Early Childhood and Special Education (BA.ECE)

CU is collaborating with the Vermont Agency of Education to have this program reviewed in Fall 2020 through the Results Oriented Program Approval (ROPA) process in order for the University to be able to recommend graduates for an Early Childhood Educator License and an endorsement in Early Childhood Special Education.

Students graduating with a BA in Early Childhood and Special Education from Castleton University will be prepared to facilitate high-quality learning experiences for all children from infancy to grade 3.  Pending approval from the Agency of Education, graduates will be dually licensed as Early Childhood Educators (Birth to grade 3) and as Early Childhood Special Educators (Birth to age 6:11). 

Students studying Early Childhood and Special Education will learn to address the needs of the whole child based on best practices in early childhood education as informed by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NEAC); Special Education as informed by the Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children (DEC of the CEC); and the State of Vermont's Early Learning Standards for PreK to grade 3.  Graduates will also be familiar with global perspectives on early learning.  Our goal is for teacher candidates to apply in the field what they are learning in our courses, where we will focus on (1) developmentally appropriate best practices for early childhood and special education; (2) current research on the fine and gross motor, cognitive, social/emotional and language development of all infant, toddler, and young children; and (3) families and communities in local, regional, national, and global settings.

Our Early Childhood and Special Education program is built upon residency-based, face-to-face coursework and linked field experiences.  A BA in Early Childhood and Special Education combines the best of what we can offer our students and community: high-quality coursework tied to clinical practice with experienced early childhood and special educators, as well as partner caregivers in infant and toddler settings, as well as teachers in regional PreK-3 classrooms.

To be recommended for licensure the student must complete all university and department requirements.

1. Pass both the Core Academic Skills Test for Educators and Praxis Elementary Education Multiple Subjects (5001 Series) Praxis II test.
2. Exemplify in conduct and attitude the maturity, judgment, ethical standards, and dedication expected in the teaching profession.
3. Complete all coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a GPA of 3.0 in Education courses.
4. Submit Licensure Portfolio and appropriate application materials for review by the Castleton Licensure Committee.
5. Courses and/or practica may be retaken once for grade improvement.

Note: A student may be advised to discontinue one of the four practicum experiences at any time, if, in the professional judgment of the university supervisor, the Education Department Chair, the cooperating teacher, and the Education/Liberal Arts faculty, the student does not possess the attitudes and competencies noted the Education Department.