The Inclusive Early Childhood Teacher Education (IECTE) Program is a signature dual licensure program for students interested in a Bachelor of Science in Education degree with licensure in both Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education. Program students also have the opportunity to add certifications in English as Second Language and/or Bilingual Education.This multi-licensure approach is grounded in the belief that a complex understanding of multiple knowledge frameworks is essential to providing meaningful educational experiences for all children birth through third grade. The IECTE Program seeks to educate future teachers with the knowledge and disposition to use equitable and effective practices that break down barriers and make learning accessible for all. It is a one-of-a-kind teacher education journey with the possibility of completing the dual licensure program in four years (including one summer) through real-world experiences and a supportive program structure. The program provides experiences in a cross-section of sites where future employment opportunities exist, including public and charter primary schools, Head Start, early intervention settings, and preschools and other community-based educational settings. The IECTE Program responds to the local needs of the Milwaukee Metropolitan school districts, as well as the national call for teachers who have the knowledge and disposition to effectively educate and celebrate the diversity of young children. 

Requirements

General Education Requirements (GERs)

UW-Milwaukee has General Education Requirements that must be met in order to earn a bachelor’s degree. Some of the requirements of your program may fulfill the campus GERs. Please review the requirements and consult with your academic advisor.  

The following GER course is highly recommended for students in the Inclusive Early Childhood Teacher Education program.

CURRINS 234Teachers as Writers3

Professional Courses

Non-Sequenced Courses

ART ED 130Multicultural Art and Visual Learning in Elementary Education3
CURRINS 233Introduction to Children's and Young Adult Literature3
CES 210Introduction to Conservation and Environmental Science3
ED POL 375Cultural Foundations of Education3
ED PSY 330Introduction to Learning and Development3
MATH 175Mathematical Explorations for Elementary Teachers I3
MATH 176Mathematical Explorations for Elementary Teachers II3
MUS ED 260Making Music Connections with Children3
TCH LRN 323Teaching of Social Studies: Inclusive Early Childhood Education3
TCH LRN 338Teaching of Science in Inclusive Early Childhood Education3
TCH LRN 430Perspectives on Disability in Early Childhood Education3
TCH LRN 511Curriculum and Guidance for Social Emotional Learning3
TCH LRN 512Reflective Practice in Inclusive Early Childhood Teaching and Learning3
TCH LRN 520Developing Mathematical Thinking in Young Children3
TCH LRN 612Collaborations for Teachers with Families, Schools, and Communities3
TCH LRN 652Developmental Assessment of Young Children with Disabilities3
Choose one:3
Western Great Lakes American Indian Community Life of the Past
North American Indian History Since 1887
American Indian Peoples of Wisconsin
Introduction to American Indian Literature:
Total Non-Sequenced Credits51

 Sequenced Courses

Spring 1
TCH LRN 109Field Experience with Families and Communities1
TCH LRN 312Models and Issues for Inclusive Early Childhood Education3
Spring 2
TCH LRN 209Field Work in Inclusive EC: Dual Language Learners2
TCH LRN 302Inclusive Curriculum Foundations in Early Childhood2
TCH LRN 501Language Acquisition for Children of Diverse Backgrounds3
Fall 3
TCH LRN 303Inclusive Curriculum Design in Early Childhood2
TCH LRN 309Inclusive Early Childhood Field Experiences: Preschool and Kindergarten3
TCH LRN 502Emergent Literacy and Biliteracy in the Inclusive Early Childhood Classroom3
TCH LRN 569Inclusive Early Childhood Curriculum and Methods: Preschool3
Spring 3
TCH LRN 409Inclusive Early Childhood Field Experiences: Primary3
TCH LRN 504Methods for Biliteracy and Language Arts in Inclusive Primary Classrooms3
TCH LRN 570Inclusive Early Childhood Curriculum and Teaching: Primary3
Summer 3
CURRINS 541Principles and Methods of Teaching ESL3
TCH LRN 509Advanced Field Experience in Inclusive Early Childhood Education3
TCH LRN 568Inclusive Early Childhood Care, Curriculum, and Teaching: Birth to Three3
TCH LRN 647Inclusive Early Childhood Field Experiences: Birth to Three3
Spring 4
Option 1: Education Degree, Early Childhood Education
TCH LRN 601Student Teaching Seminar in Inclusive Early Childhood Education3
TCH LRN 609Student Teaching in Inclusive Early Childhood Education12
Option 2: Education Degree, Early Childhood Education, plus Early Childhood Certification
TCH LRN 608Practicum in Inclusive Early Childhood Education Without Certification9
Total Sequenced Credits52-58
Additional GER and elective credits to meet minimum 120 credits for graduation

Program Benchmarks

Additional Requirements for Graduation:

  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on all UWM and transfer courses
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on professional education courses
  • Satisfactory completion of a minimum of 120 credits
  • Completion of the last year of coursework (30 credits) in residence at UWM

Inclusive EC with Licensure: 

  • Successfully complete an approved reading assessment (e.g., WiFort assessment or WiFort alternative portfolio) 
  • Demonstration of successful completion of the Pedagogical Knowledge Assessment (PKA).  

Benchmarks

Students must meet benchmarks at several points during the program and prior to student teaching. Benchmarks are monitored through tracking systems and advising. A student will be restricted from moving forward in the program if the benchmarks are not completed.

Admission

  • C or better in ENGLISH 102
  • C or better in MATH 175
  • C or better in TCH LRN 109
  • C or better in TCH LRN 312  
  • Must be enrolled in OR have completed with a C or better TCH LRN 209  
  • Must be enrolled in OR have completed with a C or better TCH LRN 501  
  • Must be enrolled in OR have completed with a C or better TCH LRN 302  
  • Cleared Criminal Background Check on file 
  • Minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average
  • Mandatory meeting with advisor 

Content Knowledge

Prior to student teaching, choose one of the options below. 

Option A: Coursework

Students earn a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in the following courses: 

ENGLISH 102College Writing and Research3
MATH 175Mathematical Explorations for Elementary Teachers I3
TCH LRN 323Teaching of Social Studies: Inclusive Early Childhood Education3
TCH LRN 338Teaching of Science in Inclusive Early Childhood Education3
TCH LRN 502Emergent Literacy and Biliteracy in the Inclusive Early Childhood Classroom3
TCH LRN 520Developing Mathematical Thinking in Young Children3

Option B: Test (Score)

Students demonstrate a score of 157 or above on the Praxis 5018. This demonstration is required 2 semesters prior to student teaching. 

Student Teaching

Prior to student teaching, review the following with your advisor: 

  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on all UWM and transfer courses 
  • C or higher in the IECTE professional courses 
  • At least one attempt of the Wisconsin Foundations of Reading Test (WiFoRT
  • Successful Completion of the Content Knowledge Requirement 
    • 3.0 in the specified content courses 
    • Passing score on the ECE Praxis Subject Assessment 5018 
  • ESL certification only: PRAXIS Subject Assessment Exam #5362 – Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages, with a passing score of 149 or higher or minimum 3.0 GPA in CURRINS 541, 542, 543, 546, 655 
  • Bilingual certification only: ACTFL OPI exam – A minimum score of Advanced-Low (see advisor for details) 

Undergraduate Advising

Our purpose is to provide collaborative, mentoring relationships which promote educational, career, and professional development. We value a student-centered, holistic, and ethical approach to advising based on strong partnerships with students, faculty and staff, and the larger campus community. We are committed to creating a respectful and supportive environment. We encourage students to be self-reliant through informed decisions and choices based upon dissemination of accurate information. We value our own continuous professional development to enhance the quality of the advising experience.

How to Prepare for an Advising Meeting

  • Review your Advisement Report in PAWS.
  • Come prepared with questions or topics for discussion.
  • Make a list of courses you think you should take.
  • Investigate opportunities to prepare for the job you want.
  • Keep a record of your academic progress.
  • Understand you are ultimately responsible for creating your educational, life, and career plans.
  • Maintain honest and open communication with your advisor.
  • Take responsibility for choices you make as a student and member of the UW-Milwaukee community.

Scheduling an Appointment

Office of Student Services
Enderis Hall, Room 209
(414) 229-4721
soeinfo@uwm.edu

Graduate Advising

If you are a School of Education graduate student, you may schedule an appointment with your faculty advisor by contacting your faculty advisor directly. Faculty contact information can be found in the Directory. Your faculty advisor will be listed in your PAWS account. 

Honors in the Department of Teaching and Learning

Departmental Honors are granted to students who have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or above, based on a minimum of 40 graded UWM credits earned prior to the final semester.

College of Community Engagement and Professions Dean's Honor List

GPA of 3.750 or above, earned on a full-time student's GPA on 12 or more graded credits in a given semester.

Honors College Degree and Honors College Degree with Distinction

Granted to graduating seniors who complete Honors College requirements, as listed in the Honors College section of this site.

Commencement Honors

Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or above, based on a minimum of 40 graded UWM credits earned prior to the final semester, will receive all-university commencement honors and be awarded the traditional gold cord at the December or May Honors Convocation. Please note that for honors calculation, the GPA is not rounded and is truncated at the third decimal (e.g., 3.499).

Final Honors

Earned on a minimum of 60 graded UWM credits: Cum Laude - 3.500 or above; Magna Cum Laude - 3.650 or above; Summa Cum Laude - 3.800 or above.