Students will develop specialized knowledge and skills for working with young children and their families, gaining hands-on expertise needed to launch a career in a variety of settings. Early childhood special education prepares students to work with both typically developing children and those with exceptionalities (birth through third grade).

The bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Early Childhood Education/Early Intervention prepares future educators to work with young children, birth to age 8, in a variety of learning environments and agency-based programs serving children with disabilities. Through course work, field experiences, practicum and student teaching, students will gain the knowledge, acquire skills and develop professional dispositions to effectively integrate theory with practice. With a focus on developmentally appropriate and systems-centered practices, they will be equipped to support infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and primary-age children and their families. Specialized course work will focus on young children with exceptional needs. After successful completion of the program, candidates are eligible for the Indiana initial teaching licenses, Early Childhood Generalist, PreK – Grade 3, Elementary Generalist, as well as the license in Mild Interventions. Graduates of the program are highly-qualified early education professionals who have opportunity to work in centers, schools, Head Start, home visiting and early intervention programs.

The School of Education and Counseling at Purdue University Northwest offers programs in education and counseling based on the state of Indiana’s requirements for licensure for classroom teachers, licensed mental health counselors, and school counselors. As part of the NASDTEC, the state of Indiana has teacher reciprocity agreements with 46 states. However, counseling candidates must meet the qualifications of the state in which they are located. Candidates are encouraged to contact the state agency or other regulatory body responsible for determining the state’s requirements for certification and/or licensure.