ND Kindergarten Endorsement
Program Contact
Dr. Allen Burgad
allen.a.burgad@vcsu.edu
701.845.7184
Accredited Online Coursework
The ND kindergarten endorsement certifies teachers to teach preschool and kindergarten in an accredited setting. A kindergarten endorsement is an attachment to an Elementary Education license and though originally designed for the re-education of teachers, VCSU encourages Elementary Education majors to consider this option if they have a desire to teach preschool or kindergarten.
Study Online
All coursework leading to the ND kindergarten endorsement is offered online through VCSU and can be completed in a single calendar year.
Practicum Experience
In addition to the prescribed classes, students must also complete an 80 hour field experience in an approved preschool setting and a minimum of five weeks of student teaching.
**Exception: ND allows individuals who have completed one year of teaching kindergarten or first grade as a substitute for student teaching in kindergarten.
Adding the Endorsement to a Teaching License
The courses completed within the endorsement are listed on the VCSU transcript, however the endorsement is not specifically listed like a major or a minor. Rather, the endorsement is added to a teaching license that is issued by the North Dakota Education Standards & Practices Board. To obtain the actual endorsement, students must apply to the ND ESPB after graduation. The VCSU curriculum is design to meet the requirements for the ND ESPB kindergarten endorsement. Endorsement and teacher licensure requirements vary by state.
Required Courses
Required Courses
Credits
EDUC 310 Introduction to Early Childhood Education
3
EDUC 313 Language & Literacy in Early Childhood Education
2
EDUC 337 Pre-K Observation and Assessment
3
EDUC 435 Kindergarten Education & Curriculum
4
EDUC 485 Student Teaching -or- One year of K-1 experience
5