Graduate Certification Programs in Special Education, Early Childhood Special Education

Professional preparation

Complete a bachelor’s degree in early childhood ed, exceptional ed, or elementary ed, including required courses:

• ECED 564 - Curriculum and Methods for Young Children 1-4 cr.
• EDUC 398 - Student Teaching 1-16 cr.

•  

• PSYC 260 - Introduction to Developmental Psychology 3 cr. or
• HD 261 - Child Growth and Development 3 cr.

General exceptional education

• EDUC 551 - Educating Students with Special or Other Needs in the General Education Environment 3 cr.
• EDUC 778 - Parent, Home and Agency Involvement in Educating Children and Youth with Disabilities 1-3 cr.

Area of specialization

• EDUC 565 - Assessment and Intervention Strategies for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities and Their Families 3 cr.
• EDUC 566 - Assessment-Intervention Strategies for Preschool Children with Disabilities and Their Families 3 cr.
• EDUC 567 - Assessment and Intervention Strategies for Children with Disabilities in the Primary Grades and Their Families 3 cr.
• EDUC 781 - Teaching Students with Disabilities Practicum-Internship 1-8 cr.

State-Mandated Tests

• Demonstrate content knowledge by either:

1. obtaining a 3.00 or higher in required coursework for this license, or
2. submitting passing scores on the required Praxis Subject Assessment exams. 

You must meet one of the above requirements for teacher licensure.

• Pass the state-mandated Foundations of Reading Test.

State Teacher Licensing Rules

Meet state teacher licensing rules which are subject to change at any time due to legislative or licensing changes.

Note

If you are certified in related service fields such as physical therapy, speech/language pathology with a master’s degree, etc., but do not have a prior degree with certification in education, you can pursue an emphasis in early childhood special education needs in order to augment your skills in working with this population. This avenue will NOT lead to teacher certification unless you elect to take the courses that lead to that certification.