Towson University has a distinguished history in the preparation of classroom teachers and education specialists. The majority of graduates enter America's schools as teachers and specialists ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century. The mission of the Teacher Education Unit is to inspire, educate, and prepare educators as facilitators of active learning for diverse and inclusive communities of learners in environments that are technologically advanced.

This program is designed to prepare teachers for certification in the field of early childhood education. Students who successfully complete the program will obtain a degree from Towson University. The program will be taught by faculty from Towson University. Programs are NCATE accredited and approved by the Maryland State Department of Education.

Program Information

The Towson University Early Childhood Program at the Universities at Shady Grove is a screened program and major at Towson. A graduate of early childhood education is prepared to teach children from birth through grade three. Upon successfully completing the requirements for the early childhood education major and attaining a score at or above the levels established on Praxis II - Content Area Assessment, students may apply to the Maryland State Department of Education for certification.

Note that the number of students admitted is determined by the number of seats available; there may be more students eligible for admission than are actually admitted.

To be considered for admission, students must:

1. Be enrolled in the A.A.T.- Early Childhood Education program at Montgomery College or Frederick Community College. Students must complete the AAT prior to starting classes at USG.
2. Complete and submit the online application, with password provided by Nancy Wiltz or Marcie Povitsky. (Students should plan to apply in the Fall for entrance into the program the following Fall. Spring admission is not available).
3. Submit official transcripts of all college work
4. Have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher.
5. Have scores on the SAT, ACT or Praxis I at or above the level of standards established by the Maryland State Department of Education. Information on qualifying scores can be obtained at www.ets.org/praxis/md. Prior to being admitted into the program, students must submit a PHOTOCOPY of their score report to

Marcie Povitsky
Site Coordinator
Towson University at the
Universities at Shady Grove
9630 Gudelsky Drive
Rockville, MD 20850

6. After admission, but prior to starting classes, students must submit a Criminal Background Disclosure Form and pass a speech and hearing screening. Students will complete both of these requirements during a mandatory New Student Orientation at Towson University, to be held during the summer.

Application deadlines*: December 1 (priority) |   June 1 (final)
Note: Students may apply prior to having met all admission requirements.

*The Early Childhood Education program admits a limited number of students on a first come, first served basis. We will accept applications until the final deadline posted above or until we have admitted the maximum number of students for that year, whichever comes first.

This program is designed to prepare teachers for certification in the field of early childhood education. Students who successfully complete the program will obtain a degree