Overview
The online graduate certificate in early childhood general and special education in Western Michigan University's College of Education and Human Development is designed for dedicated educators who want to make a greater impact. This certificate goes beyond basic teaching by equipping you with the specialized skills to work with young children, from infancy through kindergarten, including those with and without disabilities. This program is designed for candidates that hold the ZA (Birth- Age 8), ZG (K-5 All subjects; K-8 All Subjects Self-Contained Classrooms), or ZO (PK-3rd grade) endorsement and would like to add the ZN endorsement. For candidates earning an initial (first) teaching certificate, please see information for the M.A program.
By focusing on critical areas like child development, socio-emotional needs, and collaborative teaching practices, the curriculum prepares you to meet the unique challenges of early education. The program is conveniently offered entirely online, allowing you to pursue your professional growth without disrupting your current career.
Meet Emily
A dedicated elementary school teacher, Emily has found support from faculty who create a sense of community for virtual students in the certificate program
Our faculty
Take it further!
Obtain your master's degree.
By completing this graduate certificate, you're already more than halfway to earning your full master’s degree in Early Childhood General and Special Education: Birth through Kindergarten. In many cases, just one or two additional courses can unlock the full MA. It’s a smart, streamlined path if you're considering deepening your expertise or advancing your career even further.
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