Early Childhood Special Education (Licensure) Graduate Certificate
Early childhood special education teachers have the opportunity to influence the academic future of children. Intervening at this early age increases the chance for children to improve in areas such as social skills, motor skills, language, and speech.
Note: as of catalog publication in April, the program described below has been approved by the Board of Visitors and sent to the State Council of Higher Education in Virginia for consideration as a new degree program. The university cannot accept applications or enroll students in this program until SCHEV approval has been granted.
In addition to the ECED concentration coursework, students must complete specific content area coursework in English, mathematics, science, and the social sciences as well as mandated state/accreditation assessments.
Admission Requirements
In addition to the ECED concentration coursework, students must complete mandated state/accreditation assessments. The following courses are prerequisites to admission:
- ECED 401: Developmental Pathways of Diverse Learners, Birth-Adolescence (3 credit hours) OR ECED 501: Developmental Pathways of Diverse Learners, Birth-Adolescence (3 credit hours)
- ECED 402: Foundations of Language and Literacy for Diverse Prekindergarten and Kindergarten Learners (3 credit hours) OR ECED 502: Foundations of Language and Literacy for Diverse Prekindergarten and Kindergarten Learners (3 credit hours)
- ECED 403: Inclusive Curriculum for Young Learners: Planning Instruction and Guidance (3 credit hours) OR ECED 503: Inclusive Curriculum for Young Learners: Planning Instruction and Guidance (3 credit hours)
- ECED 404: Engaging Families of Diverse Learners, Birth – Grade 6 (3 credit hours) OR ECED 504: Engaging Families of Diverse Young Learners (3 credit hours)
Certificate Requirements
- ECED 505: Introduction to Early Childhood Special Education (3 credit hours)
- ECED 506: Medical and Developmental Aspects of Disabilities of Diverse Young Learners (3 credit hours)
- ECED 511: Assessment of Diverse Young Learners (3 credit hours)
- ECED 522: Developing Language, Literacy, and Communication of Diverse Infants and Toddlers (3 credit hours)
- ECED 523: Early Intervention for Infants & Toddlers with Disabilities: Collaborative & Consultative Approaches (3 credit hours)
- ECED 781: Seminar in Early Childhood Education (3 credit hours)
Select one from the following:
- ECED 791: Internship with Diverse Infants and Toddlers (3 credit hours) AND ECED 793: Internship in Preschool Early Childhood Special Education (3 credit hours)