This program is designed to assist students in becoming highly qualified, competent, and effective teachers of all learners in Grades PreK through
Grade 4. The program has an emphasis on best practices in both early childhood education and special education. Students in this program will meet
the academic requirements for Pennsylvania certification in PreK to Grade 4 as well as Special Education PreK to Grade 8.

This program, combining coursework in both early childhood education and special education with extensive field experiences, prepares students to be
professional educators who are well-qualified to utilize appropriate techniques and strategies to expand all children’s cognitive, social, emotional,
and physical development. Field experiences will take place in a variety of settings encompassing diverse learning needs as well as learners in birth to
Grade 3 classrooms, preschool classrooms, K-1 classrooms, and classrooms in Grades 2-4.

Admission to this program requires entering students to meet the guidelines for admission to the College of Education and Educational Technology.
Additionally, students must achieve a 3.0 GPA to apply for Step 1 of the Teacher Education process, to enroll in major courses, to student teach, and
to be recommended for certification. Students must meet the requirements leading to teacher certification as outlined in this catalog.