Program Description
Vermont State University’s Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education & Early Childhood Special Education program offers students the opportunity to develop the skills to confidently teach diverse and exceptional young learners. VTSU’s Department of Education partners with local early childhood education, childcare, behavioral health, and family service providers to craft unique activities complementing course objectives. This residency-based, face-to-face plus format prioritizes application via linked field experiences. Students simultaneously practice in the field what they are learning in their coursework.
An ECSE teacher candidate is familiar with global perspectives on early learning while addressing the needs of all young learners through the implementation of best practices to facilitate high-quality learning experiences. The ECSE Program emphasizes: social justice and educational equity in early childhood and special education; developmentally appropriate best practices for early childhood and special education; current research on the fine and gross motor, cognitive, social/emotional, and language development of all infants, toddlers, and young children; and engaging families and communities in local, regional, national, and global settings.
The degree program combines the best of what can be offered to students and community through top-notch coursework tied to the mentorship of skillful practitioners. Students study with early childhood educators, special educators, and partner caregivers across infant and toddler settings and regional PreK-3 classrooms.
VTSU’s Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood and Special Education is a ROPA accredited program, informed by the standards and policies of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the Division of Early Childhood (DEC), the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), and the State of Vermont's Early Learning Standards for PreK to Grade 3 (VELS). The degree enables graduates to license in Early Childhood Education (birth to grade 3) and to endorse in Early Childhood Special Education (birth to age 6). A GPA of 3.0 is required for licensure.
Program Outcomes
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The use of academic study in the formation of content-specific professional knowledge,
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The use of practitioner inquiry to design effective pedagogical strategies,
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The use of critical theory to confidently serve as a progressive colleague and advocate, and
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The use of transformative reflection in pursuit of continuous personal growth.
