Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Can I get my teaching certificate through the Early Childhood Administration Program?
Answer: No, you will have to join one of our certificate granting programs to get your 04 teaching certificate. Please review our programs of study to identify a program that leads to certification.
Question: I have applied for the ECP (Early Childhood Practice) program. Can I get my Bachelor's in ECE with certification at a later date?
Answer: Not Directly. The ECP program does not lead to certification. Once you have a BA in ECP you need to enroll in a Master's program (MAT) that will lead to the type 04 certification and the Master's Degree.
Question: I am a bachelors degree level student and I have taken the Basic Skills Test several times and not passed it. I would like to switch programs because there is no Basic Skills Test requirement in some other programs. What programs do you have that I can be admitted to?
Answer: Do you want to teach children? If so please consider the following options:
- Get tutoring for the test, study with a group and go to the Center for Academic Development for help. Then, you might want to take the test again as you do need to pass it if you want a teaching certificate in the State of Illinois.
- If you choose not to pursue a teaching certificate, switch to the ECP (Early Childhood Practice) BA program. The ECP program will allow you to teach in early childhood centers and agencies. You cannot teach in the public city and suburban schools without the 04 certification though. Organizations like Ceda, Catholic Charities, and private preschools may accept the degree as well as the Infant Toddler credential which is available through the ECP program.
Question: If I switch from MAT elementary education to MAT early childhood education can I transfer in my core courses (FND504 and EPS500B)?
Answer: No. The state requires core courses that meet the standards related to the type 04 teaching credential. These are courses that related specifically to infants, toddlers and preprimary age children, as well as school-age children. You will need to take the core courses that are part of the ECE program.
Question: Where can I find forms designed by the ECE department?
Answer: NLU's Office of School-College Relations website lists these.
