The Inclusive Early Childhood Teacher Education (IECTE) Program is a signature program for students interested in a Bachelor of Science in Education degree. This approach is grounded in the belief that a complex understanding of multiple knowledge frameworks is essential to providing meaningful educational experiences for all children birth through third grade. The IECTE Program seeks to educate future teachers with the knowledge and disposition to use equitable and effective practices that break down barriers and make learning accessible for all. It is a one-of-a-kind journey through real-world experiences and a supportive program structure. The program provides experiences in a cross-section of sites where future employment opportunities exist, including public and charter primary schools, Head Start, early intervention settings, and preschools and other community-based educational settings.
Requirements
General Education Requirements (GERs)
UW-Milwaukee has General Education Requirements that must be met in order to earn a bachelor’s degree. Some of the requirements of your program may fulfill the campus GERs. Please review the requirements and consult with your academic advisor.
The following GER course is highly recommended for students in the Inclusive Early Childhood Teacher Education program:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CURRINS 234 | Teachers as Writers | 3 |
Students must meet certain criteria and apply to their specific licensure program in addition to admission to UWM. Please see information about minimum credits, GPA, and other requirements at Advance to Professional Sequence.
Program Core
Program core is comprised of foundational courses and should be completed prior to beginning the professional education semesters.
Non-Sequenced Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ART ED 130 | Multicultural Art and Visual Learning in Elementary Education | 3 |
| CURRINS 233 | Introduction to Children's and Young Adult Literature | 3 |
| CES 210 | Introduction to Conservation and Environmental Science | 3 |
| ED POL 375 | Cultural Foundations of Education | 3 |
| MATH 175 | Mathematical Explorations for Elementary Teachers I | 3 |
| MATH 176 | Mathematical Explorations for Elementary Teachers II | 3 |
| MUS ED 260 | Making Music Connections with Children | 3 |
| Total Credits | 21 | |
Content Area
Professional Sequence
Students must earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on professional education courses.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | ||
| TCH LRN 109 | Field Experience with Families and Communities | 1 |
| TCH LRN 312 | Models and Issues for Inclusive Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| Semester 2 | ||
| ED PSY 330 | Introduction to Learning and Development | 3 |
| TCH LRN 430 | Perspectives on Disability in Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| Semester 3 | ||
| TCH LRN 209 | Field Work in Inclusive EC: Dual Language Learners | 2 |
| TCH LRN 302 | Inclusive Curriculum Foundations in Early Childhood | 2 |
| TCH LRN 501 | Language Acquisition for Children of Diverse Backgrounds | 3 |
| TCH LRN 512 | Reflective Practice in Inclusive Early Childhood Teaching and Learning | 3 |
| TCH LRN 612 | Collaborations for Teachers with Families, Schools, and Communities | 3 |
| Semester 4 | ||
| TCH LRN 303 | Inclusive Curriculum Design in Early Childhood | 2 |
| TCH LRN 309 | Inclusive Early Childhood Field Experiences: Preschool and Kindergarten | 3 |
| TCH LRN 502 | Emergent Literacy and Biliteracy in the Inclusive Early Childhood Classroom | 3 |
| TCH LRN 569 | Inclusive Early Childhood Curriculum and Methods: Preschool | 3 |
| TCH LRN 652 | Developmental Assessment of Young Children with Disabilities | 3 |
| Semester 5 | ||
| TCH LRN 409 | Inclusive Early Childhood Field Experiences: Primary | 3 |
| TCH LRN 504 | Methods for Biliteracy and Language Arts in Inclusive Primary Classrooms | 3 |
| TCH LRN 511 | Curriculum and Guidance for Social Emotional Learning | 3 |
| TCH LRN 520 | Developing Mathematical Thinking in Young Children | 3 |
| TCH LRN 570 | Inclusive Early Childhood Curriculum and Teaching: Primary | 3 |
| Wisconsin Foundations of Reading (Optional) | ||
| Semester 6 | ||
| TCH LRN 568 | Inclusive Early Childhood Care, Curriculum, and Teaching: Birth to Three | 3 |
| TCH LRN 647 | Inclusive Early Childhood Field Experiences: Birth to Three | 3 |
| Semester 7 | ||
| CURRINS 541 | Principles and Methods of Teaching ESL | 3 |
| TCH LRN 323 | Teaching of Social Studies: Inclusive Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| TCH LRN 338 | Teaching of Science in Inclusive Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| TCH LRN 509 | Advanced Field Experience in Inclusive Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| Semester 8 | ||
| Option 1: Education Degree, Early Childhood Education Plus Certification | ||
| TCH LRN 601 | Student Teaching Seminar in Inclusive Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| TCH LRN 609 | Student Teaching in Inclusive Early Childhood Education | 12 |
| Option 2: Education Degree, Early Childhood Education | ||
| TCH LRN 608 | Practicum in Inclusive Early Childhood Education Without Certification | 9 |
| Total Sequenced Credits | 79-85 | |
Students must complete an application to request/be assigned a student teaching placement. To be approved for placement, additional criteria must be met. See Benchmarks for details.
Requirements for Graduation
For information on credit, GPA, and other requirements for graduation, see UWM Degree Requirements.
Second Degree Pathway
Second-degree students follow the same pathway as first-degree students.
Post-Baccalaureate Pathway
Post-baccalaureate students take classes toward either early childhood regular education certification or early childhood special education certification.
Early Childhood Regular Education, Post-Baccalaureate
Students must earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on professional education courses.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | ||
| TCH LRN 302 | Inclusive Curriculum Foundations in Early Childhood | 2 |
| TCH LRN 430 | Perspectives on Disability in Early Childhood Education (Or CESA Children with Disabilities Requirement) | 3 |
| TCH LRN 501 | Language Acquisition for Children of Diverse Backgrounds | 3 |
| TCH LRN 512 | Reflective Practice in Inclusive Early Childhood Teaching and Learning (Or CESA Equity Requirement) | 3 |
| TCH LRN 652 | Developmental Assessment of Young Children with Disabilities | 3 |
| Semester 2 | ||
| TCH LRN 303 | Inclusive Curriculum Design in Early Childhood | 2 |
| TCH LRN 338 | Teaching of Science in Inclusive Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| TCH LRN 409 | Inclusive Early Childhood Field Experiences: Primary | 3 |
| TCH LRN 502 | Emergent Literacy and Biliteracy in the Inclusive Early Childhood Classroom | 3 |
| TCH LRN 511 | Curriculum and Guidance for Social Emotional Learning (Or CESA Conflict Resolution Requirement) | 3 |
| Semester 3 | ||
| TCH LRN 323 | Teaching of Social Studies: Inclusive Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| TCH LRN 504 | Methods for Biliteracy and Language Arts in Inclusive Primary Classrooms | 3 |
| TCH LRN 509 | Advanced Field Experience in Inclusive Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| TCH LRN 520 | Developing Mathematical Thinking in Young Children | 3 |
| TCH LRN 612 | Collaborations for Teachers with Families, Schools, and Communities | 3 |
| Semester 4 | ||
| TCH LRN 601 | Student Teaching Seminar in Inclusive Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| TCH LRN 609 | Student Teaching in Inclusive Early Childhood Education | 12 |
| Total Credits | 58 | |
Early Childhood Special Education, Post-Baccalaureate
Students must earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on professional education courses.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | ||
| TCH LRN 430 | Perspectives on Disability in Early Childhood Education (Or CESA Children with Disabilities Requirement) | 3 |
| Semester 2 | ||
| TCH LRN 309 | Inclusive Early Childhood Field Experiences: Preschool and Kindergarten | 3 |
| TCH LRN 502 | Emergent Literacy and Biliteracy in the Inclusive Early Childhood Classroom | 3 |
| TCH LRN 569 | Inclusive Early Childhood Curriculum and Methods: Preschool | 3 |
| Semester 3 | ||
| TCH LRN 409 | Inclusive Early Childhood Field Experiences: Primary | 3 |
| TCH LRN 504 | Methods for Biliteracy and Language Arts in Inclusive Primary Classrooms | 3 |
| TCH LRN 570 | Inclusive Early Childhood Curriculum and Teaching: Primary | 3 |
| Semester 4 | ||
| TCH LRN 568 | Inclusive Early Childhood Care, Curriculum, and Teaching: Birth to Three | 3 |
| TCH LRN 612 | Collaborations for Teachers with Families, Schools, and Communities | 3 |
| TCH LRN 647 | Inclusive Early Childhood Field Experiences: Birth to Three | 3 |
| Semester 5 | ||
| TCH LRN 511 | Curriculum and Guidance for Social Emotional Learning (Or CESA Conflict Resolution Requirement) | 3 |
| TCH LRN 520 | Developing Mathematical Thinking in Young Children | 3 |
| TCH LRN 652 | Developmental Assessment of Young Children with Disabilities | 3 |
| Semester 6 | ||
| TCH LRN 601 | Student Teaching Seminar in Inclusive Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| TCH LRN 609 | Student Teaching in Inclusive Early Childhood Education | 6 |
| Total Credits | 48 | |
Additional Requirements for Certification
- Passing score on the Wisconsin Foundations of Reading Test (WIFoRT) is also required for endorsement to be licensed to teach in the State of Wisconsin. Students who currently hold a Wisconsin Tier II or higher teaching license in any subject do not complete this requirement.
- Successfully complete the content knowledge requirement for your program through one of the following:
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in content coursework.
- Passing score on the Praxis Subject Assessment Exam: Elementary Education: Content Knowledge.
- Earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 in all UWM and transfer courses.
- Demonstrate successful completion of the Pedagogical Knowledge Assessment (PKA).
- Meet all applicable Wisconsin statutory and testing requirements.
- Complete approved coursework in the history, culture, and tribal sovereignty of American Indian tribes and bands located in Wisconsin, met through one of the following:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ANTHRO 213 | American Indian Peoples of Wisconsin (GER-CD, GER-SS) | 3 |
| ENGLISH 276 | Introduction to American Indian Literature: (topic: History, Literature & Sovereignty of Wisconsin Tribes (GER-CD, GER-HU) | 3 |
| ACT 31: History, Culture and Sovereignty Rights of Wisconsin Indians Workshop | ||
| Or an approved equivalent | ||
Advance to Professional Sequence
Occurs during Semester 3 of sequenced courses.
- C or better in ENGLISH 102.
- C or better in MATH 175.
- C or better in TCH LRN 109.
- C or better in TCH LRN 312 .
- TCH LRN 209 , completed or enrolled; must earn a grade of C or better.
- TCH LRN 501 , completed or enrolled; must earn a grade of C or better.
- Minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average.
- Meeting with advisor.
- For post-baccalaureate and second degree candidates, a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
Criminal Background Check
Criminal Background Check (CBC). For all students, a background check shall be completed no more than 6 months prior to the date of admission (advance to professional sequence) into the educator preparation program. The background check shall include a review of criminal conduct at the state and federal levels.
Benchmarks
Students must meet benchmarks at several points during the program and prior to student teaching. Benchmarks are monitored through tracking systems and advising. A student will be restricted from moving forward in the program if the benchmarks are not completed.
Content Knowledge
Prior to student teaching, choose one of the options below.
Option A: Coursework
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in a minimum of two courses each in Math and English focus areas and a minimum of one course each in Natural Science and Social Science focus areas.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Math | ||
| Mathematical Explorations for Elementary Teachers I | ||
| Mathematical Explorations for Elementary Teachers II | ||
| Developing Mathematical Thinking in Young Children | ||
| English | ||
| College Writing and Research | ||
| Strategies for Academic Writing | ||
| Teachers as Writers | ||
| Emergent Literacy and Biliteracy in the Inclusive Early Childhood Classroom | ||
| Methods for Biliteracy and Language Arts in Inclusive Primary Classrooms | ||
| Natural Science | ||
| Introduction to Conservation and Environmental Science | ||
| Teaching of Science in Inclusive Early Childhood Education | ||
| Social Science | ||
| Teaching of Social Studies: Inclusive Early Childhood Education | ||
Course meeting requirement for history, culture, and tribal sovereignty of American Indian tribes and bands located in Wisconsin | ||
Option B: Test (Score)
Students demonstrate a passing score on the Praxis Elementary Education Content Knowledge. This demonstration is required 2 semesters prior to student teaching.
Student Teaching
Prior to student teaching, review the following with your advisor:
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on all UWM and transfer courses.
- C or higher in the IECTE professional courses.
- At least one attempt of the Wisconsin Foundations of Reading Test (WiFoRT) as required based on license pathway.
- Successful Completion of the Content Knowledge Requirement:
- 3.0 in the specified content courses.
- Passing score on the ECE Praxis Subject Assessment Elementary Education Content Knowledge.
- ESL certification only: Passing score on the PRAXIS Subject Assessment Exam Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages or minimum 3.0 GPA in CURRINS 541, 542, 543, 546, 655.
- Bilingual certification only: ACTFL OPI exam – A minimum score of Advanced-Low (see advisor for details).
Undergraduate Advising
Our purpose is to provide collaborative, mentoring relationships which promote educational, career, and professional development. We value a student-centered, holistic, and ethical approach to advising based on strong partnerships with students, faculty and staff, and the larger campus community. We are committed to creating a respectful and supportive environment. We encourage students to be self-reliant through informed decisions and choices based upon dissemination of accurate information. We value our own continuous professional development to enhance the quality of the advising experience.
How to Prepare for an Advising Meeting
- Review your Advisement Report in PAWS.
- Come prepared with questions or topics for discussion.
- Make a list of courses you think you should take.
- Investigate opportunities to prepare for the job you want.
- Keep a record of your academic progress.
- Understand you are ultimately responsible for creating your educational, life, and career plans.
- Maintain honest and open communication with your advisor.
- Take responsibility for choices you make as a student and member of the UW-Milwaukee community.
Scheduling an Appointment
Office of Student Services
Enderis Hall, Room 209
(414) 229-4721
soeinfo@uwm.edu
Graduate Advising
If you are a School of Education graduate student, you may schedule an appointment with your faculty advisor by contacting your faculty advisor directly. Faculty contact information can be found in the Directory. Your faculty advisor will be listed in your PAWS account.
Honors in the Department of Teaching and Learning
Departmental Honors are granted to students who have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or above, based on a minimum of 40 graded UWM credits earned prior to the final semester.
College of Community Engagement and Professions Dean's Honor List
GPA of 3.750 or above, earned on a full-time student's GPA on 12 or more graded credits in a given semester.
Honors College Degree and Honors College Degree with Distinction
Granted to graduating seniors who complete Honors College requirements, as listed in the Honors College section of this site.
Commencement Honors
Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or above, based on a minimum of 40 graded UWM credits earned prior to the final semester, will receive all-university commencement honors and be awarded the traditional gold cord at the December or May Honors Convocation. Please note that for honors calculation, the GPA is not rounded and is truncated at the third decimal (e.g., 3.499).
Final Honors
Earned on a minimum of 60 graded UWM credits: Cum Laude - 3.500 or above; Magna Cum Laude - 3.650 or above; Summa Cum Laude - 3.800 or above.