Brookdale's New Route to Certifying Early Childhood Educators
Brookdale Community College Introduces Innovative Teacher Certification
Brookdale Community College proudly announces the launch of its Alternate Route to Teaching PreK-3 Program. This newly approved, non-credit certification pathway is designed for aspiring preschool through third-grade educators in New Jersey. The program serves as a cost-effective and accessible alternative to traditional master’s degree programs, allowing candidates to earn a state-approved teaching certification while actively working in their classrooms.
Addressing the Educator Shortage
With New Jersey currently facing a critical shortage of certified educators, Brookdale's initiative offers a timely and impactful solution by preparing qualified teachers to meet the developmental and academic needs of the state’s youngest learners. The program’s curriculum is built upon early childhood education principles, emphasizing play-based learning, early literacy, and foundational math instruction. Participants will engage in four focused literacy courses and two dedicated math courses.
Program Overview and Goals
“Our goal is to provide an accessible and high-quality certification pathway that supports both educators and the students they serve,” said Karin Swan, Program Administrator. “By incorporating practical, research-based instruction with real-world classroom experiences, we aim to equip the next generation of PreK-3 teachers with the tools they need to enhance early literacy and math skills statewide.”
Program Structure and Requirements
Brookdale’s PreK-3 Alternate Route to Teaching (ART) program is a comprehensive 500-hour Educator Preparation Program, sanctioned by the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE). Eligible individuals must hold a bachelor's degree and possess a Certificate of Eligibility (CE) or Limited CE. The ART program combines live virtual instruction with asynchronous assignments and direct teaching experiences, effectively blending online and in-class learning.
Coursework and Focus Areas
The program's coursework spans three years and includes critical topics such as special education, assessment strategies, language development, and intensive math instruction. By utilizing a hybrid format for teaching, Brookdale ensures flexibility and accessibility for its candidates, catering to diverse learning styles and schedules.
Expanding Educational Opportunities
Having initiated its K-12 ART pathway in 2019, Brookdale Community College has gained national accreditation from the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). Since 2024, this esteemed accreditation has validated its commitment to training hundreds of certified educators. Expanding into early childhood certification reinforces Brookdale’s ongoing mission to provide flexible, affordable, and research-informed educational programs tailored to the needs of schools and communities.
Enrollment Process
To enroll in the program, candidates must first complete a 50-hour Introduction to Teaching course. After completion, they are required to secure a full-time or part-time PreK-3 teaching position with district sponsorship. Successfully finishing the program involves achieving passing grades in all coursework and undergoing effective evaluations by their respective districts, alongside video-based classroom observations and feedback.
Contact Information for Interested Candidates
Prospective candidates looking for more information about eligibility, course registration, or upcoming start dates should reach out via kswan@brookdalecc.edu or visit brookdalecc.edu.
Brookdale’s innovative PreK-3 program signifies a commitment to investing in high-quality teacher preparation, continually empowering New Jersey's educational workforce, one classroom at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the focus of Brookdale's Alternate Route to Teaching Program?
The program focuses on preparing educators for preschool through third-grade levels, emphasizing early childhood education principles.
How does Brookdale's new program address the educator shortage?
It provides a flexible certification pathway for aspiring teachers, allowing them to gain practical experience while obtaining necessary certifications.
What are the requirements for enrollment in the program?
Applicants must have a bachelor's degree and a Certificate of Eligibility (CE) or Limited CE, and they must complete an introductory teaching course.
How long does the teacher preparation program last?
The program consists of 500 hours of coursework and is offered over a duration of three years.
Where can potential candidates find more information?
Interested individuals can contact Karin Swan at kswan@brookdalecc.edu or visit brookdalecc.edu for more details.
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