School of Education & Social Sciences · Add-on teaching certification
Early Childhood Special Education PK–3 Add-On Certification
Support young children with special needs.
Want to help young children with disabilities get a strong start? MVU offers an add-on certification in Early Childhood Special Education for prekindergarten through grade 3. Talk with the Dean to plan the courses that fit your major.
PK–Grade 3
Missouri certification
Add-on
to an education major
On campus
in Marshall, Missouri
Plan it
with the Dean
Is this program for me?
This program may be a great fit if you want to…
- Teach young children with special needs.
- Add a certification to your education major.
- Work with families early in a child’s education.
- Broaden your teaching options.
What you’ll study
Topics you’ll explore
- Plan developmentally appropriate curriculum for young children with special needs.
- Support communication, including alternative and augmentative techniques.
- Partner with families and early childhood programs.
How it works
Add it to your education major
This certification is earned alongside an MVU education major, such as early childhood or special education.
01
Choose an education major
Most students pair it with Early Childhood Education or Special Education K–12.
02
Plan your courses
Meet with the Dean to plan the early childhood special education courses you’ll need.
03
Certify
Pass the required Missouri assessment and apply to the state for certification.
About certification: MVU’s teacher education programs are approved by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). A degree isn’t a teaching license. After you complete the program and pass the Missouri Content Assessment (MCA) and DESE’s required exit assessment, you apply to Missouri for your certificate. Planning to teach in another state? Check with that state’s education agency.
Explore the curriculum
What you’ll study
The catalog lists this certification but doesn’t publish its course list. Talk with the Dean for the current requirements.
Related courses in the catalog
- EDUC 270 Intro to Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education
- EDUC 372 Curriculum Methods in Early Childhood Special Education
Admission to the teacher education program
- At least 30 credit hours completed
- Passing scores on all sections of the Missouri General Education Assessment (MoGEA)
- A GPA of 3.0 or higher overall, in your content area, and in education courses, and an ACT score of at least 20
- A C or better in ENGL 160, COMM 100, and EDUC 100
- An application to the Education office by March 15 (for fall) or November 15 (for spring)
- A writing sample, plus any required remediation
- Proof of current CPR certification
- See the teacher education handbook for student teaching standards
Getting started
How to get started
Add-on certifications are earned alongside an MVU major. New to MVU? Start with the free application.
01
Choose your major
Major in an MVU education program, such as Early Childhood Education.
02
Apply to teacher education
After 30 credit hours, apply to the teacher education program. Applications are due March 15 for fall and November 15 for spring.
03
Finish and certify
Complete the courses, pass the Missouri Content Assessment for the area, and apply to Missouri for certification.
Is this a separate degree?
No. An add-on certification is earned alongside an MVU major, so you graduate with your bachelor’s degree and are prepared for an additional Missouri teaching certification.
Will I be certified to teach?
After you complete the program and pass the Missouri Content Assessment (MCA) and DESE’s exit assessment, you apply to Missouri for your certificate. A degree on its own isn’t a teaching license.
Talk with the Dean
Have questions about certification, the courses, or how this fits your major? Reach out. We’re happy to talk through your goals.
Early Childhood Special Education Certification
