EARLY CHILDHOOD SPECIAL EDUCATION B.S.

Jan. 9, 2023

Next Start Date

Courses Required

$439

Cost Per Credit Hour

121

Total Credit Hours

Online

Learning Formats

Creating Thriving Environments For Learners Starts Here

The Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Special Education in the College of Applied Human Services provides students with the foundation and skills to be successful early childhood educators who can create an inclusive environment where learners from all backgrounds thrive. This fully online program allows you to complete all coursework and classroom field placements in your home community. The degree encompasses the social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development of young children in the family and early childhood contexts. It is ideal for students who wish to pursue careers working with children with special needs. The program leads to certification in pre-K special needs.

Hands on puzzle pieces.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Special Education is an online program at West Virginia University that prepares students to earn a teaching certification in pre-K special needs upon graduation. The courses will include, but are not limited to: human development; classroom pedagogy; special education (e.g., IEP development, due process, disability categories and characteristics); implement formative and summative assessments; utilize formal assessment data to inform lesson planning; self-reflection; technology in the classroom; and a variety of placements.

Due to the online nature of the program, we will work with you in completing your field and residency experiences in your home county.

Attend a Virtual Information Session

Thank you for your interest in the Early Childhood Special Education B.S. program at West Virginia University! Attend a Virtual Information Session and learn more about the Early Childhood Special Education B.S.

Additional Start Dates:
May 15, 2023 and August 16, 2023

Enrollment coach, Gary Phillips.

Gary is here to help.

Gary Phillips, Your Personal Online Admissions Coach

"Being a WVU graduate and a first-generation college student, I’m happy to be back to help you navigate the WVU System. Something WVU Online wants to do is assist you in creating your sense of community and continuity, making sure you have the answers to any and all questions."

Learn More About Gary Request Information

Contact

Email: GPhillip@mail.wvu.edu
Phone: (304) 293-0915
Virtual Session: Schedule a virtual session with me

Early Childhood Special Education B.S. Admission Requirements

Incoming Freshman
2.75 GPA (high school)

WVU Undergraduate students or Transfer students
This population includes transfers from outside of WVU as well as major transfers from within WVU.
2.75 overall GPA

Students must be admitted to West Virginia University to become students in the Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Special Education Program. Applicants will be required to pass the Praxis Core (reading, writing, math) by fall semester of year two.

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Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

WVU provides a comprehensive approach to helping you finance your education. Learn more by visiting the Student Financial Services website.

Students are encouraged to:

File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form by the March 1 deadline to determine their eligibility for federal and state funds as well as scholarships. WVU’s FAFSA Code is 003827; and
Check with your employer to see if they provide financial support for earning your degree.

Early Childhood Special Education, B.S takes 121 credit hours to complete. Cost per credit hour is $439.
$53,119 – Residents and Non-Residents

Credits	Cost
1	$439
3	$1,317
6	$2,634
9	$3,951

Courses and Curriculum

Early Childhood Special Education B.S. Requirements

GEF Requirements (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8): 27
Departmental Requirements: A minimum grade of C- required for all courses with a CDFS or ECSE designator.

Course	Title	Credit Hours
CDFS 191	First-Year Seminar	1
CDFS 110	Families Across the Life Span	3
CDFS 112	Introduction to Marriage and Family	3
CDFS 172	Health, Safety, and Nutrition in Early Childhood	3
CDFS 210	Introduction to Parenting	3
CDFS 212	Development in Early and Middle Childhood	3
CDFS 250	Research Methods	3
CDFS 413	Stress in Families	3
CDFS 415	Family Interaction and Communication	3
CDFS 430	Best Practices in PreK Movement	3
CDFS 431	Infant Toddler Language and Literacy	3
CDFS 432	Early Socio-Emotional Development	3
CDFS 491A	Professional Field Experience	6
CDFS 416	Trauma, Resiliency, and Children	3
CDFS 468	Reflections in Early Childhood Special Education Student Teaching	3
	Total Hours	43

Course	Title	Credit Hours
	Pick one of the following:
CDFS 420	Leadership in Early Childhood	3
CDFS 421	Child Care Center Administration	3
CDFS 422	The Business of Child Care Management and Financial Strategies	3
	Total Hours	3
C&I 410	Early Childhood Education I	3
C&I 414	Creative Expressions in Early Childhood	3
	Total Hours	6
RDNG 423	Literacy and the Young Child	3
SPED 304	Special Education in Contemporary Society	3
	Total Hours	6
ECSE 311	Developmental Assessment for Young Children with Special Needs	3
ECSE 312	Differentiated Instruction for Young Children with Special Needs	3
ECSE 314	Center Based Programs for Early Intervention	3
ECSE 315	Home Based Programs Early Intervention	3
ECSE 316	Behavior Support Young Children Special Needs	3
ECSE 317	Technology for Young Children with/out Special Needs	3
CDFS 491	Internship: Early Childhood Preschool Special Needs	9
	Total Hours	27
	Total Hours	85

Other Requirements

WV State Certification Requirements: Praxus Core Academic Skills Test For Educators: Successful completion of Praxis Core (Reading, Writing, Math) is required for admission to the teacher education program

Effective 7/1/2017, students in the professional portion of their WVU teacher preparation program are required to complete, submit, and pass the edTPA assessment to complete their teacher education program, and to be recommended to the state of West Virginia for certification.

Praxis 5691: Special Education: Preschool Early Childhood

Disclaimer: Curriculum summary sheets and checklists are subject to change due to program changes and changes made in state certification requirements.

Your Future In Early Childhood Special Education

At the completion of this program, students will be able to:

Implement high-quality early childhood special education services in traditional and inclusive settings
Demonstrate knowledge of contemporary issues surrounding early childhood special education and inclusive education
Provide a developmentally appropriate classroom setting for Pre-K students by:
- Constructing a positive and enriched early childhood environment where all children can develop skills for lifelong learning
- Planning developmentally appropriate activities for diverse learners in an inclusive setting
- Developing data-driven instruction from effectively implemented formative, summative, and formal assessments
Advocate for children, parents, the profession, and promote and engage in lifelong learning
Summarize knowledge and skills from the curriculum and profession to apply in the classroom setting
Describe the legal and professional standards required of teachers in inclusive settings
Reflect on one's knowledge and skills of teaching and interacting with young children

The Benefits to Choosing Our Program

All students pay in-state tuition.
Classes are small, allowing for increased interaction between faculty and students.

Career Outlook For Early Childhood Special Education

Students who graduate from WVU Online with the Early Childhood Special Education B.S. degree may be prepared for the following careers. These are only a few examples of some of the many opportunities that will be open to you with this degree. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for some positions.

Special Education Teacher - Preschool
Projected Growth: 8% or higher *Bright Outlook

Preschool Teacher
Projected Growth: 3-4%

Education and Childcare Administrator - Preschool and Daycare
Projected Growth: 1-2%

Information about careers on this list comes from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should pursue this degree?

The BS in Early Childhood Special Education is ideal for students who wish to pursue careers working with children with special needs. The program encompasses understanding family systems and dynamics, as well as the development of children and adolescents. It is also an excellent program for students who wish to pursue careers in family, youth, early childhood, early childhood special education and extension services, or for students who plan to pursue a graduate degree in a social science field.

What is the expected career growth in this field?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall employment of special education teachers is expected to grow 8% from 2020-2030. This growth is considered average for all occupations.

What can I expect for a salary?

Although salary will differ based on many factors, the median average annual wage for special education teachers according to bls.gov was $61,820.

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WVU Online
West Virginia University
PO Box 6800
Morgantown, WV 26506-6800

Phone: (800) 253-2762
Email: WVUOnlineInquiry@mail.wvu.edu

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