Early Childhood or Elementary Education
- This pathway is best for career changers.
Option 1: Career Development Program for Paraprofessionals
This path provides an opportunity for individuals with non-teaching degrees to become certified to teach in Oklahoma accredited schools. To apply, you’ll need a 2.5 cumulative GPA.
You will need to have one year of work experience in an accredited Oklahoma public school. You can apply for a position as a Paraprofessional in an accredited Oklahoma public school, in early childhood or elementary education. The school district will register you with the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE).
- Ready to start your job search? Use the Jobs tab on this website to see a map of districts with links to job boards.
Create a Single Sign-On (SSO) account to start your teacher certification process.
In order to receive your teaching certificate, you must complete a background check and fingerprinting. The cost is $58.25. Visit the background check/fingerprinting page for more information.
You need to take and pass the Oklahoma Subject Area Test (OSAT) and the Praxis Performance Assessment for Teachers (PPAT). Find more information about testing Praxis Website and CEOE Website.
To complete the application, log in to OECS via Single Sign-On (SSO) and utilize the Educator Application Wizard. Be sure to submit your official transcripts from your university, the completed D1 form, and the $30 application fee.
When you receive your provisional certificate through the Career Development Program for Paraprofessionals, you will have three years to complete additional university credit hours in your certification area and take the PPAT (Praxis Performance Area Test). For details on the three year program click here.
Option 2: Alternative Early Childhood and Elementary Program
Prerequisites:
- Terminal degree (MLS, MFA, DEd, etc.) OR
- Bachelor’s from an accredited college and two years of post-degree qualified work experience in a corresponding field to Early Childhood or Elementary education.
The district will start the online application process and send your official college transcript(s) with the application in OECS.
Create a Single Sign-On (SSO) account to start your teacher certification process.
In order to receive your teaching certificate, you must complete a background check and fingerprinting. The cost is $58.25. Visit the background check/fingerprinting page for more information.
Complete the application and submit the $50 application fee online in OECS. You can access OECS through your Single Sign-On (SSO) account. The one-year certificate will be valid for the current school year.
You will have three years to complete additional university credit hours in your certification area, pass the subject area test, and the Praxis Performance Assessment for Teachers (PPAT), and complete yearly mentorship requirements. Find more information about testing Praxis Website and CEOE Website. The district will request renewal for years two and three, and you will apply online in OECS each year. For details on the three year program click here.
