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Make a lasting difference in the lives of young children with special needs by guiding them at a crucial time in their development. An Early Childhood Special Education degree from the University of Central Missouri leads to state teacher certification. Not only will you be able to teach in PK–3 classrooms state-wide — you’ll also be qualified to provide at-home early intervention or center-based services for children up to age 3 through Missouri’s First Steps program.

UCM’s Special Education Teaching degree, with a concentration in Early Childhood Special Education, will train you to assess young children for disabilities and developmental delays. Once you’ve identified their unique challenges, you’ll be able to work as part of a family and team of professionals to fully meet their complex needs and help them learn appropriate subject matter and social skills.

A high-quality, well-respected Special Education degree

Our accredited Special Education programs meet the highest standards. When you major in Special Education at UCM, you’re earning a credential respected across the state and beyond. Our Early Childhood Special Education degree program prepares you to meet the challenges of this rewarding career with confidence and enthusiasm.

What you will study

UCM’s Early Childhood Special Education degree program provides a well-rounded college education along with training on working with young children with special needs. Many classes offer hands-on experience in local schools. Your coursework for the major in Special Education for early childhood may include:

Acquisition of Language and Literacy: By understanding the theory and typical progression of language learning, you’ll be equipped to fully evaluate children’s progress.
Behavioral Management Techniques: If you’re interested in earning a bachelor’s degree in Special Education, you may have some idea of the range of physical and emotional behaviors exhibited by children with developmental disabilities. This course will teach you practical approaches to safely and compassionately manage their behavior.
Curriculum and Methods for Teaching Early Childhood Special Education: This core course of our Special Education Teaching degree teaches research-based pedagogy for young children with special needs. Learn to design curricula and use educational methods that will help your students achieve successful learning and developmental outcomes.

What can you do with an Early Childhood Special Education Teaching degree from UCM?

A UCM Early Childhood Special Education degree leads to Missouri state licensure. This teaching certification qualifies you to work with and educate children who have developmental delays or disabilities, from birth through third grade. You’ll be able to work in self-contained early childhood special education classrooms (pre-kindergarten through third grade) as well as in other school and learning environments, including the home.

One of the most effective ways to work with very young children with special needs is through Missouri’s First Steps program. Providing early intervention for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities is the best way to set them up for future success.

Your bachelor’s degree in Special Education with a concentration in Early Childhood Special Education is an ideal qualification for working with First Steps. Transform families by helping their children learn essential skills, including crawling, eating, talking and playing.