The need for teachers with training specific to the developmental needs of a wide range of learners continues to grow. A degree in ECE/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 third-grade settings
- Learn early childhood and special education content from faculty experienced in the field
- Acquire the training and certification needed to work with children, from newborns to eight-year-olds
- 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 nationally recognized early childhood developmental centers.
Early Childhood Special Education Major Course Requirements*
Required Core - 6 semester hours
- 3 HIST 151 - United States History I
OR
- 3 HIST 152 - United States History II
- 3 PSYC 101 - General Psychology
Pre-Professional Core - 30 semester hours
- 3 ECE 328 Guidance with Young Children & 328L Lab
- 2 EDFN 338 Foundations of American Education
- 4 ELED 303 Earth & Physical Science for Elementary Teachers
- 2 ELED 315 Foundations & Theories of Reading
- 3 EPSY 302 Educational Psychology
- 2 HLTH 321 K-8 Methods of Teaching Health
- 3 INED 411 South Dakota Indian Studies
- 2 LIBM 205 Children's Literature
- 3 MATH 341 Math Concepts for Teachers I
- 3 SPED 100 Intro to Persons with Exceptionalities
- 3 SPED 460 Family Systems & Professional Collaboration
Professional Core - 54 semester hours
- 3 ECE 371 Infants and Toddlers: Developmentally Appropriate Practices
- 1 ECE 408 Assessment in Early Childhood Special Education
- 3 ECE 411 Social Development in Early Childhood
- 3 ECE 413 Early Childhood Curriculum
- 3 ECE 417 Methods of Early Childhood Education
- 1-12 ECE 495 Practicum
- 3 EDFN 365 Computer Based Technology & Learning
- 2 ELED 320 K-8 Science Methods
- 3 ELED 330 K-8 Math Methods
- 2 ELED 360 K-8 Social Science Methods
- 2 ELED 408 Plan, Manage, and Assess the Diverse K-8 Classroom
- 2 ELED 440 K-8 Language Arts Methods
- 2 ELED 450 K-8 Reading Methods
- 3 ELED 459 Intro to Literacy Assessment & Remediation
- 1-12 ELED 495 Practicum: Pre-Student Teaching
- 2 SPED 406 Introduction to Assistive Technology
- 3 SPED 410 Behavior Management of Exceptional Children
- 3 SPED 413 Students with MR, DD & Severe Disabilities
- Take the following courses your last semester:
- 3 EDFN 475 Human Relations
- 1-6 ECE 486 Early Childhood/Special Ed Student Teach: Preschool
- 1-12 ECE 488 Student Teaching
Global Requirement: depending on your selection, this requirement will satisfy 3 hours of either Social Science or Arts & Humanities requirements. Take 1 course from: AIS/HIST 257, ANTH 210, ARTH 211/212/251, ENGL 211/212, GEOG 210, HIST 121/122/153, HUM 100, MCOM 151, POLS 141/250
*Course requirements may vary by academic year. To view the requirements for your academic year, please visit Registration & Records for status sheets.
Status Sheets Sample Plan of Study
Early Childhood Education Minor Course Requirements*
23 semester hours
- 2 ECE 328 Guidance with Young Children
- 3 ECE 411 Social Development in Early Childhood
- 3 ECE 413 Early Childhood Curriculum
- 3 ECE 417 Methods of Early Childhood Education
- 1-12 ECE 495 Practicum
- 3 EPSY 428 Child & Adolescent Development
- 3 SPED 100 Intro to Persons with Exceptionalities
- 3 SPED 460 Family Systems and Professional Collaboration
*Course requirements may vary by academic year. To view the requirements for your academic year, please visit Registration & Records for status sheets.
Status Sheets
