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Alternative Certification

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Education & Special Education Alternative Certification

Alternative Certification provides an alternate pathway for early educators to attain their Level I Instructional Certificate for PK-4 Teacher Certification. This program is a PA Department of Education (PDE) approved program.

Using a cohort model, PHMC helps teachers with a bachelor’s degree achieve their Level I Certification, which is the entry point into teaching Pre-K in Pennsylvania.

  • Level I (or Initial) Certification is a provisional license for new or out-of-state teachers and is required to be employed by the School District and Pre-K Counts programs.
  • Certification involves meeting minimum education requirements and required competencies, completing a supervised student teaching experience and passing the Pennsylvania Teacher Certification exam.
  • Funding opportunities are currently prioritized for teachers working in a Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts program to attain their Instructional Level I Certificate for PK-4 Teacher Certification. In partnership with the Office of Child Development and Early Learning, the Pennsylvania Key funds a limited number of uncertified lead Pre-K Counts teachers working in classrooms located in the southeast region of Pennsylvania (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties).

Supports participants through the three aspects of achieving a Level I Certification:

  • Provides PDE-approved minimum education requirements
  • Coordinates supervised student teaching placements and supports participants during the student teaching experience
  • Offers test prep resources and vouchers to take the PA Teacher Certification Exam

Contact Us

Email:
altcert@phmc.org
Address:

1500 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102

Phone:
215.779.5666

Eligibility Criteria

Funded opportunities require that participants:

  • Must be a lead teacher in a PA Pre-K Counts classroom in eligible counties.
  • Must hold a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA to be eligible for teacher certification.
  • Must be a resident of the state of Pennsylvania at the time of application and for the duration of the program.

Referral Process

Educators (or prospective educators) may enroll directly. A provider may also connect a participant.

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Serving Pennsylvania

Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties