Early Childhood Special Education

Learn how to teach. Everyone.

The need for teachers with training specific to the developmental needs of a wide range of learners continues to grow. A degree in EC/SPED will prepare you to provide an education grounded in research-based practices. At BHSU, we strive to create opportunities to broaden and deepen the knowledge, skills, practices, and dispositions of individuals who will work closely with young children.

• GAIN HANDS-ON EXPERIENCES in preschool through 3rd grade settings
• LEARN EARLY CHILDHOOD AND SPECIAL EDUCATION CONTENT from faculty experienced in the field
• MANY COURSES ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE for flexibility
  

The Early Childhood Special Education major at Black Hills State University provides the opportunity to acquire training and certification needed to work with children, from newborns to eight year olds. Students learn strategies for reaching each individual child and connecting with families to enhance learning.

This major prepares students to work in public schools, state early intervention programs, private schools, or in nationally recognized early childhood developmental centers.

Why BHSU?

• Study with BHSU early childhood education faculty who are strong advocates for children with typical and atypical educational needs.
• Get involved with student organizations that support the learning goals of this program.
• Gain early childhood experience at the BHSU Little Jackets Learning Center.

Prepare for the future

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  

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. 

*Current students, please refer to the DegreeWorks Dashboard in MyBHSU to confirm your major requirements.