Early Childhood Education Alternative Certification Pathways
Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of young children? LSU offers two dynamic alternative certification paths in Early Childhood Education: B-K and PK-3. Designed for those with a non-education bachelor's degree, our programs are perfect for individuals looking to pivot into a rewarding career in education.
With 33 credit hours, our programs are approved by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) and align with the standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Our "hyflex" model allows you to tailor your learning experience, whether web-based, face-to-face, or a mix of both.
You'll need a minimum 2.5 GPA and passing scores on the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) and subject tests to apply. Our integrated courses cover essential reading requirements, ensuring you're fully prepared to inspire the next generation.
B-K Teacher Alternative Certification
Prior to admission, you will need to take the Early Childhood Education (5025) and receive a score of 156 or Education of Young Children (5024) and receive a score of 160 or Pre-Kindergarten (5531) and receive a score of 155. The Principles of Learning and Teaching: Early Childhood (5621) can be taken during your residency and the passing score is 157.
Participate in field-based experiences in school setting while completing the summer/fall courses (or equivalent contact hours).
Successfully complete courses or equivalent contact hours that focus on child development or psychology, family and community relationships, the diverse learner, classroom management/organization, assessment, instructional design, and instructional strategies before starting their teaching internships. 12 hours
EDCI 2081 (3)
EDCI 2083 (3)
EDCI 3055 (3)
EDCI 3057 (3)
EDCI 3383 (3)
Successfully complete courses or equivalent contact hours that focus on child and adolescent psychology, the diverse learner, classroom management and organization, assessment, instructional design, and instructional strategies in PK-3 before starting their teaching internships. 9 hours
EDCI 3055 (3)
EDCI 3353 (3)
EDCI 3056 (3)
or EDCI 3381 (3)
EDCI 3058 (3)
EDCI 3381 (3)
EDCI 3382 (3)
Reading (according to Bulletin 746). 9 hours
EDCI 3000 (3),
EDCI 3053* (1 of 3),
EDCI 3056* (1 of 3),
or EDCI 3381 (1 of 3),
EDCI 3382 (1 of 3)
EDCI 4181** (4 of 12)
or EDCI 4381 (4 of 12)
* Courses cover reading, in addition to other content areas in these blended courses.
**EDCI 4181 meets for 4 hours each week in addition to students being in their field
placement for 32 hours each week. Reading/literacy is covered within the context of
this course.
2 semester residency: practitioner teachers assume full-time teaching positions in districts. 12 hours
EDCI 4181 (12)
or EDCI 4381 (12)
The Office of Professional Experiences will solicit participant’s student assessment data from parish school systems. This release form will be collected during the admission process.
Candidates who demonstrate areas of need will complete prescriptive plans. 1-9 hours
Support types may include online support, internet resources, special seminars, etc.
PK-3 Teacher Alternative Certification
Prior to admission, you will need to take the Elementary Multiple Subjects (7001 series) and receive a passing score in all areas. These areas are Teaching of Reading (7002) with a passing score of 138 (until 12/31/2026), Mathematics (7003) with a passing score of 157, Social Studies (7004) with a passing score of 155, and Science (7005) with a passing score of 159. The Principles of Learning and Teaching: Early Childhood (5621) can be taken during your residency and the passing score is 157.
Participate in field-based experiences in school setting while completing the summer/fall courses (or hours) equivalent contact.
All courses include projects that require field hours.
Successfully complete courses or equivalent contact hours that focus on child development or psychology, family and community relationships, the diverse learner, classroom management/organization, assessment, instructional design, and instructional strategies before starting their teaching internships. 12 hours
EDCI 2081 (3)
EDCI 2083 (3)
EDCI 3055 (3)
EDCI 3383 (3) or EDCI 3485 (6)
Successfully complete courses or equivalent contact hours that focus on child and adolescent psychology, the diverse learner, classroom management and organization, assessment, instructional design, and instructional strategies in PK-3 before starting their teaching internships. 9 hours
EDCI 3055 (3);
EDCI 3381 (3) and
EDCI 3382 (3)
or EDCI 3484 (6)
Reading (according to Bulletin 746). 9 hours
EDCI 3000 (3),
EDCI 3381* (1 of 3),
EDCI 3382* (1 of 3),
or EDCI 3484 (2 of 4),
EDCI 4381** (4 of 12)
or EDCI 4481 (4 of 12)
* Courses cover reading, in addition to other content areas in these blended courses.
**EDCI 4482 meets for 4 hours each week in addition to students being in their field
placement for 32 hours each week. Reading/literacy is covered within the context of
this course.
2 semester residency: practitioner teachers assume full-time teaching positions in districts. 12 hours
EDCI 4381 (4 of 12)
or EDCI 4481 (12)
The Office of Professional Experiences will solicit participant’s student assessment data from parish school systems. This release form will be collected during the admission process.
Candidates who demonstrate areas of need will complete prescriptive plans. 1-9 hours
Support types may include online support, internet resources, special seminars, etc.
Application Information
Apply as a transfer student if you have graduated from high school and have attempted or completed coursework at another college or university.
While completing the Common Application, answer yes to "Do you plan to attend LSU as a visiting student for one semester?"
Apply as a re-entry student if you have ever been admitted to and enrolled at LSU, but have not been enrolled at LSU for one or more fall/spring semesters.
While completing the Common Application, answer yes to "Do you plan to attend LSU as a visiting student for one semester?"
The link opens a Qualtrics form where you will upload additional information needed by the School of Education faculty and staff to facilitate your admission into the program.