Birth–Grade Three Inclusive Settings
Graduate Endorsement
Birth–Grade Three Inclusive Settings
Birth–Grade Three Inclusive Settings
Stand Out in your calling.
JANUARY 7
NEXT START
With several start dates throughout the year.
22
CREDIT PROGRAM
Complete the program in just 3-4 semesters.
ONLINE
COURSEWORK
Complete your coursework 100% online and asynchronous.
$360
COST PER CREDIT
One of Iowa’s most affordable scholarship eligible programs.
Why Northwestern?
Why Northwestern?
Why Northwestern?
Prepare to make a meaningful impact in the earliest years of learning with Northwestern’s Birth–Grade Three Inclusive Settings Endorsement. This endorsement equips you to teach in integrated early childhood environments, including preschools, K-3 classrooms, early childhood centers and Head Start programs. Graduates are also well positioned to pursue leadership and administrative roles within early childhood education settings.
This endorsement enhances an existing teaching license but does not lead to initial licensure. Completion of this program leads to Iowa Endorsement #1001.
Not teaching in the state of Iowa? We will check with your state’s department of education to determine if this endorsement can be substituted for a certification in your state.
To add this endorsement in Iowa, educators must complete 24 credit hours in early childhood.
It’s more than a lane change.
Earning an endorsement doesn’t have to cost you time away from your other responsibilities. Log into class each week and complete your coursework, whenever it’s most convenient for you. Take 1-2 online 8 week classes at a time and you’ll finish your endorsement in 4 semesters or less!
Resources to support your journey.
Resources to support your journey.
Resources to support your journey.
Application Requirements
Application Requirements
Application Requirements
No GRE required. No application fee.
Application materials reviewed on a rolling basis. They will be evaluated as they are received.
No GRE required. No application fee.
Application materials reviewed on a rolling basis. They will be evaluated as they are received.
No GRE required. No application fee.
Application materials reviewed on a rolling basis. They will be evaluated as they are received.
Baccalaureate degree
Official transcripts showing a degree from an accredited institution.
- Official transcripts are needed from your bachelor’s degree institution.
- No undergraduate transcripts are required of NWC alumni.
Send official transcripts to onlineadmissions@nwciowa.edu or
Northwestern College Graduate & Professional Studies
101 7th St SW
Orange City, IA 51041
Degrees from colleges accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education [ABHE] or affiliated with the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges & Universities [TRACS] will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
GPA requirements
Minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Applicants with a GPA under 3.0 may be eligible for conditional admission on a case-by-case basis.
Teaching license
Documentation of valid teaching license.
A digital or scanned copy from your state’s Department of Education website is sufficient.
Program specifics
Program specifics
Program specifics
A total of 24 credit hours in early childhood education is required to add this endorsement in Iowa. Connect with your enrollment counselor to find out how!
22 credit program
22 credit program
22 credit program
EDU505 - Collaboration and Advocacy in the Early Childhood Community
(3 credits) Examine characteristics of the diverse cultures and structures
prevalent
in American families, and how those factors influence children's growth
and development. This course emphasizes strategies to improve
collaboration with families, schools and community partners to improve
students' success outcomes.
Prerequisite: completed bachelor's degree.
EDU525 - Advanced Child Development
(3 credits) Intensive study of typical and atypical development of children
from
birth through age eight. This course will immerse you in research that
will improve your ability to facilitate the cognitive, emotional,
physical and social development of young children with diverse abilities
and needs.
Prerequisite: completed bachelor's degree.
EDU530 - Leadership of Early Childhood Programs
(3 credits) Thorough examination of roles, responsibilities and
characteristics of
effective leaders of early childhood programs with a focus on personal
growth in leadership and communication. Emphasis on identifying areas of
strength and need in programs and staffing to create opportunities for
improvement.
Prerequisite: completed bachelor's degree.
EDU535 - Strategies for Early Literature Development
(3 credits) Examine widely accepted theories of language, reading and
writing
development in young children. Use research and assessment data to
identify curricula and instructional strategies most suited to the
diverse needs of young children. Examine research and develop strategies
to leverage play in providing successful literacy instructional
experiences.
Prerequisite: completed bachelor's degree.
EDU540 - Teaching Young Children with Diverse Needs
(3 credits) Students will learn to design curriculum, instruction and
assessment
specific to the needs of diverse children ages 0 through 8. Create safe
and nurturing classroom environments that are developmentally appropriate
and respect diversity. Collaborate with stakeholders to meet the needs
of young children.
Prerequisite: completed bachelor's degree.
EDU546 - Behavioral & Social Interventions of Early Learners
Students will understand applied behavior analysis and the importance it
plays in early childhood education for both typically developing children
and those with special needs. The student will acquire tools that they need
to positively impact the lives of young children especially focusing on
implementing effective techniques for changing behavior, strategies for
every day challenges both in the classroom and at home and collaborate with
parents and caretakers. (3
credits)
EDU580 - ECIS Student Teaching
(4-8 credits) ECIS candidates will complete a supervised student teaching
experience in an integrated setting. This practicum endorses the student
teacher to become a teacher in an integrated setting for children from
birth to third grade by preparing the student to schedule, evaluate,
collaborate, write IEPs and IFSPs, and to develop strategies to address
special needs of children. This is a four-week experience.
Note: Graded on a pass/no pass basis.
Prerequisite: completed bachelor's degree in education.
Depending on your current licensure, student teaching may be required to meet state requirements. Student teaching can be completed in 4 weeks, typically in your own school and sometimes in your own classroom.
Make it a master’s!
Early Childhood M.Ed. + Endorsement
Seamlessly earn your endorsement alongside a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education—or add it later. These endorsement credits easily apply toward your M.Ed., requiring just 6 more courses (18 credits) to earn your graduate degree.
Faculty + staff
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