What is a blended certificate?

The Blended Certificate (Birth-3rd Grade) is a certificate passed by the State Board of Education in June 2002.  It is in response to a need to focus undergraduate programs on the skills needed for teachers to teach all young children,  those who are developing typically and those with disabilities and delays.

The Blended Certificate program combines general education and special education teacher training into one four-year teacher preparation program, thus blending Early Childhood Education (ECE) with Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE).  It is also possible for post-graduate students to pursue the Blended Certificate. 

Participants can concentrate their studies on the breakthroughs surrounding the development and education of young children from birth through grade three. The program promotes "best practices" affirmed by the latest brain research and standards that reflect nationally shared values about early childhood care and education. The Blended Certificate offers students an unprecedented level of comprehensive knowledge and skills! These include:

• Knowledge of subject matter
   

• Human Development and Learning
   

• Adapting Instruction for Individual Needs
   

• Multiple Instruction Strategies
   

• Assessment and Planning
   

• Professional Commitment and Responsibility
   

• Partnerships