Undergraduate Education Birth to Kindergarten (B-K) Program
In Fall 2021, the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) established new certification structures for teachers. Currently, the Young Children: Birth to Kindergarten (B-K), Lower Elementary (PK-3rd Grade) and Upper Elementary (3rd-6th Grade) Education programs have been approved. Beginning in Fall 2021, students seeking teacher certification in Birth to Kindergarten or Elementary education must enter teacher preparation programs aligned with the new teacher certification structure.
Final drafts of preparation standards and guidance from the Michigan Department of Education for the other certification grade bands (grades 5-9, and grades 7-12) are forthcoming.
Birth to Kindergarten (B-K) Program
Birth to Kindergarten Major
The Birth to Kindergarten (B-K) major is designed for students seeking to teach and direct programs for young children, both in general settings and special education settings. The program is a standalone major that leads to certification for Birth to Kindergarten (B-K). The program can be completed as a B.A. or a B.S. degree. The program's general and special education curriculum provides you with the skills, dispositions, and knowledge needed to be a leader in Birth to Kindergarten education.
Students complete several structured field experiences embedded throughout the program to learn how to effectively teach across multiple settings, such as:
- Preschool classrooms
- Childcare centers
- Kindergarten classrooms
- Special education settings for Birth to Kindergarten.
- Head Start programs
- Early intervention home visiting programs
Advising for Birth to Kindergarten Program
For any questions about the Birth to Kindergarten program, contact the College of Education and Community Innovation's Undergraduate Advising Center. Appointments are offered on the downtown Grand Rapids/Pew Campus, or virtually via Zoom.
Contact us at 616-331-6890 or [email protected].
Courses
Information on the courses for the program can be found by searching GVSU's Catalog.