Early Childhood Development (Birth to Age 5)* is not an educator preparation program and does not lead to NH DOE educator licensing. This program includes a multidisciplinary understanding of children from infancy through age 5, fulfilling the Birth-Age 5 credentialing track. See complete details. Students who successfully complete major requirements will be eligible to apply for the New Hampshire Early Childhood Professional Credential (Early Childhood Educator II) via the Department of Health and Human Services.
For information regarding this program please contact:
Birth to Age 5 - NH Credential Program*
Nancy Farstad Peck, Professor
Early Childhood Education
Rhodes Hall S161
Phone: (603) 358-2361
npeck@keene.edu
*This program is currently on hold
Admission to the Early Childhood Credential Program
Admission Criteria:
- Submitting an online application
- 3.0 GPA in EC Program Option Courses - with no individual course grade lower than a "C"
- 2.75 GPA overall, EC Major declared,
- Academic Minor declared,
- No "1" ratings on prior Dispositions.
Fees Associated with Credentialing
As part of your Early Childhood credential program at Keene State College, you will be required to pay the following fees:
- Criminal record check: $28.25
- Credential Endorsement Fee: $15
- Fee for CPR and First Aid course
- Fee for practicum and student teaching t-shirt is $16 (the optional sweatshirt is $33)
Early Childhood Credential Program Decision Points
The Early Childhood Decision Points outline the eligibility for Admission to Early Childhood Education (Birth to age 5), enrollment in clinical placements, and meeting the requirements to apply for NH Early Childhood Teacher Credential. Students need to know and understand each decision point to progress successfully in the program. This includes knowing deadlines, grade point average, application processes, and program course requirements. If a student does not meet the expectations set in the Decision Points, their progress and completion of the Early Childhood credential program may be delayed. Discussion and review of the Decision Points should be a part of your advising sessions.
Students will be evaluated with our Clinical Evaluations and Disposition forms throughout your program, specifically during clinical-based courses. It is important for students to know the expectations and to work with your faculty and cooperating professionals to grow and develop in these areas.
Students who successfully complete the birth to Age 5 major requirements will be eligible to apply for the New Hampshire Early Childhood Teacher Credential (Early Childhood Educator II) via the Department of Health and Human Services. For more information, please see https://www.nh-connections.org/providers/credentialing/ and https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/childcare-parenting-childbirth/child-care-licensing.