Welcome to the Department of Early Childhood and Special Education’s webpage. We hope that it answers all of your questions about our department and its many programs to prepare you to work with children. Although this may be your first venture into our department, please don’t make it your last. We are a very experienced, helpful department, and we want you to meet your life goals. So if you need to speak with someone directly or visit with us after reviewing our information, please do.

I am very happy to start my tenure as Chair of The Department. We are an experienced faculty with dynamic programs. We offer Bachelor’s Degrees in both Early Childhood and Special Education, as well as three dual certification programs leading to Bachelor’s Degrees in Early Childhood/Elementary Education, Early Childhood/Special Education, and Special Education/Elementary Education. Additionally, we offer Post-Baccalaureate Certification programs with individual advisement to meet your goals, and two Master Degree programs—one in Early Childhood and one in Special Education.

When you graduate from one of our Special Education programs you will be joining a number of professionals to support children to become productive, independent fulfilled members of society. Our program has a well earned reputation for quality and excellence. We have designed our program to reflect changes in the field and the research being done on “best practices” in special education. The Special Education meets standards set forth by the Council for Exceptional Children, one of the largest international professional organizations in special education.

Our programs in Early Childhood qualify graduates to teach children from birth through third grade. Our graduates may also manage, administer, and direct childcare centers and nursery schools. The program is particularly strong in teaching pre-service teachers to effectively use a variety of techniques which make learning a meaningful and developmentally appropriate experience for young children. We include early and direct experience with infants, preschoolers and primary grade students so our students can learn how to meet the needs of these diverse populations. The programs meet standards set forth by the National Association for the Education of Young Children for preparation of early childhood professionals.

You will find faculty here who have all taught children, who are all involved in scholarly activities in their areas of expertise, and who are involved in service that helps support communities and the profession. In addition, you will find professors who love to teach, and in addition, who place advising of students high on their list of priorities. In short, we are a caring, knowledgeable faculty.

Our graduates are well prepared, knowledgeable, and are in demand in the job market. Our reputation is one of excellence. We welcome inquiries.

Sincerely,

Vicki A. McGinley, Ph.D.,
Chair