study of calculus. | ||
| TE 346 | Early Childhood Program Administration | 0 |
This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the administrative aspects of early childhood programs. This course will prepare students to plan a facility, identify program goals, work with community resources, collaborate with schools and other early childhood programs, implement an early childhood program and evaluate program quality. | ||
| TE 344 | Methods of Inclusive Education; Ages 3-5 | 0 |
This course is designed to provide students with the experiential knowledge and practical skills necessary to select, evaluate, develop, adapt and implement developmentally appropriate inclusive curricular materials and instructional strategies for children ages 3 to 5. Students will focus on arranging inclusive environments, monitoring children's progress, working with IEPs and embedding inclusive teaching strategies within the context of developmentally appropriate curriculum materials to maximize healthy development and learning for children ages 3 to 5 with and without disabilities, including those who are gifted or who are English Language Learners. | ||
| TE 316 | Primary Grades Literacy | 0 |
This course focuses on the teaching of literacy in the primary grades (K-3). The course will emphasize a balanced literacy perspective for the development of reading and writing abilities by primary age children in the inclusive primary grades classroom. | ||
| TESE 334L | Field Experience: Assessment and Intervention | 0 |
This course is designed to provide practical application of the assessment process for screening, identification, planning for intervention and progress monitoring. Students will work in early childhood settings with assigned children who have disabilities to administer appropriate assessments and use assessment data to make meaningful decisions for intervention. Students will monitor child progress and adjust interventions as needed to maximize development and learning. The experiences shall consist of 30 clock hours. | ||
| PE 247 | Nutrition, Health and Safety for Young Children | 0 |
This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the nutrition, health and safety needs of young children from birth to eight years of age. This course will prepare students to address the well-being of diverse young children and their families in a variety of early childhood settings, including family childcare, childcare centers, preschools and early elementary school settings. | ||
| TE 315 | Literacy Assessment | 0 |
This course emphasizes the assessment of literacy in grades kindergarten through three. The teacher candidate will learn how to administer and interpret assessments of reading and writing ability. | ||
| TESE 333 | Serving Young Children with Special Needs | 0 |
The focus of this course is to provide a thorough overview of early intervention and early childhood special education, with special attention to medical and disability characteristics of young children with special developmental and learning needs, and how these may be further impacted by cultural and at-risk factors. Students will become familiar with the IFSP and IEP process, including how to collaborate with other team members and work with families and understand Part C regulations under IDEIA. | ||
| TE 349 | Supporting Young Children Through Family & Community Involvement | 0 |
This course is designed to help students acquire the critical skills they need to establish effective, productive relationships with the families of young children and members of the community. Students will utilize a wide array of realistic case studies and issues for discussion that sensitively address the increasing diversity of family structures in society. In addition, students will have a better understanding of parents and families and the resources available to them. | ||
| TE 343 | Methods of Inclusive Education; Birth to Age 3 | 0 |
This course is designed to provide students with the experiential knowledge and practical skills necessary to select, evaluate, develop, adapt and implement developmentally appropriate inclusive instructional strategies for infants and toddlers birth through age three across developmental domain areas. Students will focus on arranging inclusive environments, monitoring children's progress, working with IFSP's and embedding inclusive teaching strategies within the context of developmentally appropriate curriculum materials to maximize healthy development and learning for infants and toddlers with and without disabilities. | ||
| TE 343L | Field Experience: Age 3-5 | 0 |
This course is designed to provide practical application of integrated, inclusive instructional strategies and assessment procedures for all young children birth through age three. Student will be placed in early childhood teaching environments with children birth through age three including children with disabilities. The experiences shall consist of 30 clock hours with 20% of the hours (6 hours) in settings with children with a range of disabilities. | ||
| TE 314 | Phonics and Word Study | 0 |
This course is designed to teach phonics/word study skill instruction in inclusive K-6 classrooms. The course will emphasize phonemic awareness, phonics, sight word recognition and spelling in a balanced literacy program. | ||
| TE 311 | Math Methods I | 3 |
This course focuses on the teaching of mathematics in an elementary classroom setting. The philosophy of teaching mathematics, as advocated by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics will be introduced. The teaching methodology will center on the mathematical content strands of number/operation and algebra as well as the process strands of problem solving, making connections and reasoning. | ||
| TE 313 | Field Experience: Math | 3 |
The course is designed to provide practical application of effective mathematics instructional skills and assessment techniques. Students will be placed in one or more elementary classroom settings for a total of fifty (50) clock hours. Students will develop and implement math activities, lessons plans, and assessment procedures with individual students, small groups, and the entire class. | ||
| TE 348 | Math, Science and Social Sciences for Children 0-8 | 0 |
This course is designed to provide students with the experiential knowledge and practical skills necessary to develop, and implement developmentally appropriate curricular materials and instructional strategies in the areas of math, science and social studies for children 0-8. Students will develop an understanding of social concepts and mathematical and scientific processes in the context of child development and how to implement activities and experiences across subject areas and themes that engage children in the learning process and help them internalize foundational concepts. Students will develop the skills to prepare materials and activities that are culturally sensitive and address the needs of children with and without disabilities, including those who are gifted or who are English Language Learners. | ||
| TE 317 | Field Experience: Literacy | 0 |
The course is designed to provide practical application of effective primary literacy instructional skills and assessment techniques. Students will be placed in one or more elementary (Kindergarten to Grade 3) classroom settings for a total of fifty (50) clock hours. Students will develop and implement primary literacy lessons plans and assessment procedures. | ||
| TE 341 | Foundations of Early Childhood Education | 0 |
The focus of this introductory course is on historical and philosophical developments in the care and education of children with typical and atypical development, birth through age eight. Legal basis of services for young children and current social issues and legislation are studied. Students are introduced to the range of children served and developmentally appropriate practices for each of the age groups: infants and toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners and primary grade children. | ||
| TE 342 | Literacy Methods for the Preschool Teacher | 0 |
The focus of this course is on preparing teachers to create effective beginning literacy programs for young children. Primary focus will be on preschool aged children with attention to both typical, atypical and second language development. Students will (1) understand child development in relation to oral and written language, (2) be able to assess young children's language skills, (3) know how to create literacy-rich environments, (4) learn important teaching strategies to effectively promote early language skills and (5) address the language needs of a diverse range of learners, including those with disabilities and Dual Language Learners. | ||
| MUS 404 | Music and Movement for Early Childhood Teachers | 0 |
This Early Childhood music and movement course is for anyone interested in teaching in early childhood education, from birth through age 8. Basic understanding, musical skills, movement activities, methods and materials for the early childhood teacher will be explored. | ||
| TESE 334 | Assessment and Intervention | 0 |
The focus of this course is to provide a thorough understanding of the assessment process, uses of assessment for screening, identification, planning for intervention and progress monitoring. Students will understand the types of assessments used, evaluate assessments to determine the best match for its purpose and incorporate child factors including disability and culture, to select and use appropriate assessments. Students will use assessment data to make meaningful decisions for intervention. | ||
| MATH 230 | Math for Elementary Teachers I | 3 |
In this course, preservice teachers develop knowledge of mathematics important for the effective teaching of PK-6 students. The mathematical topics investigated in the course include problem solving, the number system, alternate base systems, operations with whole numbers and integers, introductory number theory concepts and data analysis. In all of these topics, preservice teachers learn to develop appropriate mathematical explanations, understand student reasoning about mathematics and communicate mathematical reasoning. | ||
| MATH 230 | Math for Elementary Teachers | 0 |
In this course, preservice teachers develop knowledge of mathematics important for the effective teaching of PK-6 students. The mathematical topics investigated in the course include problem solving, the number system, alternate base systems, operations with whole numbers and integers, introductory number theory concepts, and data analysis. In all of these topics, preservice teachers learn to develop appropriate mathematical explanations, understand student reasoning about mathematics and communicate mathematical reasoning. | ||
| TE 816A | Practicum in Education | 3 |
This practicum course requires, depending on the number of credit hours desired, between 40 and 240 clock hours of participation by the student in an educational setting. The specific experiences to be gained and the setting will be determined by the supervising professor and the student. | ||
| TE 816A | Practicum | 3 |
Tuition & Fees
Nebraska Residents
Per Credit Hour
- Tuition
- $315.00
- Fees
- $56.25
- Total
- $371.25
3 Credit Hours
- Tuition
- $945.00
- Fees
- $168.75
- Total
- $1113.75
Out of State Residents
Per Credit Hour
- Tuition
- $444.00
- Fees
- $56.25
- Total
- $500.25
3 Credit Hours
- Tuition
- $1332.00
- Fees
- $168.75
- Total
- $1500.75
Dawn Mollenkopf, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Dawn Mollenkopf earned her doctorate in Special Education Policy Integration with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education. She directs the Early Childhood Unified (ECU) program and has worked with five different Federal U.S. Department of Education grants to help early childhood teachers and young children. Mollenkopf is passionate about teaching the next generation of leaders in education.
Application Deadlines
Rolling admissions. Application review will begin upon receipt of all required application materials.