Birth-Kindergarten Teacher Education Degree Concentration

Location: Armstrong Campus

From birth until the age of 5, children’s minds are like sponges — soaking up everything around them. During this critical time, their brains will reach 90% of their full development and they’ll need trained and engaging teachers to mold them into curious and intelligent children.

Are you ready to teach them?

The Child and Family Development (CHFD) Birth-Kindergarten teacher education program at Georgia Southern University is a collaborative effort between the School of Human Ecology and the College of Education. The program is offered on the Armstrong Campus in Savannah and prepares students to work professionally with diverse groups of children and their families. You’ll work in a variety of settings including classrooms and centers for public and private pre-kindergarten and kindergarten, Head Start, Early Head Start and children ages birth to five.

Admission

During the admission process, students interested in obtaining an initial teacher certification in the area of Birth Through Kindergarten must first declare a major in Child and Family Development with a concentration in Birth-Kindergarten Teacher Education (Non-Certification). At the completion of all course work through Area F in the program of study, students would then apply to the Teacher Education Program. If accepted to the Teacher Education Program, the student would continue coursework and clinical experiences within the Birth-Kindergarten Teacher Education (Certification Track).

Upon successful completion of the program and passing the Birth-Kindergarten Education GACE exam and the edTPA portfolio, students will qualify for Georgia’s Birth-Kindergarten Induction Teacher Certification.

Our program provides candidates with a sound knowledge base grounded in research, culturally responsive instruction and a spirit of advocacy to support and fight for each and every child. Georgia Southern’s strong partnership with the local communities provides students with multiple opportunities for hands-on field experiences in a wide variety of early childhood settings. Program faculty provide mentoring and continued support during field experiences and throughout the program of study.

Enhance your degree at Georgia Southern

• Join fellow CHFD and education majors in student clubs as well as local and national professional organizations.
• Travel abroad.
• Participate in research.
• Make a positive impact on the children and families in the Savannah area and beyond.
• Join an elite network of Georgia Southern alumni with continued support and professional development opportunities.

Practicum and Student Teaching Opportunities

• Public prekindergarten and kindergarten
• Head Start and Early Head Start
• Child development centers
• Preschool programs

Do You Have Questions? Contact Us!

Program Coordinator:
Dr. Tameka Ardrey
tardrey@georgiasouthern.edu
University Hall, Armstrong Campus

Professional Certification Disclosure

The College of Education anticipates that graduates of the BS Child and Family Development Concentration in Birth Through Kindergarten Certification Track will seek state licenses or certifications.

The program listed above leads to a Georgia Certificate. Click here for more information from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. The College of Education has not determined where its programs will qualify a graduate to take the required exams in other states or territories. Click here to check the requirements of your state or territory.

Last updated: 3/30/2022