The Early Childhood Unified program at NU provides you with the educational background necessary to implement developmentally appropriate practices in a high quality, inclusive early childhood setting birth to grade 3.
The Early Childhood Unified (ECU) program requires, for degree-seeking students, that they complete all General Education and Elementary Education courses. An additional 16 hours is required that is focused on early childhood coursework and field experiences in diverse settings. As this is a dual licensure program, upon completion of all courses and assessments, graduates are eligible for both the Elementary Education license (K-6th grade) and the Early Childhood Unified license (birth – grade 3) which qualifies individuals for both general education and special education teaching positions.
Endorsement Only
What if you already have an Elementary Education degree with initial licensure? You can add your Early Childhood Unified endorsement to your teaching credentials in just one summer!
- All courses are offered in the summer to allow for students to be immersed in early childhood content.
- Classes are held at both our campus site and outreach sites in Western Kansas. Look for Southeast Kansas to be added soon!
- We now offer an accelerated program for elementary education. Your Early Childhood Unified coursework can easily be completed the semester prior to beginning the Elementary Education program. Inquire about this exciting opportunity TODAY!
Testimonials
"I loved the flexibility of the classes and the commitment of our professors. Classes were offered in the summer with opportunities to collaborate with other students. The workload is rigorous; however, it is manageable and helpful when starting in the classroom. The program did a great job in preparing me to teach at an early childhood school, both in general education and special education. It has been so rewarding to be a student at Newman University and I highly recommend this program to anybody considering an endorsement."
- Jacquelyn Castillo '19
USD 457 Early Childhood Teacher
"I have been an early childhood teacher for 17 years and recently decided to add my Early Childhood Unified endorsement to my degree. I was thankful for the program at NU. It was a blessing that the classes were offered in the summer as it allowed me time to fully concentrate on my classes while not working full time. The professors were great! The pacing of the classes is flexible as well. This was definitely a great program and I highly recommend it!"
- Kelley Schafers
PreK Teacher, USD 259
Program Curriculum
As this is a dual licensure program, upon completion of all courses and assessments, graduates are eligible for both the Elementary Education license (K-6th grade) and the Early Childhood Unified license (birth – grade 3) which qualifies individuals for both general education and special education teaching positions.
Experience Counts at NU!
Experience counts at Newman University. That is why field experience is such an important part of our program. Experience, combined with a solid foundation of knowledge gained through our courses, positions NU graduates for success in the early childhood classroom and beyond!
Learn more about the opportunities to practice in the field of early childhood education!
Professional Licensure Disclosure
For students considering an academic program, whether online or campus based as a pathway to professional credential in any field:
Newman University recommends that you contact the appropriate state credentialing board in the state in which you reside or wish to be employed, prior to beginning a course of study to determine whether the program you are considering will meet that state’s credentialing requirements. We cannot confirm whether the Newman University program meets requirements for professional credentialing in states outside of Kansas.
If you need assistance in contacting the appropriate state credentialing board or for questions regarding your program of study, please contact: Interim Dean Jessica Bird, 620-227-9616 [email protected]