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.
This certificate program qualifies for Title IV Federal Financial Aid. For more information about program graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit the disclosure information page at: https://oiep.gmu.edu/gainful-employment-disclosure/.
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.
For policies governing all graduate certificates, see AP.6.8 Requirements for Graduate Certificates.
In addition to coursework, students in Virginia Department of Education licensure pathways must complete additional licensure requirements to fulfill graduation requirements. See Degree Requirements.
Certificate Requirements
Total credits: 21
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 |
| ECED 789 | Internship in Early Childhood Special Education Birth - Five | 3 |
| Total Credits | 21 | |
Licensure Requirements
Students must successfully complete the following licensure requirement to complete the program.This requirement must be satisfied prior to graduation:
- Emergency First Aid, Hands-on CPR and AED certification or training
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.