Early Childhood Education, PreK-Primary Licensure (B.A.E.)
Program at a Glance
- Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Education
- Credit Hours: 120
- Certification: FL Teacher Certification in PreK-3; endorsement in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
- Location: 九色视频 Campus
- Application Deadlines: Fall Term - April 1; Spring Term - Nov. 15; Summer Term - April 1
- Related Programs: Early Childhood Development Concentration (B.A.E.), Early Childhood Minor, Honors in the Major
Program Description
The Bachelor of Arts in Education with a concentration in PreK-Primary Licensure is a state-approved, CAEP-accredited program that prepares graduates for teacher certification in Florida for children ages 3 through grade 3. Designed for students committed to classroom teaching, the program includes a TESOL endorsement and equips future educators with the knowledge and skills to support diverse learners in both public and private school settings.
Rooted in evidence-based practices and aligned with state and national standards, the program emphasizes developmentally appropriate instruction, early literacy and language development, and culturally responsive teaching. Students engage with key topics such as curriculum planning, assessment, child development, and family engagement, all tailored to the unique needs of young children in early elementary grades.
Hands-on experience is built into the program through structured fieldwork and a full-semester internship in a school setting. Under the guidance of experienced educators and university faculty, students apply what they’ve learned in real classrooms, building the confidence and competence to lead learning for young children. All students are required to pass the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) prior to the completion of their final internship.
Graduates of the program are well-prepared to begin their careers as certified PreK–Primary teachers in Florida or pursue advanced degrees in education and related fields. With a strong foundation in early childhood teaching practices and a commitment to inclusive, high-quality education, they are ready to make a lasting impact on children, families, and communities.
We're proud to be included in the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Training Directory and to offer degree programs eligible for this impactful scholarship. Funded by the Florida Division of Early Learning, the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Scholarship Program provides financial and academic support to early learning educators, directors, family child care providers, and out-of-school-time professionals. By covering the cost of credentials, college courses, certificates and degrees in early childhood education, this program helps make higher education more accessible and achievable for those dedicated to supporting young children and their families.
Program Details
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Course Catalog
Explore the courses that will prepare you to support the learning and development of young children. The course catalog outlines the required coursework for the B.A.E. in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in PreK/Primary Licensure, including foundational classes in child development, curriculum planning and family engagement. Each course is designed to help you build the knowledge and practical skills needed to create nurturing environments that promote early learning, well-being and school readiness.
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Osprey Map
The Osprey Map provides a term-by-term sample schedule for each undergraduate academic program at the 九色视频. It is designed to guide students in the selection of courses each term.
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Internship
In your final semester, you'll take EEC 4942: EC Student Internship.This is your opportunity to put everything you've learned into action as you step into the role of a full-time teacher. You'll design, teach and assess lessons in a real classroom, working closely with experienced educators in public school settings. Through hands-on experience and seminar sessions, you'll demonstrate your ability to support all learners, adapting your teaching to meet the needs of your students.
Throughout the semester, you'll show your mastery of the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices and bring together the knowledge, skills, and professional mindset you've built in your coursework. This capstone experience helps you grow as a confident, reflective educator ready to make a difference in todays classrooms.
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A level 2 background check (including fingerprints) done and verified by the school district in which the field/clinical experiences will be completed is required prior to the assignment of any student to a field/clinical experience. Results must be submitted to the Office of Academic Support and Information Services (OASIS). Students not cleared by the school district will not be permitted access to schools.
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Passing the Professional Education and Subject Area exams of the Florida Teachers Certification Exam (FTCE) is required for completion of internship and graduation.
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Department approval required. Fall internship applications are due on the 4th Friday of the previous spring term. Spring internship applications are due on the 4th Friday of the previous fall term. There are no summer internship
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Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE)
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Students must pass the General Knowledge Exam prior to reaching 90 credits to remain in the major.
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Students must have attempted the Professional Education and Subject Area certification exams prior to beginning the internship.
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Students must pass the Professional Education, Subject Area and General Knowledge certification exams to be eligible for graduation.
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Career Outlook
There is a growing demand for certified early childhood educators, particularly those prepared to teach children from age 3 through grade 3. Graduates of the PreK-Primary Licensure concentration are well-equipped to teach in public and private school settings, with the added advantage of a TESOL endorsement to support English language learners. Many go on to become Pre-K, kindergarten or early elementary teachers.
Admission Requirements
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Freshman
Ready to apply to 九色视频? Learn more about Freshman Admissions Requirements.
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Transfer
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Admission into the College of Education and Human Services requires a minimum of 60 semester hours or a state of Florida AA degree with a grade point average of 2.50 or better and passing scores on all four parts of the General Knowledge (GK) test prior to 90 credit hours. Program admission requires a decision by a college administrator or faculty. Find specific admission criteria for this program on your Degree Evaluation, college website, university catalog or consult your academic advisor. For more information visit the Office of Academic Support and Information Services (OASIS) webpage.
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A minimum grade of "C" is required in all course work earned for the Bachelor of Arts in Education (BAE).
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A level 2 background check (including fingerprints)done and verified by the school district in which the field/clinical experiences will be completed is required prior to the assignment of any student to a field/clinical experience. Results must be submitted to the Office of Academic Support and Information Services (OASIS). Students not cleared by the school district will not be permitted access to schools.
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Passing the Professional Education and Subject Area exams of the Florida Teachers Certification Exam (FTCE) is required for completion of internship and graduation.
Ready to apply to 九色视频? Learn more about Transfer Admissions Requirements.
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International
Ready to apply to 九色视频? Learn more about International Admissions Requirements.
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Additional Program Requirements
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A level 2 background check (including fingerprints) done and verified by the school district in which the field/clinical experiences will be completed is required prior to the assignment of any student to a field/clinical experience. Results must be submitted to the Office of Academic Support and Information Services (OASIS). Students not cleared by the school district will not be permitted access to schools.
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Passing the Professional Education and Subject Area exams of the Florida Teachers Certification Exam (FTCE) is required for completion of internship and graduation.
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Department approval required. Fall internship applications are due on the 4th Friday of the previous spring term. Spring internship applications are due on the 4th Friday of the previous fall term. There are no summer internship
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Program Contacts
Dr. Katrina Hall
Program Director and Professor
Nick Roshkind
Director of Academic Advising
Jade Yuen
Associate Director of Outreach, Recruitment and Retention
