childhood education
Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education Extension – Online Program
The 100% online Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (IECE) Extension is ideal for Kentucky educators with a valid initial teacher certification in Early Elementary Education who want to expand their teaching abilities to early childhood classrooms.
UofL’s online IECE teacher extension program will expand on your Early Elementary Education teaching skills and provide you with an in-depth understanding of the field. Through a combination of academic training and field experience, you will prepare to teach your subject matter, manage early childhood classrooms and hone your ability to help young learners—from birth to 5 years of age—develop their critical thinking and lifelong learning skills.
The online Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education Extension is offered by the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at the University of Louisville.
How Much Will I Pay?
Highlights
- Immerse yourself in the teacher role and gain expertise through comprehensive classroom experiences.
- Experience a curriculum that puts an emphasis on children's academic abilities, physical development and socialization skills.
- Take advantage of the flexibility and convenience of 100% online classes and 24/7 access to learning tools.
- Learn from world-class CEHD faculty who have extensive experience in the early childhood education field.
Broaden your early childhood education knowledge on your own time through fully online classes.
Learn MoreAdd this IECE Extension to your teaching certification in only 6 courses.
Learn MoreThe College of Education and Human Development gives back to teachers with a 25% tuition reduction.
Learn More
"This program is designed for teachers who have their initial teaching certification, but want to open more doors for their career. After completing this extension, these teachers will be ready for early childhood classrooms and will have the skills to nurture students as active agents in their own learning."
Betty Doyle, M.Ed.
Program Director
Outcome
UofL’s online Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education Extension, when added to an initial teaching certification, enables educators to work in early education classrooms. Jobs include:
- Kindergarten Teacher
- Preschool Teacher
- Early Childhood Special Educator
- Developmental Interventionist
- Infant-Toddler Teacher
- Early Childhood Parent Educator
- Special Educator for IEPs/IFSPs
- Home-based Early Childhood Teacher
- Itinerant Early Childhood Teacher
- Nursery School Teacher
| Application Deadline | Term | Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| July 1 | Fall | August |
| April 1 | Summer | May/June |
Note: We admit students on a rolling basis. The preferred deadlines help you complete the application process on time, be notified of acceptance and enroll before the term begins. We review applications as they become complete, and admit students for a specific term up to the day classes start. We recommend you work on and submit your complete application well in advance of the preferred deadline, as obtaining transcripts and other materials may take more time.
Steps to Apply
- Complete the graduate application
- Select “Yes” for “Do you want to apply to an online program”
- Applicant Type: Select Graduate Nondegree*
- $65 non-refundable application fee
- Submit official college transcripts from all previous institutions
- Submit the signed Professional Code of Ethics and CEHD Technology Agreement form [PDF] and upload to your online application
- Check for scholarships (optional)
*Should you encounter any issues while completing the application form, please contact Betty Hampton, Director of Graduate Student Services, at 502.852.0411 or betty.hampton@louisville.edu.
Note: Electronic transcripts are only accepted directly from the institution(s). Please have electronic transcripts sent to adetran@louisville.edu.
START YOUR APPLICATION REQUEST INFORMATION
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Early Elementary Education from an accredited institution
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75, on a 4.0 scale
- Current Kentucky teaching license in Early Elementary Education or statement of eligibility
- Minimum GRE or PRAXIS Test Scores as required by the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board (when submitting test scores through ETS, use the general University of Louisville code: 1838)
Out-of-State Applicants
Out-of-state certified teachers should be advised that we cannot guarantee that our program will meet licensure, salary, advancement or other requirements in their state. As part of the admission process, we will require a written statement confirming their interest in the program for personal development and that they understand the program is designed to meet Kentucky certification requirements only. For more information, please contact our academic advisor at betty.hampton@louisville.edu.
UofL’s online Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education Extension program is 16-18 credit hours, depending on the length of your chosen field experience.
| Course List | Hours |
|---|---|
| EDSP 533 Inclusive Early Childhood Curriculum | 3 |
| EDSP 536 Theories of Play | 3 |
| EDSP 537 Infant/Toddler Development and Care | 3 |
| EDSP 641 Interdisciplinary Content Methods in Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| Early Childhood Education Elective | 3 |
| EDSP 534 Inclusive Early Childhood Curriculum Field Experience | 1-3 |
| Minimum Required Credit Hours | 16-18 |
START YOUR APPLICATION REQUEST INFORMATION