Early Childhood Special Â鶹¹û¶³ 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 Â鶹¹û¶³ Major at Â鶹¹û¶³ 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 Â鶹¹û¶³ 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 Â鶹¹û¶³, you’ll take:
For Early Childhood (PECT through Pearson):
- 8006, 8007, 8008: PK–Grade 4 Modules 1–3
For Special Â鶹¹û¶³ (Praxis through ETS):
- 5355: Core Knowledge & Applications
- 5511: Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge (if needed)
Pursuing just Special Â鶹¹û¶³? Only Praxis 5355 and 5511 are required.
Test scores should be reported to Â鶹¹û¶³ (RA2418) and the Pennsylvania Department of Â鶹¹û¶³.
Recommended Course Sequence for Â鶹¹û¶³ Courses
Please consult your advisor to ensure that your general education, English and Math credits are also included in your advising plan.
Fall:
- EDUC 100.2 – Intro to the Â鶹¹û¶³ 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 Â鶹¹û¶³
- 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 Â鶹¹û¶³: 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 Â鶹¹û¶³ 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
Teacher certification requires candidates to meet academic standards established by the Pennsylvania Department of Â鶹¹û¶³ (PDE), including a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00. To support students in reaching this requirement, the Â鶹¹û¶³ Department has established academic progression benchmarks.
Students must earn at least a C+ in all 100-level EDUC courses—including the required MATH 120 course—to stay on track for upper-level coursework and ultimately meet the GPA requirement for teacher certification.
Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 to enroll in 200-level EDUC courses or higher. This requirement applies to all upper-level EDUC coursework, including courses taken prior to formal admission to the Â鶹¹û¶³ Program.
To apply for admission to the Â鶹¹û¶³ Program (typically at junior standing or its credit equivalent), students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00. Once admitted to the program, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 to remain enrolled. In addition, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 in their EDUC coursework.
Students who fall below the required GPA standards may be subject to review by the Â鶹¹û¶³ Department and may be advised to pursue a degree pathway outside of teacher certification at the discretion of the department. Please see the Â鶹¹û¶³ Field Experience Handbook for more info.
