Special Education and Teaching
Early Childhood
Concentration
The B.S.Ed. in Special Education prepares students to serve infants, toddlers, and preschoolers representing a wide range of abilities. Through academic and professional experiences, they develop the skills to serve as educators and leaders, making a difference in the lives of young children with disabilities.
Program Highlights
n This program trains students to serve as licensed special education teachers in licensed special ed or in Early Intervention (birth-5) programs, preparing them to advocate for students with disabilities from diverse backgrounds.
n Upon successful program completion, students are eligible for a Virginia teaching license in early childhood special education classrooms with students who have disabilities, including cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, and communication delays
n The program prepares students to be critically reflective practitioners through:
• Subject matter
• Culturally inclusive pedagogy and practices
• Data-driven decision making
• Learning processes and social contexts
• Interdisciplinary teaming and collaboration
Special Education and Teaching
Early Childhood Concentration
Students will be able to:
n Recognize a child’s developmental and social concerns
n Adapt curriculum to support communication, motor, cognitive, social, and self-help skills
n Work as the lead teacher in preschool special education settings
Transfer Student Resources
n Transfer Map: Explore recommended courses, academic and career exploration, and practical experience that will make your VCU transition as smooth as possible.
n Transfer Credit Review Request: Have our advisors evaluate your transcript and create a draft plan of study for a glimpse at what your VCU experience will look like.
n Support families of infants and toddlers through coaching based on the child’s specific needs
n Provide consultation to child care and preschool teachers who work with children with disabilities
Application Deadlines
VCU Scholarship Consideration: Nov. 1
Spring: Nov. 1 (first year and transfer)
Fall: Jan. 15 (first year priority deadline); March 15 (transfer priority deadline)
Note: Transfer applications reviewed on a rolling basis.
How to apply:
vcu.edu/admissions/apply
Licensure
Upon completion of degree requirements in any of VCU’s undergraduate educator preparation programs and with the recommendation of the School of Education, students are eligible to receive initial licensure from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). For additional information on licensure, licensure renewal or an add-on endorsement, contact the School of Education’s Student Services Center or the VDOE.
soe.vcu.edu/current-students/student-services-center