Early Childhood - P-3 Programs in NJ
| The following information has been prepared by the New Jersey Professional Development Center for Early Care and Education, New Jersey City University, The Teacher Effectiveness Grant through the Commission on Higher Education, and The New Jersey State Child Care Advisory Council. |
What
is the new P-3 Certificate?
P-3 is the newest teaching certificate
available in the State of New Jersey. This certificate covers preschool
through grade 3.
Who
needs the P-3 Certificate?
Anyone who is currently the lead teacher in a preschool classroom
in a child care center that has contracted with an Abbott district needs
the P-3 certificate. Anyone who is not currently teaching, but would like
to teach in a preschool setting in an Abbott district needs to receive
the P-3 certificate. The only exception applies to persons holding the
nursery school certificates and those licensed elementary school teachers
who have had at least two years documented experience teaching preschool
under that elementary certificate. The P-3 certificate is also a valid
certificate for teaching in preschool through third grade in non-Abbott
districts.
Pathways to the P-3 CertificateComplete
the Provisional Teacher Program through the:
• Traditional Route. This includes a state-approved
college early childhood education teacher preparation program, and a year
of provisional teaching under the provisional P-3 certificate; or
• Alternate Route. This includes a year
of provisional teaching under the provisional P-3 certificate and completion
of the P-3 specialized pedagogy at a New Jersey
College or University approved to provide this formal instruction.
What are the eligibility requirements for the
P-3 Certificate?
Eligibility for the Provisional Teacher Program:
• Alternate Route. A candidate
must have a:
1) bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited College
or University,
2) an academic major in a liberal arts or science subject,
3) a 2.75 cumulative GPA, and
4) pass a state test.*
• Traditional Route. A candidate must have
1-4 above, and a completed state-approved college early childhood education
teacher preparation program.
* No test has yet been identified.
How does the P-3 Alternate Route work?
The Provisional Teacher Program-Alternate Route has two components:
1) One year of supervised teaching experience in a P-3
setting and,
2) completion of the P-3 specialized pedagogy. Several
New Jersey Colleges and Universities are approved
to offer this specialized pedagogy.
What is the P-3 Specialized Pedagogy?
The P-3 specialized pedagogy is the formal instruction necessary to prepare
candidates to teach at the P-3 level. This formal instruction includes
broad topics of child development and learning, understanding the family,
and curriculum and assessment.
How do I apply for the P-3 Alternate
Route?
Complete a P-3 teacher preparation program at an approved New Jersey program
and apply through the college. If you have completed an out-of state approved
P-3 college program, you should contact the county office of education
or call the New Jersey Department of Education; (609) 292-2045 and request
an application for the P-3 certificate. You will receive application directions
with the application.
How do I apply for the P-3 Traditional
Route?
Complete a P-3 teacher preparation program at an approved New Jersey
program and apply through the college. If you have completed an out-of
state approved P-3 college program, you should contact the county office
of education or call the New Jersey Department of Education; (609) 292-2045
and request an application for the P-3 certificate. You will receive application
directions with the application.
What if I have another teaching certificate?
NJ Certified teachers seeking to add the P-3 endorsement to their certificate
can complete the Provisional Teacher Program through the Traditional Route
or the Alternate Route.
Is there funding available?
Scholarships and tuition reimbursement funds are available through the
New Jersey Professional Development Center for Early Care and Education
for child care center teachers pursuing the P-3 certificate. To apply,
please call (908) 558-3920.
