EARLY CHILDHOOD ELEMENTARY TEACHING LICENSE (GRADES K-3)
The UITE and Department of Family & Consumer Studies offer an early childhood K-3 interdisciplinary bachelor's degree program granted through the College of Social & Behavioral Science. Students may choose to complete a Bachelor's of Arts or Bachelor's of Science. Students will be declared as Family, Community, and Human Development majors but will have some of their major coursework completed through the College of Education. Students pursuing K-3 licensure must apply to the UITE Licensure Programs by February 1 of the year that they intend to complete their licensure year to gain acceptance to the UITE Licensure Programs to complete licensure coursework.
The University of Utah’s Early Childhood K-3 licensure program prepares teachers for grades K-3. Students who complete the FCS program with UITE Licensure, including licensure exams, have a cleared Utah State Board of Education (USBE) background check and all other licensure requirements will be recommended to the USBE for a Utah Professional Early Childhood teaching license. This license will only allow students to teach in grades K-3 in an elementary school.
Teacher Candidates who are requesting to be recommended for Elementary or Early Childhood licensure are required to complete the Foundations of Reading assessment before they are awarded a professional license. Candidates are strongly encouraged to take the test during the fall semester, prior to beginning student teaching. The USBE has established a cut score of 240 for students recommended for a license after September 1, 2024 and all candidates will need to successfully pass the assessment to receive their professional teaching license. More information can be found in the Student Handbook, your program summary or contact UITE Advising.
The Elementary K-3 Licensure Program does require students to complete several field practicum as well as their student teaching placement at off campus locations. Students are reminded that they are responsible for making transportation arrangements to and from these locations. These locations may spread throughout Salt Lake County.
Why Early Childhood Education (K-3)?
Investing in Early Childhood Teacher Education Pays Off
FCS Professor Cheryl Wright and Clinical Instructor Trish Saccamano along with Dale Smith, Associate Dean of Education, Family and Human Studies ast SLCC commented on the benefits of a strong early childhood development and education background for preschool and K-3 teachers.
K-3 Early Childhood Education with K-3 Licensure
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
The University of Utah does not have a Graduate Early Childhood K-3 Licensure Program available. Students intending to pursue a M.Ed and licensure will need to complete an M.Ed and K-6 licensure program through the UITE and College of Education.
For more information please go to UITE Graduate Programs.
If you are interested in the program, please contact:
UITE Advisor
Sara Hatch Southwick
SAEC 2264
801-581-6818