Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education Initial Program – Leads to Initial Teacher Licensure

Overview

Put Exceptional Children on the Path to Success

Learn to recognize and help children overcome developmental delays with the Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education degree. Channel your passion for educating young children while preparing for certification in early childhood education as well as early childhood special education in states where the latter is applicable.

As the ability to recognize developmental delays early in life has expanded, so has the demand for special education-prepared teachers. Build your skills in classroom management and pedagogy while also learning strategies for family, community and clinical involvement in meeting the needs of exceptional children.

Practicum experiences throughout the program allow you to apply instructional methods and work with students from birth through grade 3. All coursework in this program aligns with national standards set forth by the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC), National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC).

Degree Outcomes

Assess and Engage Exceptional Children

Through this early childhood special education degree program, you gain the ability to recognize, monitor and track special needs during the crucial early childhood years. Explore ways to creatively spark children’s imaginations, support healthy development, plant the seeds for literacy and deliver culturally intelligent and ethical education. Graduates who successfully complete coursework as well as state requirements are positioned for potential licensure in both early childhood education and early childhood special education in Arizona. Graduates seeking licensure outside of Arizona may be eligible for licensure in early childhood education or early childhood special education depending on the state requirements and certification process.

What You Will Learn

Explore Strategies for Early Intervention and Guidance

This program allows students to apply their skills within a 16-week student teaching experience that includes eight weeks in a K-3 general education classroom and eight weeks in a K-3 special education classroom. Students also engage in practicum courses within birth through pre-K general education and special education environments.

Under the leadership and mentorship of expert faculty, your coursework will examine:

• Social and emotional development and behavioral interventions
• Early language and literacy development
• Assessment, evaluation and reporting progress
• Child, family and community collaboration
• Advocacy to promote the education of young children with and without exceptionalities

Career Outcomes

Build a Career in Early Education

As a graduate of the bachelors in early childhood education program, you will be qualified to pursue teaching positions as well as program coordinator and advocacy roles. Potential career environments include early childhood education centers, public and private pre-K, public and private elementary schools, school administration, nonprofit organizations and educational policy organizations. Learn the science of early education, then apply your expertise to help build better futures for children and families.

_{Grand Canyon University's (GCU) regionally accredited and Arizona State Board of Education-approved Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education program affords you the knowledge and coursework to prepare for teaching licensure.}