The major leads to certification in early childhood with special education.  Students complete all certification requirements for both programs in this unquely designed major. Carlow’s Early Childhood Education degree program, you will focus on learning to nurture the dignity, worth and uniqueness of young children from birth to fourth grade. You will learn to create welcoming classroom environments where children can thrive and develop a love of learning. You will build close relationships with other students and our dedicated and caring faculty.

In the special education program, you will learrn to address all aspects of special education from PreK-12th grade. You will experience a range of field and practicum placements working with children with special intellectual, physical, behavioral, learning, and social/emotional needs.

You may elect to add an autism endorsement or STEM endorsement. 

A group of college students sit outside the library. Some are on laptops and some are reading books.
Degree:

Bachelor of Arts

Delivery:

On campus, some online

Campus:

Oakland

Transfer credits:

Up to 90 credits

You will learn inclusive practices, differentiated instruction, instructional and assistive technologies, universal design theory, positive behavioral interventions and culturally responsive education practices for young children with special needs. Explicit multisensory-based structured literacy practices and recent neuroscience inform special education practices targeting reading and dyslexia. 

Fifty percent of field and practicum experiences take place in The Campus Laboratory School and Early Learning Center.  Steps away from the dormitories at Carlow, and nestled in the heart of main campus, is a living education laboratory, a school for PreK-8th graders and a childcare center for children ages birth to three. Right from the start, Carlow Education students can be employed in the after-school program as educators, in the early learning center as assistant teachers, and as summer camp counselors or teachers in the robust summer school program. By junior or senior year, Carlow students can tutor in the Dyslexia Center and work as substitute teachers in The Campus Lab School.

Accelerated

Fast track your way into this master’s program by taking graduate courses as a Carlow undergraduate student. Course credits count toward both degrees. Apply for the accelerated option after your sophomore year. 

Quick facts

  • Gain experience with multiple diagnostic tools
  • Employ special education strategies and assessments in multiple practicum placements
  • Participate in special education practicums and student teaching experiences 
  • Learn from dyslexia specialist instructors
  • Gain early intervention experience
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Career opportunities for Early Childhood Education (PreK-4) with Special Education Certification

Most special education teachers work in public schools, teaching students with a variety of disabilities at the preschool, elementary, middle and high school levels. Graduates can also work in private schools, child care services and other community organizations.

Special educators remain in high demand. Special education is considered a high need area and the post-graduation placement rate for special educators is currently 100%.


  • Submit an application for admission. It is free to apply.
  • Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
Apply

anytime

Start terms:

Fall, Spring & Summer

Note for all certification students: At the end of your sophomore year, you must officially apply to the education department through the coordinator of undergraduate programs. You must have 48 credits, have at least a 3.0 GPA, pass SKW 101, SKQ 101, a math course and a literature course, and pass the Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment (PAPA) or the CORE ETS Fundamental Skills Tests in reading, writing and math.  


Certification requirements: Carlow’s Early Childhood Education with Special Education Certification program provides the necessary coursework required for Pre-K-4 teacher and special education certification in Pennsylvania. You must meet additional requirements and apply for certification after graduation. You must complete a degree program; score a 4 or higher on both Pennsylvania Department of Education 430 evaluation forms; and pass the PECT Pre-K-4 exam.

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If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.

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Carlow University prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator, Jackie smith at jmsmith@carlow.edu or 412-578-6050.