Bachelor of Arts - Education - Early Childhood Special Education P-3 & Early Childhood Education P-3

This dual endorsement program offered through the Department of Special Education and Education Leadership prepares aspiring teachers to work with families and children age Birth through Eight years. Particular attention is paid to working with children who have developmental disabilities or behavioral challenges. Early Childhood Special Educators have extensive knowledge in many areas including the following: 1) process of learning and development, 2) development of effective instructional programming, 3) effective use of assessment data to guide curricular planning, and 4) the social, legal, and political context in which they work. This rigorous program includes training in the use of evidence based practices as well as extensive supervised practicum experiences in the public schools as well as community agencies.

The major combines studies in Special Education with Early Childhood Education and leads to a recommendation for a Washington State teaching certificate with endorsements in both Early Childhood Special Education and Early Childhood Education from Preschool through Third Grade. Students may choose to complete additional coursework required to add the P-12 Special Education endorsement.

The college faculty coordinate a wide range of school and community based practicum placements strategically placed throughout the program. This provides frequent opportunities to interact with young children while developing your teaching skills.