P-3 Certification Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new P-3 Certification?
P-3 is the newest teaching certificate available in the State of New Jersey. This certificate covers Preschool through grade 3.

Who needs the P-3 Certificate?
Anyone who is currently the lead teacher in a preschool classroom in a child care center that is contracted with an Abbott district needs the P-3 Certificate. Anyone who is not currently teaching, but would like to teach in a preschool setting in an Abbott district needs to receive the P-3 certificate. The only exception applies to persons holding the nursery school certificates and those licensed elementary school teachers who have had a least two years documented experience teaching preschool under that elementary certificate. The P-3 certificate is also a valid certificate for teaching in preschool through third grade in non-Abbott districts.

What are the eligibility requirements for the P-3 Certificate?
Eligibility for the Provisional Teacher Program:
Alternate Route, a candidate must have a:
1) bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited College or University,
2) an academic major in a liberal arts or science subject,
3) a 2.75 cumulative GPA, and
4) pass a state test.*

Traditional Route, a candidate must have 1-4 above,
and a completed state-approved college early childhood education teacher preparation program.
*No test has been identified yet.

How does the P-3 Alternate work?
The Provisional Teacher Program- Alternate Route has two components:
1) one year of supervised teaching experience in a P-3 setting and,
2) completion of the P-3 specialized pedagogy. Several New Jersey College’s and Universities are approved for this specialized pedagogy.
New Jersey City University is an approved University.

What is the P-3 Specialized Pedagogy?
The P-3 specialized pedagogy is the formal instruction necessary to prepare candidates to teach at the P-3 level. This formal instruction includes broad topics of child development and learning, understanding the family, and curriculum and assessment.

How do I apply for the P-3 Alternate Route?
Contact your county office of education or call the New Jersey Department of Education at (609) 292-2045 and request an application for the P-3 certificate. You will receive application directions with the application.

How do I apply for the P-3 Traditional Route?
Complete a P-3 teacher preparation program at an approved New Jersey program and apply through the college. If you have completed an out-of-state approved P-3 college program, you should contact the county office of education or call the New Jersey Department of Education at (609) 292-2045 and request an application for the P-3 Certificate. You will receive application directions with the application.

What if I have another teaching certificate?
NJ certified teachers seeking to add the P-3 endorsement to their certificate can complete the Provisional Teacher Program through the Traditional Route or Alternate Route.

Is there funding available?
Scholarships and tuition reimbursement funds are available through the New Jersey Professional Development Center for Early Care and Education for child care center teachers pursuing the P-3 certificate.
To apply, please call (908) 558-3920

 

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