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.
Course List
General Education Requirements
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University's General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
Requirements
Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.
Course Options
- UNV-112, Success in Science, Engineering and Technology & Lab: 4 credits
- UNV-103, University Success: 4 credits
- UNV-303, University Success: 4 credits
- UNV-108, University Success in the College of Education: 4 credits
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4 credits
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4 credits
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4 credits
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4 credits
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4 credits
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher.
Course Options
- MAT-154, Applications of College Algebra: 4 credits
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4 credits
- PHI-105, 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 4 credits
- MAT-134, Applications of Algebra: 4 credits
- BIO-220, Environmental Science: 4 credits
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, crosscultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.
Course Options
- HIS-144, U.S. History Themes: 4 credits
- PSY-100, Psychology in Everyday Life: 4 credits
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4 credits
Program Core Courses
Course Description
This course focuses on the fundamental basis of the field of early childhood education and early childhood special education. This course includes historical and philosophical foundations, current practices, ethics, models of teaching, and application in early childhood/special education settings. Professional responsibilities for early childhood/early childhood special education educators are explored. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
This course examines the history of current special education laws, and professional practices. Emphasis is placed on Child Find, assessment, identification, and implementation of services. Candidates also incorporate data-based decision making and utilization of assistive technology in instruction. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
This is the first in a two-course sequence designed for prospective elementary school teachers. Concepts include set theory, functions, numeration systems, number theory and properties of the natural numbers, integers, rational numbers, ratios, proportions, decimals, and percents, with an emphasis on problem solving and critical thinking. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in MAT-134, MAT-144, or MAT-154.
Course Description
This is the second in a two-course sequence designed for prospective elementary school teachers. Concepts include elementary probability, data analysis, descriptive statistics, geometry of shapes in two and three dimensions, congruence and similarity, measurement, and geometric transformations, with an emphasis on problem solving and critical thinking. Prerequisite: MAT-150.
Course Description
This course is a survey of Arizona history and government, as well as American government. It meets the teacher certification requirement for Arizona government and American government.
Course Description
This course examines child growth and development, including milestones regarding physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development. This development is considered within the context of health, safety, and nutrition for young children with and without exceptionalities. Family education and communication are also emphasized. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
This course explores historical foundations, theories, and models of child development, including family characteristics, diversity, multicultural factors, and community relationships. The course emphasizes community organizations that support and assist children with exceptionalities and their families. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
This course explores the foundations for early language and literacy development for children Birth to Age 8/Grade 3. Teacher candidates focus on the essential components of literacy and communication methods in early childhood special education, utilizing assistive technology to enhance communication. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
In this course, teacher candidates continue to examine the fundamentals of the legal, historical, and educational foundations of Structured English Immersion and other instructional programs for English language learners. Theoretical principles of language acquisition and the role of culture in learning are examined. Methods of assessment are identified and analyzed. Teacher candidates identify strategies to promote English language development and improve student achievement. They plan, deliver, and evaluate instruction for English language learners. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
Teacher candidates spend time in an inclusive Birth-Pre-K setting observing, working with small groups of children with and without exceptionalities, and interviewing teachers. Emphasis will be placed on the management and guidance of young children, and child initiated learning. Special attention is given to the effect of children’s abilities, social and emotional needs, and characteristics on development and learning. The practicum/field experiences for this course are in an inclusive Birth - Pre-K setting. Practicum/field experience hours: 60. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: ECS-235.
Course Description
This course examines instructional methodologies for teaching children with and without exceptionalities, emphasizing instruction in language arts, social studies, and the arts. Candidates consider the developmental continuum of literacy instruction based on student data and individual needs. The practicum/field experiences for this course are in an inclusive K-3 setting. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
This course examines instructional methodologies for teaching children with and without exceptionalities with an emphasis on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) content instruction. Candidates develop a unit plan that incorporates all STEM components and use data to identify areas to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of individual students. The practicum/field experiences for this course are in an inclusive K-3 setting. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
In this course, teacher candidates examine assessment, evaluation, and early identification for young children to develop IFSP’s and IEP's, Birth to Age 8. The processes of using data in assessing, monitoring, and reporting the progress of young children’s performance are investigated, in addition to early identification of children with special needs. The practicum/field experiences for this course are in an inclusive K-3 setting. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
Teacher candidates spend time in an inclusive Birth-Pre-K setting observing, working with small groups, and teaching. Emphasis will be placed on individual education planning, implementing, and evaluating developmentally appropriate curricula, instruction, and adaptations based on knowledge of children with exceptionalities, the family, and the community. Special attention is placed on exceptionalities and medical conditions that influence care, resources, and priorities. The practicum/field experiences for this course are in an inclusive Birth – Pre-K setting. Practicum/field experience hours: 60. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisites: ECS-435 and ECS-460.
Course Description
In this writing intensive course, teacher candidates study how to teach a diverse population of students by examining the foundations and dimensions of social justice in education, social constructs, privilege, prejudice, and oppression with the goal of becoming culturally competent educators. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
This writing intensive course uses theories of child guidance and development for young children with and without exceptionalities as a basis for creating a safe and supportive classroom environment. Candidates create a classroom management plan and use student data to create a Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP). The practicum/field experiences for this course are in an inclusive K-3 setting. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
Teacher candidates will examine how to teach foundational skills to develop proficient readers with the capacity to comprehend texts across a range of texts and disciplines. Teacher candidates will build additional knowledge regarding print concepts, phonological awareness, phonics and word recognition, and fluency to promote early literacy and independent readers. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: ELM-210 or ECS-125.
Course Description
This course supports the early childhood clinical field experience through an eight-week full-time student teaching experience in a kindergarten through age 8/grade 3 general education classroom. Candidates are engaged in the student teaching experience that includes practical classroom experiences, research, analysis, and teaching to support the creation of a Teacher Work Sample (TWS). Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all courses in the program of study and content area; senior status; a 2.8 GPA; successful completion of state mandated basic skills and content area exams; and approval and placement by the Office of Field Experience. Arizona residents will be required to take the Arizona professional knowledge and subject knowledge exams for early childhood and early childhood special education. All paperwork for student teaching must be submitted by the due date the semester prior to student teaching.
Course Description
This course supports the early childhood special education clinical field experience through an eight-week full-time student teaching experience in a kindergarten through age 8/grade 3 early childhood special education classroom. Candidates are engaged in the student teaching experience that includes practical classroom experiences, research, analysis, and teaching to support the creation of a Teacher Work Sample (TWS). Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all courses in the program of study and content area; senior status; a 2.8 GPA; successful completion of state mandated basic skills and content area exams; and approval and placement by the Office of Field Experience. Arizona residents will be required to take the Arizona professional knowledge and subject knowledge exams for early childhood and early childhood special education. All paperwork for student teaching must be submitted by the due date the semester prior to student teaching.
Program Locations
Campus
Online
* The Department of Education defines how an institution must calculate a program's On-Time Completion rate for federal disclosure purposes. The On-Time Completion rate is based on a program's published required number of months to complete all degree requirements as provided in the institution's catalog. Completion statistics are updated every January and are based on the cohort of students who started the program in the same year and then graduated within the published program length.
On-campus program disclosures Online and Evening program disclosures Additional Disclosures* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.