Birth-Kindergarten Add-On Licensure Program (Online)
The applications for 2026 are closed. Starting in August, applications for Spring 2027 will open. Join us for the first virtual Information Session on August 3 at 6:00 pm to learn about the program and the application process.
To join the virtual Information Session, please click the “Join” link below on August 3 at 6:00:
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/247347730988082?p=scZEJ6pnEWyNa8yBjp
Meeting ID: 247 347 730 988 082
Passcode: dX7Pi3gr
Feel free to contact Catherine Scott-Little at mcscottL@uncg.edu if you would like further information.
Overview
Students with a current NC teaching license in another area (such as elementary education or special education) meet requirements for an Add-on North Carolina Birth-Kindergarten (BK) teaching license in as little as two semesters. The program is totally online with class meetings over the computer. Students also participate in real-time field experiences in early childhood settings (which can be completed in your own classroom with pay if working in an inclusive site that meets requirements). The PRAXIS and the edTPA are not required to fulfill Add-On BK Licensing requirements.
THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE
- Fulfill requirements for an Add-on North Carolina BK teaching license in as little as two semesters.
- Weekly online meetings connect students with faculty and other students.
- Participate in real-time field experiences and student-teaching in inclusive early childhood settings (which can be completed in your own classroom).
- Experienced and committed faculty from the HDFS and SES departments teach, advise, and mentor you in this innovative interdisciplinary program.
- The T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® North Carolina Scholarship Program provides scholarships for qualified students in this program.
AFTER GRADUATION
- Graduates meet the requirements to be recommended for an Add-on North Carolina BK teaching license.
- Graduates also have an option for transitioning from this program into the Master of Education program in which they may be eligible for an advanced license in BK.
- Upon completion of this program, you will be eligible for employment in a variety of settings, including:
- NC Pre-K
- Public schools
- Private child care
- Head Start and Early Head Start
- Early Intervention
- Resource and referral
- Specialized education and inclusive education programs.
APPLY TO PROGRAM
DEADLINES FOR 2026
- Spring 26 Semester Admission Deadline: October 1, 2025
- Fall 26 Semester Admission Deadline: Priority Deadline January 15, 2026
- Final Deadline for Fall 26, May 15, 2026
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- Current NC Teaching License in a elementary education, special education or other licensure area.
- Applicants with a 3.0 or higher GPA and a bachelor’s degree in education receive the strongest consideration.
- Applicants participate in a brief interview with faculty.
- No GRE test is required.
LICENSURE ELIGIBILITY NOTICE
The U.S. Department of Education requires that all higher education institutions advise students as to whether their curriculum provides them with the eligibility to apply for a professional license and/or certification in the state for which they plan to practice. The information is provided at the website below. Please review UNC Greensboro’s status by state for the BK Initial License program, as the requirements are applicable for the BK Add-On. You should note whether the program either “meets” or “does not meet” requirements in the state for which you plan to practice. You should contact one of our Co-Directors: Catherine Scott-Little (mcscottl@uncg.edu) or Heather Coleman (hmcolem2@uncg.edu) with any questions regarding this data.
