Early Childhood or Elementary Education
- This pathway is best for recent high school graduates and adult learners.
Option 1: Teacher Certification and Employment Steps
Earn a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood or Elementary Education from an Oklahoma Accredited Education Preparation Program, listed below:
State Universities
- Cameron University
- East Central University
- Langston University
- Northeastern State University
- Northwestern Oklahoma State University
- Oklahoma State University
- Rogers State University
- Southeastern Oklahoma State University
- Southwestern Oklahoma State University
- University of Central Oklahoma
- University of Oklahoma
- University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma
Create a Single Sign-On (SSO) account to start your teacher certification process.
Before you can apply for certification, you need to 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.
Once you complete your degree, your university will recommend you for teacher certification.
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.
Once you are certified, you can apply for teaching jobs in any district. Use the Jobs tab on this website to see a map of districts with links to job boards.
Option 2: Earning Income While Pursuing Your Teaching Certificate
This path allows you to work while earning your teaching certificate. To begin, work toward a bachelor's degree. You can start by earning an associate degree or completing two years of college coursework. We suggest taking general education courses and classes in your desired teaching field.
Associate Degree Community Colleges
- Oklahoma City Community College
- Tulsa Community College
- Rose State College
- Redlands Community College
- Connors State College
- Eastern Oklahoma State
- Murray State College
- Northern Oklahoma College
- Western Oklahoma State College
- Carl Albert State College
- Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College
- Seminole State College
Upon completion of your associate degree or two years of college, you may apply for a position as a Teacher Assistant or Paraprofessional in an Oklahoma public school, specializing 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.
You must complete a background check and fingerprinting. The cost is $58.25. Visit the background check/fingerprinting page for more information.
While working as a Teacher Assistant or Paraprofessional, focus on completing your bachelor’s degree. Below is a list of universities offering online programs to help you finish your degree.
- As part of your bachelor's degree it is recommended that you complete 12 semester hours in the area requested (early childhood or elementary education), with 3 of those hours being in reading instruction.
- You must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5.
State Universities
- Cameron University
- East Central University
- Langston University
- Northeastern State University
- Northwestern Oklahoma State University
- Oklahoma State University
- Rogers State University
- Southeastern Oklahoma State University
- Southwestern Oklahoma State University
- University of Central Oklahoma
- University of Oklahoma
- University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma
After you finish your education degree, you need to 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.
Complete the application, submit the D1 form, and pay the $30 application fee online in OECS. You can access OECS through your Single Sign-On (SSO) account.
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.
