Early Childhood

Jump to: Professional Development Opportunities Wisconsin Early Childhood - Regular Education Certification

College of Education and Professional Studies

National recognition of the value of early childhood education has led to an increasing demand for teachers holding an elementary education license to be licensed in early childhood. Also, with the need for inclusive classrooms, there is increasing demand for teachers who are licensed in both Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education.

In response to these needs, UWRF has revised its scheduling of these undergraduate courses to meet the needs of practicing teachers. In addition to enriching your instruction techniques for the primary grades, certification in early childhood and early childhood special education may increase your opportunities for employment or career advancement.

Professional Development Opportunities

Key Features

• Take classes conveniently using distance learning technology (i.e. online and video conferencing)
• Expand your knowledge and experience in early childhood education
• Appropriate for any licensed individuals working with children, pre-K through age eight
• Course content emphasizes connecting children to nature and active exploration

Professional Development Courses

Please note that only classes with a section number of 20 will be available to post-certification students.

TED 155 Intro to Technology Integration and the Reflective Multimedia Portfolio, 2 credits
TED 255 Reading Guidance for Children (Children's Literature), 3 credits
TED 325 Diversity in Early Childhood, 3 credits
TED 451 Integrating Alternative Methodologies of Early Childhood Education (Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, BrainGym), 2 credits
TED 424 Inquiry Learning: Society and Environment Early Elementary , 3 credits
P ED 246 Movement Activities, 3 credits

Tuition and Fees for Professional Development Courses

Distance education or materials fees may apply, depending on the format of the class. Check the class schedule for details.

Application and Registration for Professional Development Only

• Students must have a bachelor’s degree but teaching certification or licensure is not required.
• Participants need to be admitted as a UW-River Falls graduate student before registering for classes. See Applying for Graduate Credit for application instructions and requirements.
• Once you've been admitted for graduate study, you will receive instructions on how to register online. See Registering for Credit Classes for more information.

Wisconsin Early Childhood - Regular Education Certification

Who Should Enroll

• Licensed elementary educators wishing to teach kindergarten in Wisconsin
• Licensed early childhood special educators seeking early childhood - regular education licensure

Key Features

• Convenient class schedules meet the needs of practicing teachers
• Courses are offered in the evenings, summers, online and through video conferencing
• The interactive curriculum allows students to learn from each other
• Content addresses application of developmental theory and research on brain development
• Courses and instructors address current issues in early childhood education
• Focus on education of and communication with parents and the public in the importance of early childhood education

Program Curriculum for Early Childhood Certification

Based on your previous coursework, an individualized plan for completion of certification requirements will be created for you. Typical courses include:

TED 225 Developmental Learning, 3 credits
TED 330 Infant/Toddler Development, 3 credits
TED 335 Kindergarten Curriculum and Materials, 3 credits
TED 340 Pre-Kindergarten Curriculum and Materials, 3 credits
TED 345 Parent Education and Family Development, 3 credits
TED 400 Supervision and Management of Early Childhood Programs, 2 credits
TED 424 Inquiry Learning-Exploring Society and Environment in Early Elementary, 3 credits

Tuition and Fees for Certification Courses

Post-baccalaureate students taking UWRF classes at the UW-Eau Claire ITV site pay UWRF undergraduate tuition plus textbook rental fees and a $50 distance education fee per class. Students who have previously taken UWRF graduate-level courses may be required to change their status to undergraduate to avoid paying graduate tuition for the courses.

Courses may have additional materials fees which will be charged to all students in both locations.

For More Information and Admission Requirements

Department of Teacher Education
College of Education and Professional Studies
Dr. Gay Ward
Phone Number (715) 425-0601
Web site: www.uwrf.edu/college-of-education/

UW-Eau Claire and UW-River Falls Collaborative Dual Enrollment Program
Web site: http://www.uwrf.edu/college-of-education/UWRF_UWEC/index.htm (external site)

Other Programs

Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood Special Education
A collaborative distance education degree program for the practicing professional
Web site: www.uwsp.edu/education/graduate/ecse