Elementary Education: Early Childhood Special Education
Bachelor of Arts
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Program Intro
You’ll develop specialized knowledge and skills for working with young children and their families, gaining hands-on expertise needed to launch a career in a variety of settings. Early childhood special education prepares you to work with both typically developing children and those with exceptionalities (birth through third grade).
School of Education and Counseling
Our program is responsive to the growing need for highly qualified early-childhood professionals in Indiana and beyond. PNW faculty actively promote the professionalization of early-childhood education and have strong connections with the regional network of child care centers, Head Start and school districts.
Curriculum Overview
The Educator Preparation Program (EPP) at PNW follows both inTASC and CAEP accreditation standards, and early childhood courses align with CEC standards. Our curriculum includes courses in child development, literacy and special needs as well as hands-on classroom experience.
Start with an introduction to field-based classes and the fundamentals of working with children under age three.
Sample Courses
- EDPS 27600 Young Children with Exceptional Needs
Interview for full admission into the Educator Preparation Program and expand your knowledge of the method and practice of teaching.
Sample Courses
EDCI 30500 Curriculum and Programming for Young Children with Developmental Needs
EDCI 27600 Child, Family, School and Community Partnerships
Explore strategies for literacy and the development of creative learning activities in early childhood practicum.
Sample Courses
- EDCI 36201 Literacy Instruction in K-3
- EDPS 40300 Early Intervention for Young Children with Developmental Needs
Conclude your studies with hands-on teaching experience. In your seventh semester, you’ll spend three days each week in the classroom before going on to a full-time student-teaching assignment during your final term.
Sample Courses
- EDPS 40100 Professional Year Early Childhood Special Education
- EDCI 49700 Practicum in Early Childhood Special Education
Highlights
Studying early childhood education with a special education concentration at PNW means you will be immersed in diverse early-learning settings right away. You’ll gain valuable experience, practice a variety of teaching strategies, observe young children and nurture their development. You will graduate eligible for the Indiana Initial Teaching License: PreK – Grade 3.
Outcomes
Because of the high demand for teachers who are qualified to meet the individual needs of exceptional students, our graduates are offered a broad variety of career opportunities. You can choose to teach in child care centers, K-3 primary grades or resource rooms in school districts across the country.
Scholarships
Funding opportunities available to Elementary Education students with an Early Childhood Special Education concentration include:
Beyond the Classroom
We encourage you to get involved in activities like:
- PEL Fellows
- Library Sprouts
- PNW Aspiring Educators
Career Paths
You’ll find many opportunities to make a difference for students in careers such as:
- Primary grade (K-3) teacher
- Head Start lead teacher
- Child care center director
- Developmental therapist
Employers
Our alumni are thriving in:
- La Porte Community Schools
- School City of Hobart
- Duneland School Corporation
Accreditation
All of the Educator Preparation Programs (EPP) at Purdue University Northwest are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Meet the Faculty
Assistant Professor, Special Education/Early Childhood
Passmore teaches classes in early childhood special education and advocates for practices that promote the inclusion of young children with disabilities across all educational settings. Her research interests include supporting young children, teachers, and families through play-based social-emotional and behavioral supports within early childhood education.
Professor of Psychology and Special Education
Geoff Schultz is a professor in undergraduate teacher preparation, SOEC program chair, special education, SOEC faculty senate and budget chair CAEP board examiner.
Associate Professor of Education
LaVada Taylor is an Associate Professor of Education in the School of Education and Counseling. Her teaching and research interest are grounded in post colonialism and culturally relevant pedagogy.
Take the Next Step
See how a PNW degree opens doors, from corporate boardrooms to non-profit leadership.
