This certificate offers required coursework for teacher licensure in Early Childhood Special Education. This certificate prepares individuals to work with children with disabilities, birth through age five, and their families.
Admissions
In addition to the ECED concentration coursework, students must complete mandated state/accreditation assessments.
The following courses are prerequisites for admission:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECED 401 | Developmental Pathways of Diverse Learners, Birth-Adolescence | 3 |
| or ECED 501 | Developmental Pathways of Diverse Learners, Birth-Adolescence | |
| ECED 402 | Foundations of Language and Literacy for Diverse Young Learners, Birth-Age 5 | 3 |
| or ECED 502 | Foundations of Language and Literacy for Diverse Young Learners, Birth-Age 5 | |
| ECED 403 | Inclusive Curriculum for Young Learners: Planning Instruction and Guidance | 3 |
| or ECED 503 | Inclusive Curriculum for Young Learners: Planning Instruction and Guidance | |
| ECED 404 | Engaging Families of Diverse Learners, Birth – Grade 6 | 3 |
| or ECED 504 | Engaging Families of Diverse Learners, Birth - Grade 6 | |
Policies
Students who have completed graduate or undergraduate coursework equivalent to certificate coursework prior to admission to this program may request that some courses in this certificate be waived. Students who are eligible to waive coursework must complete a minimum of 12 credits to graduate.
In addition to the ECED concentration coursework, students must complete Emergency First Aid, CPR, AED certification or training.
Certain licensure requirements must be met prior to applying for an internship. See your program advisor for more information. Licensure 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.
For policies governing all graduate certificates, see AP.6.8 Requirements for Graduate Certificates.
Certificate Requirements
Total credits: 24
This certificate may be pursued on a full-or part-time basis.
Coursework
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECED 505 | Introduction to Early Childhood Special Education | 3 |
| ECED 506 | Medical and Developmental Aspects of Disabilities of Diverse Young Learners | 3 |
| ECED 511 | Assessment of Diverse Young Learners | 3 |
| ECED 522 | Developing Language, Literacy, and Communication of Diverse Infants and Toddlers | 3 |
| ECED 523 | Early Intervention for Infants Toddlers with Disabilities: Collaborative Consultative Approaches | 3 |
| ECED 781 | Behavior Management Seminar in Inclusive Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| Select one from the following: | 6 | |
| Internship with Diverse Infants and Toddlers and Internship in Preschool Early Childhood Special Education | ||
| Internship in Early Childhood Special Education Birth - Five | ||
| Total Credits | 24 | |