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Early Childhood Special Education concentration

Degree Type
  • Bachelor of Science
Location
  • Main Campus in Radford, VA
Format
  • In-Person

The B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies, Early Childhood Special Education concentration prepares students to teach and work in early care and education settings with children with and without disabilities. Multiple field experiences help prepare students and assist them in choosing their work setting after graduation.

View the B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies (Teacher Education) program

 

 

 

Program options

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with Virginia Licensure in Birth to 5, children with disabilities
  • 2+2 Program - A.A.S. in Early Childhood to B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Early Childhood Special Education with and without licensure
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies without licensure
  • Bachelor of Science degree with a teaching license (Birth to 5, Children with Disabilities) to move on for an additional year in the 4+1 Program to be eligible for an additional license (PreK-3rd grade)

Progress sheets for the Early Childhood Special Education Teacher Preparation Program can be found on the College of Education and Human Development Advising Resources page.

Meet the Professors

  • Sharon Gilbert

    Sharon Gilbert
    Professor
    Contact for Early Childhood Special Education
    Early Intervention Specialist

    Phone:
    540-831-7117
    Location:
    Peters Hall C160
  • Whitney Idol

    Whitney Idol
    Assistant Professor
    Early Childhood Special Education/Special Education

    Phone:
    540-831-7650
    Location:
    Peters Hall C170
  • Boyong Park

    Boyoung Park
    Professor
    Early Childhood
    Head Start and Child Care Specialist

    Phone:
    540-831-7118
    Location:
    Peters Hall C161

2+2 Option - A.A.S. in Early Childhood to B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Early Childhood Special Education concentration

Ask yourself…

  • Do you have an AAS in Early Childhood from a Virginia Community College?
  • Do you want to work with young children with developmental delays and/or special needs?
  • Do you need the option to complete a degree remotely and at your own pace?
  • Do you want to be a part of a lifelong learning community?
  • Do you want your university to know you by name?

If you answered YES to the questions above, reach out to us today! Contact our department at stel@radford.edu or Whitney Idol at widol@radford.edu.

This pathway was created for students who have obtained an A.A.S. degree in Early Childhood from a Virginia Community College. It leads to a Bachelor’s of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies: Early Childhood Special Education. There are two options in this pathway, licensure and non-licensure. Program completers that take the licensure path will also leave with a license in Early Childhood Special Education (Birth-5).

All courses are accessible for remote learners. You do not physically have to come to Radford University. Practicum courses in fall of final year have the possibility to be at your current childcare job. There is one semester of student teaching in an early childhood special education placement in the spring of your final year.

Get started in the 2+2 option

This program takes 62 credit hours from a Virginia Community College and adds 58 credit hours from Radford University for a total of 120 credit hours for your degree.

View the progress sheet [PDF] for both non-licensure and licensure paths, as well as part-time and full-time completion.

View the list of Virginia Community College courses [PDF] in the Early Childhood program that will transfer into the B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Early Childhood Special Education concentration at Radford University.

Apply to the 2+2 option

Step 1: Apply as a transfer student

Pay attention to the application requirements.
Your contact for the application process is Sherry Hazelwood call or text 540-385-4299
Let Whitney Idol, assistant professor, know you have applied

  • March 1 - fall priority deadline
  • November 1 - spring priority deadline

Applications for both deadlines are accepted after those dates as space is available.

Step 2: Financial Aid

Register for a virtual Financial Aid session with a team member AND complete the FAFSA.

Step 3: Apply for Project Pathfinders (if eligible)

Criteria

  1. employed working with infants, toddlers, and/or preschoolers,
  2. already graduated from a VA community
    college with the newer/transferable/2+2 EC AAS degree, and
  3. seeking a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Early Childhood Special Education at Radford University

Visit Project Pathfinders website.
You will need to create an account.
If you have already received funding from this source STILL apply if eligible.
Contact Mila Spaulding at pathfinders@vecf.org

Step 4: Register for fall classes

When you are accepted, sign up for fall classes, or you may also start in the spring or summer semesters.

Contact Whitney Idol and she will assist you with registering for classes. If you have any questions in the process, contact Idol by email or 336-971-3764.

Frequently Asked Questions

How and when do I need to decide if I am going for licensure or not?

  • You must pass the VCLA by the Spring BEFORE your final year, to continue to the licensure track.
  • To obtain a license you must complete a semester of full-time student teaching.

Is there any financial support available?

Yes. There are scholarships available. 

What can I do with this bachelor's degree and no license?

  • Head Start Teacher
  • Head Start Teaching Assistant
  • Head Start Home Visitor
  • Childcare Teacher or Provider
  • Service Coordinator in Early Intervention
  • Early Intervention Assistant
  • Childcare Administrator

What can I do with this bachelor's degree and a license in Early Childhood Special Education?

  • Developmental Service Provider
  • Early Childhood Special Education Teacher (ages 3&4)

Bachelor's to Master's Accelerated Pathway

Early Childhood Special Education and Elementary: PreK to 3rd Grade Fifth Year

The Early Childhood Special Education (Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Program - IDEC) pre-professional option leads to a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies and licensure in Early Childhood Special Education (Birth to 5, Children with Disabilities). Graduates can continue in the program, leading to an M.S. in Education and licensure in Early Education (PreK-3). 

Progress sheets for the Early Childhood Special Education Teacher Preparation Program can be found on the College of Education and Human Development Advising Resources page. 

Competencies

Candidates develop competencies in:

  • Teaching in Virginia Preschool Initiative, kindergarten, first, second, and third grade classrooms to maximize learning for all students
  • Inclusive Education
  • Collaboration
  • Universally designing instruction for learning
  • Managing classroom behaviors

Undergraduate Program Requirements

Prior to applying to the Teacher Education Program, typically in the spring of their third year at Radford University, students should:

Graduate Admissions Requirements

  • Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
  • Completion of the application and submission of application fee
  • An up-to-date professional resume 
  • Official undergraduate transcripts from all schools attended
  • Two professional recommendations

Master's Degree Class and Internship Requirements

The following courses are required for the master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction: Early Childhood:

  • EDEF 605: Introduction to Educational Research
  • EDEF 607: Foundations of Education
  • EDET 620: Educational Technology: Applications, Applied Research and Integration
  • EDRD 689: Development and Assessment of Early Childhood Comprehension and Writing
  • EDUC 510: Methods for Elementary Math Instruction
  • EDUC 530: Field Applications of Professional Studies in the Elementary Classroom
  • EDUC 603: Evaluation of Student Learning
  • EDUC 651: Student Teaching: Grades PreK – 3
  • EDUC 670: Basic Principles and Practices of Multicultural Education

Accreditation

Our program has undergone rigorous review to assure that our candidates and program meet standards as set forth by the teaching profession and the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the Southern Association of Colleges (SACS).

Program Catalog