Early Childhood Special Education P-3 and Early Childhood Education P-3 (Dual Endorsement), BAE

Western Washington University - International Study Center (StudyGroup)

Inclusive Early Childhood Educators work as early childhood teachers, elementary classroom teachers, special education teachers, collaborative teaching specialists, and family advocates. Inclusive Early Childhood Educators must acquire extensive knowledge in major teaching and learning areas. For example, they must understand typical and atypical human development, recognize the foundations and provisions of education and special education laws and legislation, and embrace and affirm the diversities within early childhood settings and the larger community. Training to become an Inclusive Early Childhood Educators includes coursework and extensive supervised practicum experiences in the public schools. The program is rigorous, and the expectations are high. However, the rewards are also high. This program will prepare you to be an excellent teacher in whatever position you eventually choose. Our dual endorsement graduates are actively recruited by school districts to teach in a variety of early childhood and elementary settings as well as in special education positions. Why Consider a Dual Endorsement in Early Childhood Special Education P-3 and Early Childhood Education P-3 Major? Do you want to be a teacher? Do you want to be a teacher who can work with P-3 students, in a variety of settings, and who acquires multiple teaching skills? Our major allows prospective teachers to become experts in both Special Education and Early Childhood Education. Special Education is designed for students with disabilities who need individualized supports. These supports can often be delivered and instructed in inclusive setting, which is one reason we believe that Special Education and Early Childhood teacher preparation should be combined – The purpose of Inclusive Early Childhood Education! A significant interpretation of Special Education is the application of effective, evidence-based, and individualized teaching that results students’ personal and academic growth. It is our mission to prepare exceptional teachers and, while students with disabilities often require the services of Special Education teachers, we also believe that there are many other students who benefit from high quality instruction. Therefore, educators who are prepared to teach ALL students, including students with disabilities, tend to be the most effective and sought after teachers within districts.