The Early Childhood Specialized P-3 Alternate Route Program

This completely online program is designed for candidates who have the New Jersey Department of Education Preschool through Grade Three regular (not the temporary) Certificate of Eligibility, working full time as a lead teacher in an early childhood setting, completed the 50 hour Introduction to Teaching P3 course and are required to complete the NJDOE approved 24-credit course of study. The courses focus on developmentally appropriate practices, curriculum and the knowledge, skills and dispositions needed to be an effective early childhood educator. A letter of completion or NJDOE program verification form can be obtained by the candidate upon completion of the program requirements.

Admission Requirements
• A NJDOE issued regular (not the temporary one) CE in P-3
• Employment verification letter to provide a proof of full-time employment as a lead teacher in P-3 setting
• 50 hour Introduction to Teaching PreK-3 course completion verification form (Contact the Office of Professional and Lifelong Learning at 201-200-3089, or email pell@njcu.edu or visit the website www.njcu.edu/pell  for more information)
 

Required Courses (All are offered online only)
ECE 610Child Study Basis Educational Planning3
ECE 631Early Childhood Curriculums & Programs3
ECE 655Classroom Management, Classroom Behavior and Positive Behavior Supports3
ECE 638Theory into Practice Language Acquistion and Constructing Meaning Across the Curriculum Pre K-K3
ECE 624Introduction to Early Childhood Special Education:Establishing a Positive Urban Educational Envir3
ECE 656Building Meaningful Curriculum/Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Mathematics and Science3
ECE 633Seminar & Practicum in Early Childhood Education3
ECE 634Family, Child and School Interaction3
Total Credits24

Students also have to obtain a passing score on edTPA in order to be able to apply for certification
Important: The schedule of courses and requirements are subject to change based on changes in the New Jersey Department of Education requirements. Please contact Department Chairperson Dr. Sai Jambunathan (sjambunathan@njcu.edu) for most current requirements.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Semester 1Credits
ECE 610 Child Study Basis Educational Planning 3
ECE 631 Early Childhood Curriculums & Programs 3
 Credits6
Semester 2
ECE 638 Theory into Practice Language Acquistion and Constructing Meaning Across the Curriculum Pre K-K 3
ECE 655 Classroom Management, Classroom Behavior and Positive Behavior Supports 3
 Credits6
Second Year
Semester 1
ECE 624 Introduction to Early Childhood Special Education:Establishing a Positive Urban Educational Envir 3
ECE 656 Building Meaningful Curriculum/Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Mathematics and Science 3
 Credits6
Semester 2
ECE 633 Seminar & Practicum in Early Childhood Education 3
ECE 634 Family, Child and School Interaction 3
 Credits6
 Total Credits24

Students also have to obtain a passing score on edTPA in order to be able to apply for certification
Important: The schedule of courses and requirements are subject to change based on changes in the New Jersey Department of Education requirements. Please contact Department Chairperson Dr. Sai Jambunathan (sjambunathan@njcu.edu) for most current requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Our candidates demonstrate mastery of the subject matter they plan to teach.
  2. Our candidates demonstrate their pedagogical knowledge, integrating their understanding of their pupils’ developmental levels, individual differences, learning exceptionalities, and sociocultural backgrounds.
  3. Our candidates demonstrate effective instruction, caring behavior, and reflection to improve practice.
  4. Our candidates know and value how individuals are shaped by their life experiences as mediated by factors such as social class, gender, race, ethnicity, language, sexual orientation, age, and social needs. Our candidates know, value, and engage in culturally responsive teaching to promote social justice, particularly in our urban areas.
  5. Our candidates are able to use appropriate technology in carrying out their professional responsibilities.