Early Childhood Development (Birth Through Age 4) Certificate Approach
Overview
Students who meet eligibility requirements may apply for the Pre-Kindergarten: Birth to Age 4 Child Development Teaching Certificate through the Early Childhood Development (Birth Through Age 4) Certificate Approach. This certification pathway is an alternative route to teacher certification in Alabama and focuses exclusively on children from birth through age four. No grade levels are associated with this certificate.
The Early Childhood Development Approach is designed for individuals who have completed a bachelor’s-level National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)-accredited program in child development for children from birth through age four.
For additional information about this certification pathway, visit the Alabama State Department of Education website:
Certification requirements include:
- GPA requirements
- Praxis testing
- Completion of edTPA
- Background clearance
Out-of-State Students
Students who plan to seek certification or licensure outside Alabama should contact their home state’s department of education (certification or licensure office) to determine whether completion of this program meets that state’s requirements.
GPA Requirements
To qualify for the Pre-Kindergarten: Birth to Age 4 Child Development Teaching Certificate, candidates must earn a minimum 2.50 overall GPA by graduation.
Students are strongly encouraged to meet this GPA requirement before beginning the student teaching internship.
Praxis Pre-Kindergarten Education Content Knowledge Test
Candidates seeking the Pre-Kindergarten: Birth to Age 4 Child Development Teaching Certificate must pass the Praxis Pre-Kindergarten Education Content Knowledge Test (Exam Code 5531).
The examination is administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS) at approved testing centers and through approved remote testing options when available.
Test dates and locations are available at:
https://www.ets.org/praxis/register/dates_centers/
Registration Steps
- Visit the Praxis registration website: https://www.ets.org/praxis/register/
- Sign into your Praxis account or create a new account.
- Review your state requirements and select the appropriate examination.
- Choose Pre-Kindergarten Education Content Knowledge (5531).
- Add the exam to your cart and complete registration.
- Select either at-home testing (if available) or a testing center.
- Upon scheduling your exam, you will receive a free Interactive Practice Test.
- Select your score recipients during the registration process.
Score Reporting
Official score reports must be sent directly from ETS to:
- UA HDFS/ECE (Recipient Code: 1935 HDFS-U of AL)
- Alabama State Department of Education (Code: 7020)
Additional Information
- Candidates retaking a Praxis exam must wait at least 28 days between test dates.
- Candidates requiring testing accommodations should contact ETS and obtain approval before registering for the exam.
- Praxis preparation materials are available at: https://praxis.ets.org/storehome.html
Important Score Reporting Reminder
HDFS/ECE strongly recommends downloading and saving multiple copies of all Praxis score reports. Scores remain available online for only 45 days after posting. After that period, official score reports must be requested directly from ETS and may require additional fees.
Please note that HDFS/ECE cannot release Praxis score information on behalf of candidates.
ABI/FBI Criminal History Background Clearance
All candidates must complete an ABI/FBI Criminal History Background Check through the Alabama State Department of Education.
Suitability Letter
After the ABI/FBI Criminal History Background Clearance has been completed, candidates will receive a Suitability Letter from the Alabama State Department of Education.
Keep this letter for your records. You may be required to provide it for coursework, field experiences, student teaching, and certification application materials.
Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA)
Candidates must successfully complete the edTPA Electronic Teaching Portfolio and earn a passing score. The edTPA is completed during the student teaching internship. Students planning to complete edTPA are encouraged to enroll in HD 400.
Key information:
- Registration is completed through Pearson.
- Current registration fee: $300
- Registration overview: https://www.edtpa.com/Content/Docs/edTPARegistrationOverview.pdf
Questions
For questions regarding certification requirements or the application process, please contact:
Dr. Kimberly Blitch
Email: kablitch@ua.edu