Early Childhood Education

A candidate seeking Early Childhood Certification-only must hold a minimum of a master’s degree from an accredited institution in a field other than early childhood education or an undergraduate degree in education. The department chair evaluates a candidate’s transcript and outlines a program of study necessary for the candidate to be recommended for ECE certification. A minimum of 15 hours of course work, unless approved by the department chair, must be completed at Piedmont College (This does not include the clinical practice block). The candidate must maintain a GPA of 3.0 on all coursework completed for certification, with not more than one grade of “C.” The candidate must also pass the GACE Program Admissions Assessments (or file exemption). Students in certification-only programs must successfully pass the appropriate GACE (Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators) test(s) and pass edTPA (Educational Teacher Performance Assessment) in order to be recommended for certification. Completion of requirements for Certification Only does not lead to a degree.