This bachelor’s degree provides students with the opportunity to develop a strong cross-disciplinary foundation as well as specialized knowledge to work with culturally, linguistically, ability, and socioeconomically diverse young children, families, and other professionals. The courses in the major ensure that students engage in a well-rounded, cohesive program of studies that prepares them to be high-quality early childhood educators. Students may select one of the optional teacher licensure concentrations (i.e., Early Childhood Special Education, Early/Primary Education PreK-3, Early Childhood Special Education and Early/Primary Education PreK-3) or a non-licensure sequence to fulfill the requirements for the BSEd in Early Childhood Education for Diverse Learners.

Admissions

Students entering as freshmen with an interest in majoring in Early Childhood Education for Diverse Learners will initially be accepted into the Early Childhood Education for Diverse Learners, BSEd, without concentration. 

Four-Year Students

To declare a concentration in Early Childhood Special Education (Licensure), four-year students must: 

  • complete a minimum of 45 credits
  • attain a cumulative GPA of 2.50.

To declare a concentration in Early/Primary Education PreK-3 (Licensure) or Early Childhood Special Education and Early/Primary Education PreK-3 (Dual Licensure), four-year students must:

  • complete a minimum of 45 credits
  • attain a cumulative GPA of 2.50

Degree-Seeking Transfer Students

To declare a concentration in Early Childhood Special Education (Licensure), transfer students must: 

  • complete a minimum of 45 credits
  • earn a cumulative GPA of 2.50 at previous institution or complete 12 credits at Mason with a 2.50 GPA

To declare a concentration in Early/Primary Education PreK-3 (Licensure) or Early Childhood Special Education and Early/Primary Education PreK-3 (Dual Licensure), transfer students must: 

  • complete a minimum of 45 credits
  • earn a cumulative GPA of 2.50 at previous institution or complete 12 credits at Mason with a 2.50 GPA

Policies

Students in the licensure concentrations must maintain at least a 2.50 GPA and earn a C or better in their program core and concentration coursework. Prior to applying for internships, students in all licensure concentrations, must successfully complete:

  • Emergency First Aid, CPR and AED certification or training 
  • Virginia Communication & Literacy Assessment (VCLA)
  • Praxis Core Math, SAT Math or ACT Math

Students enrolled in the Early/Primary Education PreK-3 Licensure or Early/Primary Education PreK-3 (Dual Licensure) concentration must also complete the following:

  • Praxis Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (prior to applying for internship)
  • Reading for Virginia Educators: Elementary and Special Education (prior to completing internship) 

Licensure testing requirements are determined by the Commonwealth of Virginia and may change at any time. If changes to these requirements occur, students must meet the current testing and licensure requirements as set forth in the legal Code of Virginia. 

Banner Code: E1-BSED-ECDL

Degree Requirements

Total credits: 120

Mason Core

Foundation Requirements:
Written Communication3
Oral Communication3
Quantitative Reasoning3
Quantitative Reasoning (Mason Core) (recommended course)
Information Technology and Computing3
Exploration Requirements:
Arts3
Global Understanding3
Major World Regions (Mason Core) (recommended course)
Literature3
Natural Science8
Two lab sciences in different disciplines (recommended)
Social and Behavioral Sciences3
Global History3
Integration Requirement:
Written Communication3
Advanced Composition (Mason Core)
Writing Intensive
Assessment of Diverse Young Learners
Synthesis/Capstone (fulfilled by major requirements)
Total Credits38

Program Core Requirements

ECED 201Introduction to Early Childhood Education for Diverse Learners3
ECED 401Developmental Pathways of Diverse Learners, Birth-Adolescence3
ECED 402Foundations of Language and Literacy for Diverse Young Learners, Birth-Age 53
ECED 403Inclusive Curriculum for Young Learners: Planning Instruction and Guidance3
ECED 404Engaging Families of Diverse Learners, Birth – Grade 63
ECED 411Assessment of Diverse Young Learners3
ECED 491Seminar in Early Childhood Education for Diverse Learners3
Internship
Select 12 credits from the following:12
Internship in Early Childhood Education (Mason Core)
Internship in Early Childhood Education (Non-Licensure) (Mason Core)
Internship in Early Childhood Special Education
Total Credits33

BSEd without Concentration 

Select 12 credits from the following:12
Introduction to Early Childhood Special Education
Medical and Developmental Aspects of Disabilities of Diverse Young Learners
Language and Literacy Assessment and Instruction for Diverse Primary Grade Learners
Integrating Social Studies Across the Content Areas for Diverse Young Learners
Mathematics for Diverse Young Learners
Science for Diverse Young Learners
Developing Language, Literacy, and Communication of Diverse Infants and Toddlers
Early Intervention for Infants Toddlers with Disabilities: Collaborative Consultative Approaches
Total Credits12

Electives

Select an additional 37 credits from any courses.37
Students are encouraged to pursue a minor to partially fulfill elective requirements
Total Credits37

Concentration in Early Childhood Special Education (Licensure) (ECLC)

ECED 405Introduction to Early Childhood Special Education3
ECED 406Medical and Developmental Aspects of Disabilities of Diverse Young Learners3
ECED 422Developing Language, Literacy, and Communication of Diverse Infants and Toddlers3
ECED 423Early Intervention for Infants Toddlers with Disabilities: Collaborative Consultative Approaches3
Total Credits12

Electives

Select an additional 37 credits from any courses.37
Students are encouraged to pursue a minor to partially fulfill elective requirements
Total Credits37

Concentration in Early/Primary Education PreK-3 (Licensure) (EPEL)

ECED 412Language and Literacy Assessment and Instruction for Diverse Primary Grade Learners3
ECED 413Integrating Social Studies Across the Content Areas for Diverse Young Learners3
ECED 415Mathematics for Diverse Young Learners3
ECED 416Science for Diverse Young Learners3
MATH 110Introductory Probability (Mason Core)3
or MATH 271 Mathematics for the Elementary School Teachers I
or MATH course approved by advisor
Total Credits15

Electives

Select an additional 34 credits from any courses.34
Students are encouraged to pursue a minor to partially fulfill elective requirements
Total Credits34

Concentration in Early Childhood Special Education and Early/Primary Education PreK-3 (Dual Licensure) (EEDL)

ECED 405Introduction to Early Childhood Special Education3
ECED 406Medical and Developmental Aspects of Disabilities of Diverse Young Learners3
ECED 412Language and Literacy Assessment and Instruction for Diverse Primary Grade Learners3
ECED 413Integrating Social Studies Across the Content Areas for Diverse Young Learners3
ECED 415Mathematics for Diverse Young Learners3
ECED 416Science for Diverse Young Learners3
ECED 422Developing Language, Literacy, and Communication of Diverse Infants and Toddlers3
ECED 423Early Intervention for Infants Toddlers with Disabilities: Collaborative Consultative Approaches3
MATH 110Introductory Probability (Mason Core)3
or MATH 271 Mathematics for the Elementary School Teachers I
or MATH course approved by advisor
Total Credits27

Electives 

Select an additional 22 credits from any courses.22
Students are encouraged to pursue a minor to partially fulfill elective requirements
Total Credits22

Bachelor of Science in Education in Early Childhood Education for Diverse Learners Sample Plan of Study 

The sample plan below is a recommended sequencing of courses based on pre-requisites and scheduling. This may not fit every student's needs and is a guideline, not a requirement. Students should confirm major requirements with their academic advisor and with PatriotWeb Degree Evaluation to ensure they enroll in the proper courses and are on track to graduate.

Without Concentration 

First Year
Fall SemesterCreditsSpring SemesterCredits
UNIV 1001Global Understanding -GGS 101 recommended 3
Information Technology and Computing 3Natural Science with Lab - 2nd discipline 4
Natural Science with Lab - 1st discipline 4Oral Communication 3
Quantitative Reasoning - Math 106 recommended 3Western Civilization/World History 3
Written Communication - ENGH 1013Elective (selected in consultation with an ECDL advisor) 3
 14 16
Second Year
Fall SemesterCreditsSpring SemesterCredits
ECED 2013Arts 3
Literature - ELED 258 recommended 3ENGH 3023
MATH 110 or 271 (or math course approved by advisor)3Social/Behavioral Science 3
Elective (selected in consultation with an ECDL advisor)3Elective (selected in consultation with an ECDL advisor)3
Elective (selected in consultation with an ECDL advisor)3Elective (selected in consultation with an ECDL advisor)3
 15 15
Third Year
Fall SemesterCreditsSpring SemesterCredits
ECED 4013ECED 4113
ECED 4023ECED 405, 406, 412, 413, 415, 416, 422, or 4233
ECED 4033ECED 405, 406, 412, 413, 415, 416, 422, or 4233
ECED 4043Elective (selected in consultation with an ECDL advisor)3
Elective (selected in consultation with an ECDL advisor)3Elective (selected in consultation with an ECDL advisor)3
 15 15
Fourth Year
Fall SemesterCreditsSpring SemesterCredits
ECED 405, 406, 412, 413, 415, 416, 422, or 4233ECED 4913
ECED 405, 406, 412, 413, 415, 416, 422, or 4233ECED 49212
Elective (selected in consultation with an ECDL advisor)3 
Elective (selected in consultation with an ECDL advisor)3 
Elective (selected in consultation with an ECDL advisor)3 
 15 15
Total Credits 120

Early Childhood Special Education Licensure 

First Year
Fall SemesterCreditsSpring SemesterCredits
UNIV 1001Global Understanding -GGS 101 recommended 3
Information Technology and Computing 3Natural Science with Lab - 2nd discipline 4
Natural Science with Lab - 1st discipline 4Oral Communication 3
Quantitative Reasoning - Math 106 recommended 3Western Civilization/World History 3
Written Communication - ENGH 1013Elective (selected in consultation with an ECDL advisor) 3
 14 16
Second Year
Fall SemesterCreditsSpring SemesterCredits
ECED 2013Arts 3
Literature - ELED 258 recommended 3ENGH 3023
Elective (selected in consultation with an ECDL advisor)3Social/Behavioral Science 3
Elective (selected in consultation with an ECDL advisor)3Elective (selected in consultation with an ECDL advisor)3
Elective (selected in consultation with an ECDL advisor)3Elective (selected in consultation with an ECDL advisor)3
 15 15
Third Year
Fall SemesterCreditsSpring SemesterCredits
ECED 4013ECED 4113
ECED 4023ECED 4053
ECED 4033ECED 4063
ECED 4043Elective (selected in consultation with an ECDL advisor)3
Elective chosen with advisor 3Elective (selected in consultation with an ECDL advisor)3
 15 15
Fourth Year
Fall SemesterCreditsSpring SemesterCredits
ECED 4223ECED 49012
ECED 4233ECED 4913
Elective (selected in consultation with an ECDL advisor)3 
Elective (selected in consultation with an ECDL advisor)3 
Elective (selected in consultation with an ECDL advisor)3 
 15 15
Total Credits 120

 Early/Primary Education PreK-3 Licensure

First Year
Fall SemesterCreditsSpring SemesterCredits
UNIV 1001Global Understanding -GGS 101 recommended 3
Information Technology and Computing 3Natural Science with Lab - 2nd discipline 4
Natural Science with Lab - 1st discipline 4Oral Communication 3
Quantitative Reasoning - Math 106 recommended 3Western Civilization/World History 3
Written Communication - ENGH 1013Elective (selected in consultation with an ECDL advisor) 3
 14 16
Second Year
Fall SemesterCreditsSpring SemesterCredits
ECED 2013Arts 3
Literature - ELED 258 recommended 3ENGH 3023
MATH 110 or 271 (or math course approved by advisor)3Social/Behavioral Science 3
Elective (selected in consultation with an ECDL advisor)3Elective (selected in consultation with an ECDL advisor)3
Elective (selected in consultation with an ECDL advisor)3Elective (selected in consultation with an ECDL advisor)3
 15 15
Third Year
Fall SemesterCreditsSpring SemesterCredits
ECED 4013ECED 4113
ECED 4023ECED 4123
ECED 4033ECED 4133
ECED 4043Elective (selected in consultation with an ECDL advisor)3
Elective (selected in consultation with an ECDL advisor)3Elective (selected in consultation with an ECDL advisor)3
 15 15
Fourth Year
Fall SemesterCreditsSpring SemesterCredits
ECED 4153ECED 49012
ECED 4163ECED 4913
Elective (selected in consultation with an ECDL advisor)3 
Elective (selected in consultation with an ECDL advisor)3 
Elective (selected in consultation with an ECDL advisor)3 
 15 15
Total Credits 120

Dual Licensure 

First Year
Fall SemesterCreditsSpring SemesterCredits
UNIV 1001Global Understanding -GGS 101 recommended 3
Information Technology and Computing 3Natural Science with Lab - 2nd discipline 4
Natural Science with Lab - 1st discipline 4Oral Communication 3
Quantitative Reasoning - Math 106 recommended 3Western Civilization/World History 3
Written Communication - ENGH 1013Elective (selected in consultation with an ECDL advisor) 3
 14 16
Second Year
Fall SemesterCreditsSpring SemesterCredits
ECED 2013Arts 3
Literature - ELED 258 recommended 3ENGH 3023
MATH 110 or 271 (or math course approved by advisor)3Social/Behavioral Science 3
Elective (selected in consultation with an ECDL advisor)3Elective (selected in consultation with an ECDL advisor)3
Elective (selected in consultation with an ECDL advisor)3Elective (selected in consultation with an ECDL advisor)3
 15 15
Third Year
Fall SemesterCreditsSpring SemesterCredits
ECED 4013ECED 4053
ECED 4023ECED 4063
ECED 4033ECED 4113
ECED 4043ECED 4123
Elective (selected in consultation with an ECDL advisor)3ECED 4133
 15 15
Fourth Year
Fall SemesterCreditsSpring SemesterCredits
ECED 4153ECED 49012
ECED 4163ECED 4913
ECED 4223 
ECED 4233 
Elective (selected in consultation with an ECDL advisor)3 
 15 15
Total Credits 120

Detailed four year plans and degree planning checklists can be found at https://advising.gmu.edu/academic-planning/