Early Childhood Education Subsequent Teaching Endorsement

Teachers who have an Illinois Professional Educator License endorsed for elementary education, secondary education or special education may add an endorsement in early childhood education through this standards-based sequence. Teachers who have only a teaching credential from another state or who have only a temporary, substitute or other specialized teaching credential are not eligible for this program. Candidates for subsequent teaching endorsement must be admitted to NLU.

Eligible candidates begin by completing ECE 569 which includes the development of a college-approved electronic portfolio as a self-assessment of the extent to which they have met the state standards for early childhood endorsement. A faculty team from the new endorsement area will review the portfolio and determine additional requirements for the endorsement. Candidates then meet with an advisor from early childhood to plan a personalized program.

At the conclusion of this personalized program, candidates complete a practicum experience, ECE 575, the extent of which is determined by the faculty team, taking into account candidates’ previous experience and state standards. At the conclusion of the practicum, candidates may apply for state endorsement in early childhood education.

In addition to National College of Education Graduate Admission Requirements, applicants must:

• Have a valid and current Illinois Professional Educator License
• Have two years of classroom experience, within the last five years, prior to beginning ECE 569
• Have written verification of classroom experience from a previous or current employer
• Sit for an interview with a faculty advisor
• Note: Applicants who were certified originally out-of-state or before 1994 need to pass the Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP) or ISBE approved alternative
• Note: Candidates may be eligible for financial aid. Contact the Financial Aid office for more information.

Required Courses

ECE 569	Portfolio Development for Subsequent Teaching Endorsement	4
ECE 575	Subsequent Certification Practicum	3 TO 6

Note: Additional program content and general education courses are selected with the program area advisor to help candidates meet the licensure requirements. Study plans documenting selected courses are created at the completion of ELE 569.