UNO Early Childhood Inclusive Education Programs offer high-quality teacher certification pathways designed for your life.
UNO offers flexible pathways to help you become a certified Early Childhood Inclusive (ECI) educator. Whether you’re working in childcare, changing careers, or need an endorsement, there’s an option that matches your background. All pathways prepare you to support young children of all abilities, Birth through Grade 3.
Funding and scholarships available for all pathways!
Undergraduate Options
1. Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Inclusive Education
Who it’s for: Students beginning or completing an undergraduate degree.
You might be a good fit if you:
- Are a recent high school graduate or transfer student
- Want a more traditional, on-campus experience
- Want full practicum placements, including clinical practice in schools
Outcome: Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Inclusive Education + Nebraska certification (Birth–Grade 3)
Ready to learn more? Contact the CEHHS Office of Academic Advising to get started, unocoeadvising@unomaha.edu, or check out more information about the ECI bachelor's degree.
2. ECI PRO Pathway: Accelerated Bachelor's Degree for Working Early Childhood Professionals
Who it’s for: Individuals working full-time in childcare or early learning.
You might be a good fit if you:
- Work full-time in an early childhood setting
- Want a flexible schedule built around your job
- Have an associate’s degree or most general education credits completed
Format: Evening, weekend, and online/hybrid courses; 2.5-year cohort; practicum completed at your workplace*
Outcome: Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Inclusive Education + Nebraska certification (Birth–Grade 3)
Ready to learn more? Fill out the interest form or email the ECI team at unoeci@unomaha.edu. Learn more by visiting the ECI PRO Pathway webpage.
* Practicum must be completed in a classroom with a certified teacher. If your workplace does not offer this, UNO will help you arrange an approved placement.
Graduate Options
1. Accelerated Initial Certification – For Those With a Bachelor’s Outside Education
Who it’s for: Career changers with a bachelor’s in another field who want to become certified to teach young children.
You might be a good fit if you:
- Hold a non-education bachelor’s degree
- Want to transition into teaching Birth–Grade 3
- Prefer flexible, graduate-level coursework
Format: Evening, weekend, and online/hybrid courses; students may qualify for an alternative permit through the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE)
Outcome: Nebraska teacher certification in Early Childhood Inclusive Education + coursework towards a master's degree
Ready to learn more? Fill out the interest form or email the ECI team at unoeci@unomaha.edu
2. Accelerated Initial Certification – For Those With an Education Degree but Not Certified to Teach
Who it’s for: Individuals with an education-related bachelor’s who want Early Childhood Inclusive certification.
You might be a good fit if you:
- Have a bachelor’s degree in education
- Are not yet certified or want certification in Birth–Grade 3
- Want a flexible program that may accept previous coursework
Format: Evening, weekend, and online/hybrid courses; students may qualify for an alternative permit through the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE)
Outcome: Nebraska certification in Early Childhood Inclusive Education + coursework towards a master's degree
Ready to learn more? Fill out the interest form or email the ECI team at unoeci@unomaha.edu
3. Graduate ECI Endorsement For Certified Teachers
Who it’s for: Certified teachers who want to add an ECI endorsement to work with children Birth–Grade 3.
You might be a good fit if you:
- Are a currently certified teacher
- Want to expand your certification with an ECI endorsement
Outcome: Full licensure + Early Childhood Inclusive endorsement
Completion options: Praxis II (#5024) or required ECI coursework (after transcript review)
Why Choose UNO?
- Coursework taught by experienced educators and practitioners
- Strong partnerships with local school districts and community organizations
- Opportunities to complete practicum hours through your place of employment (in applicable pathways)
- Supportive cohort models and mentoring throughout your program
- Flexible evening, weekend, summer, and hybrid course options
- Preparation to work with children Birth–Grade 3 in general and special education
Program Contact
Tiffani Holmes, M.A. Ed.
Early Childhood Inclusive Director
tiffaniholmes@unomaha.edu
Have questions or want help choosing the right pathway? Email unoeci@unomaha.edu and an ECI faculty member will be in touch