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Preschool Special Education Endorsement and Certificate

As an endorsement, this program is recognized by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC). As of Fall 2024, it is also a UGA certificate program. Therefore, completion of the program will be noted on the GaPSC certificate and on the UGA transcript.

The special education preschool endorsement is a three-course sequence (9 semester hours) with embedded field experiences. This endorsement can be added to your teaching certificate in elementary education or special education.

With this endorsement, you may teach young children with disabilities at the preschool level in both inclusive and self-contained school settings.

Highlights

  1. High impact through early intervention
  2. Focus on applied research and evidence-based instruction

Curriculum

Your program of study includes three courses that give you a solid foundation in teaching methods and curriculum, followed by more specific intervention models and assessment procedures.

  • EDSE 7100: Foundations and Assessment in Early Childhood Special Education
    Seminar in early childhood special education, including history of and rationale for early intervention from birth through age five, typical and atypical early development, family and diversity issues. Emphasis is on assessment, including screening and play-based assessment.
  • EDSE 7200: Methods and Curriculum in Early Childhood Special Education
    Program models, instructional methods, and curricula in early childhood special education. Emphases are on developmentally appropriate practice, family systems, diversity, transitions, and methods for collaboration.
  • EDSE 7160: Early Communication and Language Development in Young Children
    Formal and informal language assessment procedures; selection and implementation of appropriate assessment instruments and models; intervention models for diverse populations.

Our nationally recognized faculty will work with you to customize your degree program.

How to Apply

Current UGA Students

Currently, enrolled UGA students who choose to pursue this endorsement/certificate should contact the department .

Non-Degree Seeking Students

All applicants must complete a UGA Graduate School application .

  1. Select your campus from the drop-down menu.
  2. Select “Endorsement/Certificate” from the Degree Level drop-down menu.
  3. Then select the endorsement/certificate program from the Intended Program drop-down menu. (Preschool Special Education Endorsement/Certificate Program Code: CERT_2PSE)

Graduates Apply Now

Deadline to Apply

Domestic Applicants

  • Fall Semester: July 1
  • Summer Semester: April 1
  • Spring Semester: November 15

International Applicants

  • Fall Semester: April 15
  • Spring Semester: October 15
  • Summer Semester: February 15

Applying for Graduation

All endorsement/certificate candidates must apply for graduation using the graduation application available in Athena upon completion of the last endorsement class by a given deadline for the semester in which they intend to graduate.

Deadline to Apply to Graduate

  • If you are graduating in Fall semester, apply to graduate by October 15.
  • If you are graduating in Spring semester, apply to graduate by March 15.
  • If you are graduating in Summer semester, apply to graduate by June 15.

Additional Resources

Please use our online form if you have any questions for the department. Please be as specific as possible so that we may quickly assist you.

Meet Your Advisor

A close working relationship with your advisor is key as you progress through your program of study. Please note that most graduate students at UGA are not assigned to a faculty advisor until after admittance.

Find Your Advisor

Tuition and Financial Aid

Almost all in-state students begin their studies at UGA paying limited tuition or fees. Please note that these amounts are subject to change and are meant to give prospective students an idea of the costs associated with a degree at the University of Georgia College of Education.

Students may qualify for a variety of assistantships, scholarships, and other financial awards to help offset the cost of tuition, housing, and other expenses.

Tuition Rates Browse Financial Aid

Student Life

Our students have a range of opportunities available outside the classroom as well, from professional organizations, experiential learning, clubs and other non-academic experiences.

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See for yourself how much UGA College of Education has to offer! Schedule a tour of campus to learn more about the UGA student experience.

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