Ensure the youngest children get a head start with a degree in Early Childhood with an emphasis in Special Education.
The impact of early learning experiences for children from birth through third grade is far-reaching. Specialized training is required for early childhood educators to help young children discover their worlds. The need for passionate, qualified educators in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education is growing. Employment opportunities can be found in both public and private institutions with missions that focus on the youngest learners or in any organization interested in young children and their learning.
Program type:
Major, BSEd
Format:
On-Campus
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Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood -
Special Education Emphasis
The BS in Early Childhood, with an emphasis in Early Childhood Special Education, is designed for students who are interested in obtaining Missouri teacher certification. This campus-based program offers field and practicum experiences in elementary school settings. In addition to general education requirements, the program includes education foundation courses, required education courses, clinical experiences and early childhood education courses.
The program, based on best practices, addresses child development theories and practice, curriculum emergence and development, developmentally appropriate practice, differentiated learning, advocacy and family partnerships.
Outcomes and Career Outlook
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to improve and enhance student learning; integrate technology to create meaningful student learning within the context of a global digital society; apply content and pedagogical knowledge to create authentic and deep learning experiences; use learning science principles to design, implement and evaluate curriculum based on learning standards; design and establish a safe, inclusive and respectful learning environment that nurtures the intellectual, social and personal development of all students; and use equitable frameworks and inclusive practices to create a variety of instructional and assessment opportunities adapted to diverse learners to encourage all students’ critical thinking, problem solving and performance skills.
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Career Opportunities
- Classroom Teacher, Toddlers
- Classroom Teacher, Preschool
- Classroom Teacher, Kindergarten
- Classroom Teacher, 1st-3rd Grade
- Classroom Teacher, Special Education
- Childcare Center Director
- Early Childhood Services Director
The BSED in Early Childhood with Emphasis in Special Education offers teacher certification in Early Childhood Birth through grade three, and the option add Early Childhood Special Education certification with an additional state assessment. The Emphasis in Special Education provides regular classroom teachers with the skills to teach students of all abilities, and provides the courses needed to pass the assessment and add Early Childhood Special Education teaching certification.
The initial teacher certification is in Early Childhood Birth – 3rd grade.
Plan of study
All majors must meet the general education requirements of the university in addition to completing degree-specific curriculum requirements.
Review Full Degree Requirements Download 4-Year Academic MapStudent organizations
Make new friends and learn new skills by joining one of our Recognized Student Organizations. Here are several opportunities you may be interested in as an education major:
- EduCATE: Collegiate Association of Teachers and Educators
- Kappa Delta Pi, Mu Iota Chapter
- Student Government Association
- Students of the University of Missouri
Internship opportunities
The College of Education hosts many centers and initiatives that enhance student experiences in our programs and work with more than 36 different public, private and charter schools throughout the region. We also sponsor eight charter schools.
Honors College
The UMSL Honors College is a certificate program that can be paired with any major without adding extra classes or extending time to graduate. Classes in the Honors College are seminar-style, meaning that they are based in reading, writing, discussion, and critical thinking. This unique class format fosters an intellectual climate centered around democracy, civility and academic excellence.
Undergraduate research
We encourage and support students as they engage in exciting activities in and outside of the classroom that enrich their academic and professional understanding of their chosen area of study. All majors are encouraged to participate in Undergraduate Research and Scholarship to produce discipline-specific intellectual or creative innovations to their field.
