Birth-Kindergarten Initial Licensure, P.B.C. (Online)
The Final Admission application deadline for Fall 2026 is January 15, 2026. Applications must be complete by this deadline to receive full consideration.
Microsoft Teams Open House:
Join us for the next virtual Open House on January 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM. To join the virtual Open House, on January 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM, click the “Join the meeting now” link below.
Meeting ID: 213 428 102 995 7
Passcode: t2ki7f98
Feel free to email Catherine Scott-Little at mcscottL@uncg.edu for further information.
Feel free to email Catherine Scott-Little at mcscottL@uncg.edu for further information about the program and opportunities to take a course as a Visiting Student in 2026.
Overview
Students with a bachelor’s degree are prepared to meet requirements for an initial North Carolina Birth-Kindergarten (BK) teaching license in as little as three semesters. The program is totally online with class meetings over the computer. Students also participate in real-time field experiences and student-teaching in early childhood settings (which can be completed in your own classroom with pay if working in an inclusive site that meets requirements) and are equipped to pass the edTPA to fulfill BK Licensing requirements.
The Student Experience
- Fulfill requirements for an initial North Carolina BK teaching license in as little as three semesters.
- Receive extensive support for completing the edTPA that is required for the BK teaching license.
- 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).
- Qualify for a Residency License for a Lead Teacher position while enrolled in the program.
- 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 a North Carolina BK Initial 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
DEADLINE FOR 2026
- Early Admission: October 1, 2025
- Final Deadline: January 15, 2026
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, special education or related field.
- Applicants with a 3.0 or higher GPA receive the strongest consideration.
- Applicants participate in a brief interview with faculty.
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. 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.
