The ultimate goal of the Black Hills State University ECE/SPED (Early Childhood Special Education) program is to prepare you to provide for the developmental learning needs of young children. Our program emphasizes engaged, inclusive, and collaborative teacher training. This is achieved through coursework, internships, research opportunities, and hands-on participation.
Our ECE/SPED composite major and affiliated programs provide BHSU teacher education students to work with faculty who:
» Are active in professional organizations
» Are active in the community » Are closely involved with BHSU’s lab setting, Little Jackets Learning Center\
» Are experienced ECE and/or SPED educators
» Conduct research in the field » Hold doctorates (PhDs or EdDs) in ECE/SPED
» Present at conferences and serve on committees
OPPORTUNITIES FOR FIELD EXPERIENCES
BHSU ECE/SPED students are given ample opportunities to work with young children. Our courses are designed to provide students real life experiences with children through practicum components. The ECE/SPED program works closely with BHSU Field Experiences office, area public schools, child-care centers, and local programs to provide BHSU students with quality practicum experiences.
LITTLE JACKETS LEARNING CENTER
Little Jackets Learning Center was founded in 1988. At one time, our center provided students with child care during class times. Today, our ECE/SPED program provides a lab setting that emphasizes quality care and experiential learning. Little Jackets Learning Center provides meaningful connections of research and practice through practicums, observation, lab, and active involvement with young children.