About the Department

School of Education Faculty

Early Childhood Education Major Website

The School of Education offers an Early Childhood Education major with two tracks: a non-certification track, and a track that leads to P–3 teacher certification. With either version of this bachelor of arts degree, you will be able to work in child care settings, private preschools, Head Start or Early Childhood Education Assistance programs, nonprofit agencies, and early childhood advocacy groups.  The track with P–3 certification prepares you for licensure that allows you to teach in Washington public preschool through third grade classrooms.

Majors

Professional Certification Disclosure

SPU’s Undergraduate Teacher Certification Program meets the educational requirements for certification in the state of Washington. Each state has different professional licensure and certification requirements. Eligibility for certification/licensure may involve more than degree completion and may include professional examinations, background checks, and fingerprinting. The requirements for certification/licensure can change without notice.

The state professional licensing boards make the ultimate decision as to whether or not an individual will be eligible for licensure based on the rules and regulations in place at the time the individual submits their application for licensure. Find information here about certification/licensure in the state where you intend to teach.

Certification

All teacher certification candidates are subject to Washington state requirements for the Residency Certificate. These requirements are updated periodically by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and will take precedent over SPU policies. The School of Education will make every effort to keep students apprised of state changes. Students are also encouraged to visit the School of Education office in Peterson Hall for updates on state requirements.

Upon successful completion of the Residency Certification Program and a baccalaureate degree, the SPU School of Education recommends students to OSPI for their Residency Teacher Certification. Once OSPI receives program completion verification from SPU, students must complete the application process through the OSPI “e-Certification” system in order to receive their certificate.

The Residency Teaching Certificate allows you to teach in Washington state. All teachers must take action to maintain a current teaching certificate as per OSPI regulations. Students are strongly encouraged to monitor their certification status on the “e-Certification” system and keep apprised of current certification requirements on the OSPI Certification website.