Early Childhood & Special Education, B.A.

What You’ll Learn 

Vermont State’s program in Early Childhood & Special Education will prepare you as an educator and leader to step confidently into or continue to grow in early childhood or special education jobs. During the program, you will: 

• Learn about child development so you’ll be aware of the needs and potential for learners at each age. 
• Build a repertoire of skills and techniques for classroom management, program development, and assessment. 
• Discover area-specific insights and techniques for instruction in math, science, language, literacy, and art. 
• Explore the ethical dimensions of teaching, including learning about critical theory and how to ensure an inclusive learning environment for all types of learners. 
• Build your understanding of childhood trauma and difficulties along with strategies and interventions to support children and families who are struggling. 
• Have structured opportunities for reflection, professional development, and preparation for Vermont teaching licensure.  

During the 15-week, full-time student teaching placement, and additional fieldwork, you’ll get the chance to practice what you’ve been learning and receive feedback from experienced mentors.

Outside the Classroom, In the Community 

Gain a rich set of experiences across a range of early childhood and special education settings. You will complete 60 hours of fieldwork in early childhood education and 120 hours of fieldwork in special education (60 hours with Birth to Age 3 children and 60 hours with Age 3 to 6 children) — in addition to a semester of student teaching. This depth of experience prepares you to be a leader and agent of change in the field. 

Recent examples of student experiences include: 

• Working with the Rutland Autism Family Group to provide exciting play opportunities at Rutland’s Children’s Museum, Wonderfeet, for children with Autism. 
• Serving at the West Haven Children’s Choice Childcare Center. 
• Gaining experience with young children with various abilities through Leap Frog Nursery School and Rutland County Parent-Child Center. 
• Joining in-service training with early childhood educators and participating in a kick-off event for families with young children on campus for the Week of the Young Child through the Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children (VTAEYC). 

Vermont State’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).