October 23, 2000
Montclair State received approval on its first submission to the state to offer three preschool through third grade (P-3) teaching certification programs.
The University has a 35-year history of teaching early childhood education, and graduates approximately 90 students a year in this field. "Recently, New Jersey upgraded its standards," said Joanne CotŽ-Bonanno of Human Ecology. "With these new programs, Montclair State has answered the call of the governor to assist the Abbott districts by preparing teachers for the P-3 certification." Abbott districts are those identified by the state to receive additional funding for special school programs.
To date, certification requirements for early childhood education have included preschool through eighth grade. "With recent psychological findings of the importance of children's preschool years, New Jersey's certification requirements are being divided into more specific classifications adhering to the developmental issues of young children," said CotŽ-Bonanno.
The three programs include certification for undergraduates; a post-baccalaureate certification for those who already hold a bachelor's degree; and an M.A.T. program for students who want a master's degree at the P-3 certification.
Only teachers in the Abbott school districts can enroll in the P-3 certification program. CotŽ-Bonanno said she hopes all three programs will be open to all students by September.