Early Literacy Specialist Certification

The Early Literacy Specialist certification is an 18-credit program designed for certified early childhood or elementary teachers who wish to become reading specialists in preschool through grade three.

In this program, candidates will develop a broad knowledge base in the field of literacy/reading for learners in grades preschool through grade three, including:

Advanced study of reading and structured literacy, including phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, reading comprehension, fluency, and concepts of print;
Diagnosis and correction of literacy problems of early learners, including a supervised clinical experience of at least 30 hours;
Organization of reading programs and professional development strategies to improve the teaching of literacy;
Supervised clinical internship in reading that focuses on the implementation of schoolwide literacy leadership, coaching/professional development, and the diagnosis, planning, and correction of reading problems in a supplemental/in-class setting;
Methodology that incorporates multi-sensory instructional approaches for teaching early literacy skills and that helps to remediate learning for students with dyslexia and/or dysgraphia;
Strategies for remediation of writing for early learners with a focus on the development of fine-motor skills related to the process of writing; and
Advanced study of literacy strategies for supporting students with varying abilities and multilingual learners.

Upon completion of this program, candidates will be prepared to apply their knowledge of literacy, language, and learning to support and advocate for quality literacy instruction that is inclusive of all students in preschool through third grades, develop and oversee the implementation of curriculum and programs that support diverse learners in preschool through third grades, and enact transformative leadership skills that propel the type of change necessary for equity.

New Jersey Early Literacy Specialist Certification requires current standard early childhood or elementary teacher license and three years of successful teaching experience.

Candidates must meet the above requirements within a year of completing the program for FDU school of Education to make recommendations to the NJ Department of Education for certification issuance.