University of Kentucky®
External Certification in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education
Gain skills to work in educational environments with children beginning formal education. In this online program, you will be prepared to work in a variety of settings such as preschools, kindergarten, early intervention (First Steps), childcare, research programs, state and local government agencies, hospitals and other private or publicly funded programs such as Head Start, Early Start and Kentucky's HANDS program.
The program is designed for those who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field but wish to teach in IECE settings requiring certification.
KY Option 6 Program
Kentucky’s university-based alternative route to certification known as Option 6, students may work in a full-time teaching position within a Kentucky-accredited school while enrolled in the Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education graduate-level initial certification program. Students would obtain a temporary provisional certificate (Rank III) valid for one year. The provisional certificate must be renewed each year, up to a total of three years.
At a Glance
Fall 2025- early decision apply by 3/15
Credits and Tuition Cost (2024-2025)
Format
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External Certification in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education overview
What You'll Learn
The Graduate Certification Only program in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (IECE) is a 33 credit hour program that leads to Rank III certification in Kentucky. The program is designed for individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree, but doesn't meet the IECE requirements.
In the program, students will complete 12 hours of Pre-Admission Professional Courses. During the completion of these courses, students will apply for admission into the Teacher Education Program (TEP). Following admission into TEP, students will complete 21 hours of coursework including 9 hours of Practicum in IECE.
After completing all coursework work, students must take and pass the IECE Praxis II Test for approval by Kentucky’s Education Professional Standards Board to receive initial certification in IECE.
Course Examples
- IEC 552 Children and Families
- IEC 557 Infant Development
- IEC 659 Advanced Child Development
- EDS 600 Survey of Special Education
- IEC 507 Assessment in IECE
- IEC 508 Curriculum Planning in IECE
- IEC 509 Intervention Planning in IECE
- IEC 552 Administration and Supervision
- IEC 623 Practicum in IECE
How to Apply
Application Requirements
The graduate certification program in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (IECE) is a 33 credit hour program that leads to Rank III certification in Kentucky.
The Graduate Rank III Certification Only program requires admission to the Teacher Education Program (TEP) after 12 hours of pre-admission coursework.
Standard graduate application requirements apply.
The following are additional application requirements:
- CV
- Writing Sample
- Should include the applicant's Philosophy of Education and Goals Statement.
- Three letters of recommendation
Admissions Criteria
Standard graduate admission requirements apply.
During the completion of 12 hours of pre-admission professional courses, students will apply for admission into the Teacher Education Program (TEP). Following admission into TEP, students will complete 21 hours of coursework.
Students complete 9 hours of practicum in IECE as part of the TEP requirements.
To be admitted into the TEP program, applicants must meet the following requirements: Passing PRAXIS I or GRE test scores Code of Ethics and Character and Fitness Review Completed Admissions Portfolio Successful TEP interview
After completing all coursework, students must take and pass the IECE Praxis II Test for approval by Kentucky’s Education Professional Standards Board to receive initial certification in IECE.
Deadlines
Fall 2025- early decision apply by 3/15
Distance Learning
Licensure & Authorization
Where you live matters when completing distance education activities. If you will live outside of Kentucky while completing your program, please check the Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure page to confirm that the program can be offered in your state or country, and if relevant, that it meets professional licensure requirements in your state. Please note: Admission and enrollment in a fully-online program can NOT lead to the issuance of a J-1 or F-1 student visa.
AUTHORIZATION & LICENSURE INFO
Student Support
Once you become a student, you will have access to a wide variety of academic support services to maximize your success. These services are available completely online to meet the needs of our online students.
Why UK Online
Flexible schedule
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