Early Childhood Special Education Major
Shape Lives. Empower All Learners. Lead with Heart.
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of students? Dream of creating inclusive classrooms that spark curiosity, compassion, and learning? The Early Childhood Special Education Major at ÑÇÖÞÇéÉ« is your launchpad to becoming a confident, caring, and innovative educator.
Our Mission
We’re here to prepare the next generation of educational leaders who blend knowledge, creativity, and empathy to transform learning experiences for students. Through cutting-edge coursework, immersive fieldwork, and dedicated mentorship, you’ll be equipped to thrive in both early childhood and special education settings.
Program Highlights
- Dual Expertise: Get certified in Early Childhood PreK-4 and Special Education PreK-12 in one streamlined program.
- Hands-On Experience: Engage in extensive, developmentally-aligned fieldwork from year one.
- Inclusive Focus: Learn to design interventions and classroom environments responsive to every student’s unique strengths and needs.
- Mentorship Model: You’ll be supported every step of the way by faculty, advisors, and your peers.
What You’ll Study
You’ll complete:
- All required education courses
- All required general education courses (Learning in Common or MILE)
- Math (1.5 units, including MATH 120: Mathematics for Teaching)
- English (1.5 units)
- Psychology 120: Introduction to Psychology
- Sociology 115: Introduction to Sociology
Certification Exams
To earn dual certification in Early Childhood and Special Education, you’ll take:
For Early Childhood (PECT through Pearson):
- 8006, 8007, 8008: PK–Grade 4 Modules 1–3
For Special Education (Praxis through ETS):
- 5355: Core Knowledge & Applications
- 5511: Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge (if needed)
Pursuing just Special Education? Only Praxis 5355 and 5511 are required.
Test scores should be reported to ÑÇÖÞÇéÉ« (RA2418) and the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Recommended Course Sequence for Education Courses
Please consult your advisor to ensure that your general education, English and Math credits are also included in your advising plan. Students must maintain 2.7 GPA or higher to continue in 200-level and higher education classes.
Fall:
- EDUC 100.2 – Intro to the Education of English Language Learners
Spring:
- EDUC 160 – Culture, Community & Diversity
- EDUC 160 LA – 40-hour Stage 1 & 2 Field Experience
- EDUC 214.2 – Music and Movement
- PSYCH 120 or SOC 115
Fall:
- EDUC 210 – Child Development & Cognition I
- EDUC 210 LA – 40-hour Stage 1 & 2 Field Experience
- EDUC 213.2 – Art in Education
- EDUC 216 – Early Childhood Theories, Practices & Family Partnerships
- EDUC 244 – Including Students with Disabilities
- PSYCH 120 or SOC 115
Spring:
- EDUC 211 – Child Development & Cognition II
- EDUC 211 LA – 40-hour Stage 1 & 2 Field Experience
- EDUC 222 – Emerging Language & Literacy, PK–Grade 4
- EDUC 422.3 – Effective Inclusionary Practices
Fall:
- EDUC 312 – Data-Driven Analysis & Decision-Making in ECE
- EDUC 322 – PreK Math Strategies
- EDUC 323 – PreK Scientific Reasoning
- EDUC 358.2 PM – Pre-Student Teaching Field Experience
- EDUC 358.2 LA – 75-hour Stage 3 Pre-Student Teaching Field Experience
- EDUC 421.3 – Special Education: Identification & Effective Intervention
Spring:
- EDUC 218.2 – Movement, Health & Safety for Young Children
- EDUC 321 – Language Arts for Children PK–Grade 4
- EDUC 359.2 – 75-hour Stage 3 Field Experience
- EDUC 324 – PreK–4 Social Studies
- EDUC 420.3 – Differentiating Instruction
- EDUC 425.3 – Comprehensive Literacy Practices
Fall:
- EDUC 410.3 – Language Acquisition & Development
- EDUC 423.3 – Special Education Processes & Procedures
- EDUC 424.3 – Educating Students with Disabilities and Exceptionalities
- EDUC 426.3 – Literacy & Resistance in Secondary Schools
- EDUC 427.3 – Literacy Assessment and Evaluation
Spring:
- EDUC 370 – Seminar for Early Childhood
- EDUC 375 Stage 4 Student Teaching Experience
- EDUC 376 Stage 4 Student Teaching Experience
- EDUC 377 Stage 4 Student Teaching Experience
