Early Childhood: PK-3 Certification and Bilingual Supplemental, B.S.
Shaping Bilingual Educators to Inspire Young Minds
The Early Childhood PK-3rd Grade Teacher Certification Program with Bilingual Supplemental Certification is a comprehensive program designed to prepare educators to teach young learners from pre-kindergarten through 3rd grade in diverse, multilingual classrooms. This program equips candidates with the foundational knowledge, practical skills, and cultural competency needed to support the academic and social-emotional development of young children in both English and their native language.
Program Highlights
Focused Curriculum: Coursework emphasizes early childhood development, literacy, numeracy, social studies, and science education tailored for young learners. The program integrates evidence-based teaching strategies to promote language acquisition and biliteracy.
Bilingual Education Training: Candidates receive specialized instruction in bilingual pedagogy, language development, and second language acquisition theory. The supplemental certification ensures proficiency in teaching in both English and Spanish.
Hands-On Experience: The program includes robust fieldwork opportunities, such as internships and student teaching placements in diverse early childhood and bilingual education settings.
Cultural Competency: Emphasis on fostering inclusive, equitable learning environments that honor and integrate students' cultural and linguistic backgrounds into the classroom experience.
State Certification Preparation: Graduates are fully prepared to meet the requirements for PK-3rd Grade Teacher Certification and the Bilingual Supplemental Certification, qualifying them to serve in bilingual and dual-language classrooms.
Ideal Candidates
This program is designed for aspiring educators who are passionate about nurturing young learners and committed to creating equitable opportunities for students in bilingual settings. It is particularly suited for individuals who have strong bilingual skills and seek to make a meaningful impact in early childhood education.
Graduates of this program are uniquely positioned to meet the growing demand for skilled bilingual educators, ensuring that young children develop the skills and confidence needed to thrive in a global society.
Admission Requirements
Eager to make your dreams come true by studying at UHCL? Make sure you have what it takes to begin your journey to success.
- How to Apply as a Freshman Student
- How to Apply as a Transfer Student
- How to Apply as an International Student
Degree Requirements
Educate yourself on the necessary course work at University of Houston-Clear Lake.
We want you to succeed in the College of Education, so review the degree requirements
for your preferred major.
Cost Information
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Deadlines for Applying
- Freshman Deadlines
-
Fall
Priority - July 15
Final - August 1 -
Spring
Priority - November 1
Final - December 1 -
Summer
Priority - March 1
Final (Summer Session I & II) - May 1
- Transfer Deadlines
-
Summer 2025Priority - May 1
Summer I Final - May 21
Summer II Final - June 27 -
Fall 2025Priority - August 1
Final - August 11
Returning UHCL Students - August 13 -
Spring 2026Priority - December 1
Final - January 5
Returning UHCL Students - January 7
- International Deadlines
-
Fall
Freshman Final Deadline - Apply by June 1
Transfer Final Deadline - Apply by July 15 -
Spring
Freshman Final Deadline - Apply by October 1
Transfer Final Deadline - Apply by December 15 -
Summer*
Freshman - Application Not Accepted for Summer Semester.
Transfer Final Deadline - Apply by May 1
*International freshmen applicants will not be accepted for Summer semester.
For more information regarding deferring your application, please visit Deferring International Admission.
Locations
University of Houston-Clear Lake
2700 Bay Area Blvd
Houston, TX 77058
Phone: 281-283-7600
Accreditations and Distinctions
The College of Education is accredited by the Texas State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC).
We've earned national recognition for accomplishment and innovation, including the Christa McAuliffe Award for Excellence in Teacher Education.
Early Childhood: PK-3 Certification and Bilingual Supplemental, B.S. Faculty

Elizabeth Beavers
Program Director and Associate Professor of Special Education,
Education
Contact number: 281-283-3513
Email: BeaversEA@uhcl.edu
Office: Bayou Suite B1325

Amber Brown
Program Director and Professor of Early Childhood Education,
Education
Contact number: 281-283-3627
Email: browna@uhcl.edu
Office: B1119-2

Shanna Graves
Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education,
Education
Contact number: 281-283-3578
Email: gravess@uhcl.edu
Office: bayou Suite 1119

Rebecca Huss-Keeler
Professor of Early Childhood Education,
Education
Contact number: 281-283-3535
Email: huss@uhcl.edu
Office: Bayou Suite 1119

Preeti Jain
Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education,
Education
Contact number: 281-283-3567
Email: jainp@uhcl.edu
Office: Bayou Suite 1119

Neelofer Tajani
Clinical Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education,
Education
Contact number: 281-283-3543
Email: tajani@uhcl.edu
Office: B1119-3