PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Instruction Credential
Reach Higher with a PK-3 Credential.
Explore Pathways with
the PK-3 Credential
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PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Instruction Credential
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Master’s in Education
PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Instruction Credential
The PK-3 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Specialist Instruction Credential focuses on developmentally appropriate practices for young children in grades PK through 3. This credential authorizes the holder to teach all subjects in a self-contained general education classroom setting and to team teach or to regroup students across classrooms, in preschool through grade three.
Students in the PK-3 Credential program will be able to. . .
- Focuses on understanding typical and atypical child development (birth to age 8).
- Establish safe, inclusive, positive, and developmentally appropriate learning environments.
- Design integrated, age-appropriate curriculum across foundational subjects.
- Utilize assessment techniques to evaluate progress and alter instruction.
- Establish effective literacy and mathematics instruction for PK-3 setting.
What Sets Us Apart
Program Highlights
Block-sequenced Developmental Learning
Balance theory courses with content-specific courses. Full-time or part-time schedule.
English Learner Authorization
Embedded throughout the coursework.
TPA Course Included
Teaching Performance Assessment (TPA) course included in program. Historical 100% assessment pass rate in 2025.
Work Experience Credit
Student teaching hours shortened upon review of previous work experience.
Your Future with a PK-3 Credential
This credential authorizes the holder to teach all subjects in a self-contained general education classroom setting and to team teach or to regroup students across classrooms, in preschool through grade three.
PK-3 Teacher
Academic Reading Coach
Curriculum & Instruction Specialist
Meet Your Department Chair
Julie Porta
Julie Porta has a Master of Arts in Teacher Leadership. She also has a Bachelor's of Arts with a concentration in Liberal Studies and a minor in Communication. For 26 years she has served in education in a variety of roles that include middle school teacher, middle school principal, assistant superintendent, instructional coach, a dean of general education, and a university professor. She also serves as the University Supervisor supporting student teachers and intern teachers.