Program Admission

Admission Requirements

Admission to the BS in Early Childhood Education program requires:

• Associate of Arts degree or an Associate of Science degree in Early Childhood Education and Management (or the equivalent) from a regionally-accredited school or college.
• If the student’s associate’s degree is from a non-regionally accredited institution but is nationally accredited, the degree qualifies for admission, but a course-by-course evaluation is done according to Polk State College’s transfer practices and policies.  More information can be found at: polk.edu/admission-aid/transfer-students
• Associates level degree must be earned with a minimum 2.5-grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale.
• Completion of three common Education Prerequisite Courses (AA electives) with a grade of “C” or higher
  • EDF1005 – Introduction to the Teaching Profession
  • EDF2085 – Introduction to Diversity for Educators
  • EME2040 – Introduction to Technology for Educators
  • EDF1250 – Introduction to Classroom Management (recommended, but not required)
• Passing score on the General Knowledge Test (GKT) of the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE). Please request that a copy of your GKT scores be sent directly to Polk State College.
• Fingerprint-based background check. The form can be downloaded here.
• Additional admission requirements include the submission of a cover letter and specific acknowledgments, which can be downloaded here.
• Under special circumstances, a one-semester admission waiver can be requested. For more information, contact Dr. Patty Linder at plinder@polk.edu