IECE Initial Certification at the Graduate Level

Broaden your career opportunities with certification in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (IECE). The Graduate Certification Only program in IECE is a 33-credit-hour program leading to Rank III certification in Kentucky. The program is designed for those who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field but wish to teach in IECE settings requiring certification. These settings may include First Steps and publicly funded preschool and kindergarten classrooms.

During the completion of 12 hours of pre-admission professional courses, students will apply for admission into the Teacher Education Program (TEP). Following admission into TEP, students will complete 21 hours of coursework.

Students complete 9 hours of practicum in IECE as part of the TEP requirements.

After completing all coursework, students must take and pass the IECE Praxis II Test for approval by Kentucky’s Education Professional Standards Board to receive initial certification in IECE.

Information about admission to the IECE Graduate Certification Only program, courses, and requirements for TEP admission is listed below.

Option 6 Program

Through Kentucky’s university-based alternative route to certification known as Option 6, students may work in a full-time teaching position within a Kentucky-accredited school while enrolled in the Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education graduate-level initial certification program. Students would obtain a temporary provisional certificate (Rank III) valid for one year. The provisional certificate must be renewed each year, up to a total of three years.

Program Course Requirements

Pre-Admission Professional Courses (12 Credit hours)

IEC 552 Children and Families

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): IEC 260 or consent of instructor

A course designed for students preparing to become administrators and supervisors in Early Childhood Education Programs. Consideration is given to program evaluation, personnel training and supervision, appropriate curriculum materials, parent involvement and education, program management and funding.

IEC 557 Infant Development

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): Six hours of child development, psychology or equivalent.

The development of the young child during the prenatal period, infancy and toddlerhood. Care and guidance of the child during the first two years of life. Lecture, two hours; laboratory, two hours per week.

Same as FAM 557.

IEC 659 Advanced Child Development

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): Six hours in social or behavioral sciences, including one course in child or human development, or consent of the instructor.

Advanced survey of theoretically and professionally important topics in child development. Particular attention to current theory and research in social, affective, cognitive and language domains; familial/cultural influences; the interdisciplinary nature of the knowledge base; and issues concerning the application of child development knowledge to professional work with children.

EDS 600 Survey of Special Education

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing

A survey of current status of the field of special education. Emphasis is on analysis of the major research literature pertaining to exceptional children and their education.

Courses Taken After Admission to TEP (21 Credit hours)

IEC 507 Assessment in IECE

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): FAM 255, admission to Teacher Education Program or enrollment as required/elective course for IEC graduate students.

Co-requisite(s): To be taken with IEC 508, 509, and 510.

An introduction and application of assessment and measurement in children from birth to primary. Training in the development and use of commercially available and teacher made assessment devices and techniques suitable for teachers to administer. Includes observations, standardized tests, portfolio development, and transdisciplinary assessment, used by teachers of young children.

IEC 508 Curriculum Planning in IECE

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): Six hours of child development and admission to the Teacher Education or enrollment as required/elective course for IEC graduate students.

Co-requisite(s): IEC 507, 508 and 510

Study of the child’s development of reasoning, concept formation, and perception of reality. Consideration of relevant research and theory and their applications to the education of pre-school children. Examination of the methods and techniques for teaching pre-school children in the areas of math, science, social studies, English, arts and humanities, health education and physical education within various curriculum models.

IEC 509 Intervention Planning in IECE

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): EDS 375 or EDS 203 and admission to the Teacher Education Program or enrollment as required/elective course for IEC graduate students

Co-requisite(s): IEC 507, 508 and 510

An overview of the field of early childhood special education including discussions of historical and empirical support for providing early intervention services, screening, assessment, instructional programming, integration of children with and without disabilities, family involvement, and service delivery models. Emphasis is placed on assessment and promoting attainment of cognitive, language, social, self-help, and motor skills.

IEC 552 Administration and Supervision

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): IEC 260 or consent of instructor

IEC 623 Practicum in IECE

Credit Hours: 9

Admissions

Apply for admission to the University of Kentucky Graduate School and indicate you are interested in the Graduate Rank III Certification Only IECE Program.

Application Requirements

Transcripts from all higher education institutions attended
TOEFL or IELTS Scores for all applicants whose native language is not English
Curriculum Vitae
Essay that describes about your personal and professional journey and how it has led you to apply for the Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (IECE) program at the University of Kentucky. Please share aspects of your story (e.g., background, cultural identity, interests, or talents) as they relate to your decision to pursue a degree and career in the field of IECE.
Three letters of recommendation

Admission to Teacher Education Program (TEP)

The Graduate Rank III Certification Only program requires admission to the Teacher Education Program after 12 hours of pre-admission coursework. To be admitted into the TEP program applicants must meet the following requirements:

2.75 GPA or 3.0 GPA in the last 30 credit hours
Minimum PRAXIS I or GRE examination scores
Code of Ethics and Character and Fitness Review
Completed Admissions Portfolio
Successful TEP Interview

Application Deadlines

March 15 (Summer or Fall enrollment)
July 15 (Fall enrollment)
October 15 (Spring enrollment)

Additional Application Information

Graduate School Website
Call: (859) 257-4613

State Authorization and Licensure

If you plan to complete a University of Kentucky online program while living outside of Kentucky, you should check the Out-of-State Students page to determine if the University of Kentucky is authorized to provide this program in your state of residence. If you plan to use the degree to seek licensure, you should also determine if the degree meets the educational requirements for licensure in your state.