Pre-K Special Needs Endorsement Online

Program Code: ND8925

The purpose of the Pre-Kindergarten Special Needs Endorsement program is to increase the quantity of high-quality PKSN teachers across the state of Ohio. This program will help to ensure that there are a sufficient number of fully credentialed and well-prepared teachers to instruct preschool children with disabilities and developmental delays so that the quality of instructional services received by children and their families is resolute. Early childhood teachers and intervention specialists will benefit from the PKSN program by acquiring advanced knowledge and skills to enhance early educational opportunities for preschool children with special needs.

Through a series of three courses, teachers licensed in early childhood or as an intervention specialist can add the state’s professional teaching endorsement in PKSN, which permits teachers to work with children 3-5 years of age with developmental delays and disabilities.

The PKSN program has rolling admissions, so applicants can apply and begin coursework any semester. One course is offered each semester; however, each course is only offered once a year. All courses are online. Each course requires 20 field hours working with children 3-5 years with developmental delays or disabilities.

Curriculum

Term	Course	Credits
Summer	EDSP 5800 Typical and Atypical Development	3
Fall	EDSP 5820 Assessment in Early Childhood Special Education	3
Spring	EDSP 5830 Methods in Early Childhood Special Education	3

Please note: While the description in the OHIO academic catalog for some of these courses lists prerequisites, there are no course sequencing requirements for PKSN Endorsement students. New students can begin with any of the above courses and start during any semester.

In order to be recommended for the Endorsement, complete all courses with a 2.75 cumulative GPA and pass the Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Early Childhood Special Education Exam 013 with a minimum score of 220.

Tuition and Fees

Please check out the Bursar for the latest and most accurate information.
Please note: This endorsement is a non-degree program and, therefore, is not eligible for federal financial aid.

Admissions

Only currently licensed teachers or undergraduates who graduate in spring and are expecting to receive licensure over the summer are eligible for this program. Because courses are offered at the graduate level, they may be used to renew your teaching license. Unfortunately, this endorsement is not part of the senior to graduate students program. Endorsement cohorts are not eligible for GA/GRS tuition waivers. You must have at least a 2.9 Undergraduate GPA to be accepted and the GRE is not required.

When applying, please include the following items:

Ohio University application with official transcripts from previous institutions
copy of Early Childhood or Intervention Specialist teaching license
resume
statement of professional goals
one letter of recommendation

You may submit official transcripts from any previous institutions to Graduate College. Please send electronically to graduate@ohio.edu or use the following mailing address: