The Early Childhood & Special Education program offers dual licensure in early childhood and early childhood special education across the entire early childhood age spectrum. This will open the door to jobs from private day care to early intervention to public elementary schools. Not only will you leave with the ability to work in a variety of settings, but you will be prepared to be a leader in the field of early childhood and early childhood special education. Our focus on social justice and advocacy will create teacher leaders poised to change the field at the local, state, and national levels.
Why Study Early Childhood & Special Education at Vermont State?
- A high-demand field: The state and nation are facing an Early Childhood Educator shortage. Early childhood and special educators are in high demand, so you will be poised to gain employment right out of college.
- License preparation: Successful completion of our teacher education program, in conjunction with prescribed degree requirements, prepares you for a Vermont Initial Educator license. This is a dual endorsement program across the entire Early Childhood Spectrum (a license in Birth Through Grade 3 in early childhood education and an endorsement in Birth Through Age 6 in special education).
- An immersive experience: Our courses are designed to immerse you in the field as early as possible, so you can gain valuable experience.
- Jobs right out of school: Our students frequently find themselves in discussions with one of their practicum sites regarding full-time employment after graduation. Furthermore, Rutland County Parent-Child Center is collaborating with us to establish our students as substitute teachers in both Brandon and Rutland.
Financial Aid for Early Childhood & Special Education Students
Vermont State University is providing a high-quality, affordable degree in early childhood & special education to students across Vermont and beyond. More than 80 percent of Vermont State students are awarded financial aid, including new students, transfer students, international students, out-of-state students, and first-generation students. Our financial aid team is here to help you explore all your options.
Internships and Experiential Learning in Early Childhood & Special Education
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.
- Past student experience included working with the Rutland Autism Family Group to provide exciting play opportunities at Rutland’s Children’s Museum, Wonderfeet, for children with Autism.
- ECSE students in the Infant and Toddler course are currently completing fieldwork at the West Haven Children’s Choice Childcare Center LLC.
- Our collaboration with Leap Frog Nursery School and Rutland County Parent-Child Center gives ECSE students experience with young children with various abilities at childcare and preschool sites.
- Our students also joined in-service training with early childhood educators and participated 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).
Student Stories
“I really appreciate all of the opportunities in this program. All of the professors in the Education Department encouraged me to do my best and helped to build my confidence when I thought that I didn’t have what it takes to be the student I am today.”
Kontessa Siliski ’20
Multidisciplinary Studies, Mathematics Concentration, Special Education Endorsement
