The Pre-Kindergarten Special Needs Endorsement (Ages 3-5) is an accelerated fully online program for current early childhood and/or intervention specialists who want to expand their teaching opportunity to include young children who are in need of special education services. This Pre-Kindergarten Special Needs Endorsement can be added to an existing Ohio Early Childhood/Primary License and/or an Intervention Specialist license. Students, who are enrolled in the Primary Licensure Program or the Special Education Licensure Program at the undergraduate or graduate level, may begin the coursework for the endorsement during their final semester of study.

Program Requirements

Hours: 13

Prerequisite: Current Early Childhood/Primary or Intervention Specialist Ohio Licensure and SED 515 or Equivalent Course.

Requirements of the Pre-Kindergarten Special Needs Endorsement - 13 hours

SED 521 Assessment & Communication Develop for Special Education (3)
SED 524 School, Home Support and Intervention Pre-Kindergarten Special Needs (3)
SED 534 Methods/Materials for Pre-Kindergarten Special Needs (3)
SED 662 Pre-Kindergarten Special Needs Practicum (1)
SED 665 Medical Issues & Learning Process for Pre-Kindergarten Special Needs (3)

Program Outcomes

The goal of the Pre-K Special Needs Endorsement is to prepare teachers to meet the unique educational needs of children in pre-kindergarten with special needs. At the conclusion of the program, students will be able to:

  • Plan instruction that is evidence of knowledge and understanding of the characteristics and developmental needs of young children with special needs.
  • Design classroom environments that promote the growth and development of special needs children in a respectful, safe, and healthy learning environment.
  • Implement lessons that deliver effective instruction that advances the learning and development of typical and special needs three to five year old children.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of a variety of developmentally appropriate assessments to inform instruction, evaluate and ensure student learning.
  • Collaborate and communicate with students, families, other professionals and members of the community to support student learning.
  • Advocate for the needs of children with special needs at the preschool level.