Early Childhood Add-On Endorsement

Become an educator that specializes in providing the necessary learning and development needs for children preparing to enter kindergarten. Through UVA Wise, you will learn to prepare lessons in all core subjects while providing social and physical developmental opportunities to three-and four-year-old children.

Experience the World Through a Child’s Eyes

Whether you are on campus, in your own classroom or out in the community, the early childhood endorsement program at UVA Wise emphasizes experiential learning. Through hands-on experiences as a part of the curriculum, you will be able to practice meaningful engagement with children to develops social and emotional learning skills while also meeting academic standards.

You will also complete a set number of practicum hours depending upon the course. 

Harness Real World Experience: 
Little Cavaliers Early Learning Center

You will be able to utilize our on-campus early learning center as a part of their practicum hours/coursework. The Little Cavaliers Early Learning Center serves ages six weeks to five years and adapts a play-based learning curriculum that is complemented by age-appropriate math, reading and science centers in each classroom. The Little Cavs also venture to campus for various fieldtrips and activities.

Develop Essential Teaching Skills

Obtain an Early Childhood endorsement* from UVA Wise and you will:

  • Develop skills unique to early childhood education.
  • Be able to advocate for students and families.
  • Develop meaningful and engaging early childhood curriculum.
  • Build respectful relationships with children and parents.
  • Communicate effectively with parents and administrators.

Early Childhood Course Requirements

  • EDU 3601 - Growth and Development
  • EDU 3602 -Health, Wellness and Assessment       
  • EDU 3603 - Learning Environments
  • EDU 3604 - Relationships and Student Behaviors

*This add-on endorsement is available for any teacher currently holding or working towards a teaching endorsement in the state of Virginia. All courses for this endorsement are offered online, asynchronously.