Requirements

The Early Childhood Special Education option will prepare students to work as educators and early interventionists for children with disabilities from birth through grade 3.

Prerequisite for Program Admission

This course must be completed by the end of the summer of the application year and is calculated into the major gpa required for graduation.

RP & SE 300 Individuals with Disabilities3

Early Childhood Special Education Professional Sequence

Students complete a four-semester sequence of professional courses after admission to the program. Although some requirements may be completed prior to program admission, the remaining professional methods courses and clinical (field) experiences must be followed sequentially and taken in consecutive semesters unless a modification is approved. Class schedules for the professional sequence courses are determined in advance.

Semester 1
CURRIC 550 Methods, Materials and Activities in Early Childhood Education3
CURRIC 663 Learning Environments for Initial Education Programs 13
HDFS 262 Development of the Young Child (preferred) 13
or ED PSYCH 320 Human Development in Infancy and Childhood
RP & SE 320 Introduction to Teaching in Special Education3
RP & SE 435 Overview of Early Childhood Special Education 13
RP & SE 465 Language and Reading Instruction for Students with Disabilities3
Semester 2
RP & SE 455 Early Childhood Special Education Methods: Inclusive Strategies for Infants and Toddlers3
RP & SE 464 Diagnosis, Assessment, and Instructional Planning in Special Education3
RP & SE 473 Classroom Management for Inclusive Classrooms3
RP & SE 475 Special Education Practicum: Early Childhood and Elementary1
RP & SE 510 Partnering with Families and Other Professionals in Early Childhood Special Education 13
Semester 3
HDFS 663 Developmental and Family Assessment3
RP & SE 460 Early Childhood Special Education Methods: Inclusive Strategies for Preschool and Early Elementary3
RP & SE 466 Diversity in Special Education3
RP & SE 475 Special Education Practicum: Early Childhood and Elementary2
RP & SE 475 Special Education Practicum: Early Childhood and Elementary2
Select one 13
School and Society
History of American Education (also meets U.S./European history)
Development, Learning and Education Foundations in Special Education
Semester 4
RP & SE 467 Elementary Student Teaching Seminar2
RP & SE 477 Special Education Student Teaching: Elementary (PK - Grade 9)10
1

May be taken prior to scheduled semester, including prior to program admission.

Four-Year Plan

Special Education: Early Childhood Special Education Option

Sample Four-Year Plan

This four-year sample graduation plan is designed to guide your course selection throughout your academic career; it does not establish a contractual agreement. Use it along with your DARS report, the Guide, and the Course Search and Enroll app to create a four-year plan reflecting your placement scores, incoming credits, and individual interests. You will likely revise your plan several times during your academic career here, based on your activities and changing academic interests. Consult with an academic advisor to develop a personalized plan of study and refer to the Guide for a complete list of requirements.

Freshman
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Communication A (fall or spring semester)3Communication A (fall or spring semester)3
RP & SE 3003Ethnic Studies 3
Liberal Studies course work9-12Quantitative Reasoning A3
 Liberal Studies course work6-9
 15 15
Sophomore
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Liberal Studies course work10Quantitative Reasoning B3
Liberal Studies or General Elective course work5Liberal Studies or General Elective course work11
 15 14
Junior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CURRIC 5503RP & SE 4553
CURRIC 66313RP & SE 4643
HDFS 262 or ED PSYCH 320 (262 is preferred)13RP & SE 4733
RP & SE 3203RP & SE 4751
RP & SE 43513RP & SE 51013
RP & SE 465 (also meets Communication B)3 
 18 13
Senior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HDFS 6633RP & SE 4672
RP & SE 4603RP & SE 47710
RP & SE 4663 
RP & SE 4752 
RP & SE 4752 
Select one13 
 
ED POL/​HISTORY  412 (also meets U.S./European history)
 
 
 16 12
Total Credits 118
1

May be taken prior to scheduled semester, including prior to program admission. A minimum of 120 credits is still required to complete the degree.