Early Childhood: PreKindergarten - Grade 3 Certification, B.S.
Make a Difference from the Beginning: A Certification Option Early Childhood Educators
Early childhood is a unique developmental period, requiring similarly unique teaching
strategies and styles. Children are driven by a natural curiosity and determination
that makes them perfect learners. Your Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood: PK-Grade
3 Certified Teachers will teach you how to harness this curiosity, setting students
on the path of lifelong learning.
With your EC: PK-3 Certification you will be highly qualified to teach children age
3 through third grade in Texas public schools.
Teach Young Children from Diverse Backgrounds and Positively Impact the Entire Family
A child’s first years are their most formative and lay the critical foundation for emotional, intellectual and physical growth. You will acquire the tools to teach young children from diverse backgrounds and learn how to support young children as they grow and develop. Your coursework will include the study of child development, cultural awareness for young children, child guidance and classroom management, play in the early childhood curriculum, teaching young children with special needs, and early childhood curriculum and pedagogy related to reading, mathematics, science, social studies, and the creative arts.
Two Pathways to Certification
Traditional Undergraduate (initial certification) and Alternative routes for currently certified educators who hold a valid Texas teaching certificate. For more information on this certification, including the alternative pathways for currently certified educators, view the Frequently Asked Questions: EC-3 Texas Certification (PDF).
Admission Requirements
Eager to make your dreams come true by studying at UHCL? Make sure you have what it takes to begin your journey to success.
- How to Apply as a Freshman Student
- How to Apply as a Transfer Student
- How to Apply as an International Student
Degree Requirements
Understanding the classes you need to take for your degree at University of Houston-Clear Lake is crucial to planning out your education. The buttons below will allow you to view the full degree requirements and give you an understanding of your academic experience. If you are currently attending a community college in Texas, click on the "Transfer Guide" button to view what classes can be taken at your local community college, and transferred to UHCL to complete your degree.
Early Childhood: PreKindergarten - Grade 3 Certification, B.S.Transfer Guide (PDF)Cost Information
Create a plan for your education by studying the likely prices for your UHCL degree
in education.
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Deadlines for Applying
- Freshman Deadlines
-
Fall
Priority - July 15
Final - August 1 -
Spring
Priority - November 1
Final - December 1 -
Summer
Priority - March 1
Final (Summer Session I & II) - May 1
- Transfer Deadlines
-
Summer 2025Priority - May 1
Summer I Final - May 21
Summer II Final - June 27 -
Fall 2025Priority - August 1
Final - August 11
Returning UHCL Students - August 13 -
Spring 2026Priority - December 1
Final - January 5
Returning UHCL Students - January 7
- International Deadlines
-
Fall
Freshman Final Deadline - Apply by June 1
Transfer Final Deadline - Apply by July 15 -
Spring
Freshman Final Deadline - Apply by October 1
Transfer Final Deadline - Apply by December 15 -
Summer*
Freshman - Application Not Accepted for Summer Semester.
Transfer Final Deadline - Apply by May 1
*International freshmen applicants will not be accepted for Summer semester.
For more information regarding deferring your application, please visit Deferring International Admission.
Locations
University of Houston-Clear Lake
2700 Bay Area Blvd
Houston, TX 77058
Phone: 281-283-7600
Accreditations and Distinctions
The College of Education is accredited by the Texas State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC).
We've earned national recognition for accomplishment and innovation, including the Christa McAuliffe Award for Excellence in Teacher Education.
Early Childhood: PreKindergarten - Grade 3 Certification, B.S. Faculty
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Elizabeth Beavers
Program Director and Associate Professor of Special Education,
Education
Contact number: 281-283-3513
Email: BeaversEA@uhcl.edu
Office: Bayou Suite B1325
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Amber Brown
Program Director and Professor of Early Childhood Education,
Education
Contact number: 281-283-3627
Email: browna@uhcl.edu
Office: B1119-2
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Shanna Graves
Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education,
Education
Contact number: 281-283-3578
Email: gravess@uhcl.edu
Office: bayou Suite 1119
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Rebecca Huss-Keeler
Professor of Early Childhood Education,
Education
Contact number: 281-283-3535
Email: huss@uhcl.edu
Office: Bayou Suite 1119
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Preeti Jain
Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education,
Education
Contact number: 281-283-3567
Email: jainp@uhcl.edu
Office: Bayou Suite 1119
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Neelofer Tajani
Clinical Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education,
Education
Contact number: 281-283-3543
Email: tajani@uhcl.edu
Office: B1119-3