The Early Childhood Special Education program leads to a bachelor of science in education degree with a major in Early Childhood Special Education. Students in the early childhood special education major will learn about the intellectual, physical, communicative, social, and emotional development of young children, with and without disabilities, and about the role that families play in their development. Students graduating with this major are eligible to be recommended for Alabama Class B certification to teach children with varying needs (P-3) as well as Alabama Class B certification in early childhood education (P-3).
The undergraduate catalog is published annually. Program advising sheets are updated as policy changes are made and are thus likely to provide the most up-to-date information on degree and other requirements through DegreeWorks in myBama.
NOTE: Programs leading to certification may be altered to meet requirements adopted by the Alabama State Board of Education. At the time of publication of this catalog, proposed changes to this program are pending and are expected to be approved before the next catalog revision. Students must consult with their advisor for current requirements before registering each term.
General Education Requirements
Students must meet all General Education requirements. Courses that are common to the teaching field and the General Education requirements may be applied to both. At least 120 hours are required for the degree.
Students in this program should select the following courses in the Foundational Core:
| Code and Title | Hours |
| UA 101 | Legends | 1 |
| |
| EDU 200 | Orient to Teacher Education (included in Professional Studies) | 1 |
| |
When selecting courses to meet General Education and program requirements, students should note the following:
- Courses should be selected to meet teaching field or prerequisite requirements.
- Natural Science: In addition to the minimum Foundational Core requirements, students in this program must complete 4 additional hours of science.
- Mathematical Science: In addition to the minimum Foundational Core requirement, students must complete additional hours of mathematics to meet ALSDE requirements. Students should consult with their advisor for appropriate selections.
- Humanities: 9-12 credit hours in are required. Students should consult with their advisor for appropriate selections.
- Social and Behavioral Sciences: 9-12 credit hours are required. Students should consult with their advisor for appropriate selections.
- For the Upper-Division Core, in this program, SPE 304 and SPE 374 meet the writing requirement.
- Students must complete a course approved for the U.S. and Global Citizenship designation (3 credit hours).
- Students must meet the World Language Proficiency requirement.
- CAT 200 Computer Education Application and CAT 250 Computer Educ Curric Devel are also required.
Professional Studies and Teaching Field
A minimum grade point average of 2.50 is required in each of the following areas: (1) overall, (2) teaching field, and (3) professional studies. A minimum grade of C- must be earned in all professional studies coursework.
| Code and Title | Hours |
| EDU 200 | Orient to Teacher Education | 1 |
| SPE 300 | Survey Spe Accomd Stratg 1 | 3 |
| BEP 305 | Educational Psychology 1 | 3 |
| BEF 362 | School, Culture, and Society 1 | 3 |
| SPE 304 | Instructional Strategies In Sp 1 | 3 |
| |
| SPE 479 | Intern In Early Childhood Spe 2, 3 | 12 |
| EDU 400 | Internship Seminar | 1 |
| 26 |
| |
| CEE 380 | Tch Early/Elem Mathematics | 3 |
| CRD 369 | Fnd of Read Inst for EC/ELE | 3 |
| CRD 400 | Teach Readg Diverse Learn K-12 | 3 |
| SPE 311 | Practicum I | 1 |
| SPE 312 | Practicum II | 1 |
| SPE 313 | Practicum III | 1 |
| SPE 374 | Working with Families | 3 |
| SPE 414 | Collaborative Consultatn | 3 |
| SPE 420 | Early Language and Literacy | 3 |
| SPE 435 | Behavior Management | 3 |
| SPE 471 | Dev Persp Young Child W/ Disab | 3 |
| SPE 472 | Early Childhood Development | 3 |
| SPE 476 | Assessment Of Young Children | 3 |
| SPE 477 | Differentiated Acad. Instruct | 3 |
| SPE 478 | Meth Teach Yng Child W/ Disb | 3 |
| 39 |
| Total Hours | 65 |
Types of Jobs Accepted
Birth–3rd grade special education teacher, preschool–3rd grade general education teacher, itinerant early childhood special education educator, early interventionist, case manager
Jobs of Experienced Alumni
Lead teachers, instructional facilitators, cooperating master teachers, administrators (principals, special education supervisors, directors of non-profit organizations)
Learn more about opportunities in this field at the Career Center
